Kathy Griffin marries Randy Bick in surprise New Year's ceremony officiated by Lily Tomlin

'They stayed together. Then they couldn’t stay away from one another'

Kathy Griffin has ushered in the start of a new decade in one of the most unforgettable ways – by getting married.

The comedian tied the knot with longtime partner Randy Bick just after the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Day.

“We officially got married early this morning,” Griffin confirmed on Twitter, adding that she will be uploading a full video of the ceremony that lasted “just under 14 minutes,” to YouTube soon.

“We are editing out the vows because we wanted those to be private and for us. The rest of it is just adorable,” Griffin wrote.

Bick replied: "Such an incredible moment in our lives. I love you!"

However, the surprise didn’t stop there as the ceremony was officiated by none other than Grace and Frankie star and fellow comedian Lily Tomlin.

“Yes, that is the great Lily Tomlin as our officiant and you will enjoy her wife, Jane Wagner, chatting in the background,” Griffin continued.

In a teaser video posted on social media, Tomlin began the ceremony by saying: “What was supposed to be a shallow, ‘toot it and boot it’ one-night stand has grown and flourished into something far more meaningful.

“They stayed together. Then they couldn’t stay away from one another.”

As a nod to their long relationship, the Griffin wore a gown by Diane Von Furstenberg which she previously sported on her “first formal date” with Bick in September 2011 and posted a throwback photo to prove it.

“I asked Randy to pick out which ever one of my long dresses was his favourite for any reason,” the 59-year-old explained.

“He picked out this dress and showed me this photo. Romance is hotttt again.”

The comedian accessorised her bridal look with earrings by Erica Courtney and a bouquet of red flowers.

Their surprise ceremony came just hours after Griffin announced her engagement to Bick in a video she shared on Twitter on New Year’s Eve.

“Happy New Year! And, surprise! We’re getting married! Tonight! After midnight!” the two said in unison in the clip, before Bick added: “She said yes!”

Griffin teased her followers by hinting that the wedding would be “very atypical” and “very fun”, adding that they would be particularly excited when they discover who the officiant is.

Griffin and Bick started dating in 2011 after meeting at a food and wine festival.

This is the second marriage for Griffin, who split from software entrepreneur Matthew Moline in 2005 after four years of marriage.