Actor Eddie Murphy (left) and Tracie Edmonds arrive to attend the 64th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, January 15, 2007.- REUTERS

Bangshowbiz

Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds must marry again in a legal ceremony in the United States.

The couple's romantic beach ceremony which took place on a French Polynesian private island, off the coast of Bora Bora on New Year's Day, is not legally binding in America.

Film producer Tracey's representative said: "As is typical when couples get married in foreign countries, a legal ceremony will take place when they return to the U.S.

"The wedding that took place in Bora Bora was a ceremony to bind Eddie and Tracey spiritually in the presence of family and friends.

"The couple plan a legal ceremony as soon as they return to the States."

Eddie, 46, and Tracey, 40, exchanged vows barefoot on the sand at sunset in front of 25 friends and family.

R&B singer Johnny Gill was best man, while actress Nicole Avant and Julie Lev were Tracey's maid and matron of honour.

Private dinner

The ceremony took place under a gazebo made from 6,000 shells. Afterwards, the guests celebrated at a private dinner and were entertained by Los Angeles DJ Darrin Ebron.

Eddie and Tracey began dating in late 2006 and were engaged in July 2007.

Eddie has five children from his marriage to Nicole Mitchell Murphy, who filed for divorce in 2005. He also has a daughter, Angel Iris, with Spice Girl Mel B.

Tracey has two sons from her 13-year marriage to singer Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds.