Spoiler alert: Downton Abbey fever hits Oxfordshire village as Lady Mary prepares to wed Matthew Crawley

 Their will-they-won't-they storyline kept viewers gripped throughout two series of Downton Abbey.
And in the upcoming third series, Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley will finally tie the knot.
Spotted filming on location in Oxfordshire this week, actress Michelle Dockery wearing her character's wedding dress was kept covered up from onlookers.

Closely guarded secret: Crewmembers hold umbrellas around Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery as she sits in a carriage on location in Oxfordshire

Ready for the wedding? Actor Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley) and Elizabeth McGovern (mother-of-the-bride Cora, Countess Of Grantham) were spotted outside

Crew on the hit ITV period drama made sure locals in the village of Bampton and paparazzi didn't get a look at Lady Mary's bridal gown.
In scenes reminiscent of celebrities protecting their wedding magazine deals, crewmembers surrounded a horse and carriage with umbrellas as Lady Mary made her way to the church.

 

However, her groom Matthew - played by Dan Stevens - was spotted outside St Mary's Church, wearing a modern coat over his period costume in between takes, as well as Elizabeth McGovern, who plays mother-of-the-bride Cora, Countess of Grantham.

There's the bride! A small glimpse of Dockery in her white veil as she rides towards the church

Downton fans were thrilled when Lady Mary and Matthew finally got together in the Christmas special.
Despite their obvious attraction, Matthew had been engaged to Lavinia Swire, who later died of Spanish influenza.
However, in the meanwhile, Lady Mary had become betrothed to newspaper magnate Sir Richard Carlisle.

Will it be a happy ending? Villagers wave their handkerchiefs as they wave the bride through the village

Big day: Rob-James Collier, who plays Lord Grantham's valet Thomas Barrow, and Penelope Wilton, who plays mother-of-the-groom Mrs Isobel Crawley were also on location

But over the Christmas and New Year holidays at Downton, Lady Mary's relationship with Sir Richard became increasing fractious, culminating with a fight between the two men.
In the climax of the Christmas special, Matthew finally got down on one knee and proposed to Lady Mary in the snow after she split from Sir Richard.
Filming on the third series has taken place in Oxfordshire and Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey) in Hampshire - over the few weeks.
Series 3 will be screened on ITV in September.

Excitement: Real-life villagers dressed in period costume as extras to take part in the wedding scenes

Popping the question: Matthew finally proposed to Lady Mary in the Christmas special