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There was an unpromising start to a life of wedded bliss for 18 couples about to be married in a mass ceremony in Peru.

Minutes before the ceremony in Arequipa two women walked into the room and attacked one of the grooms, forcing him to leave.

They claim Edwin Ortiz, who minutes before had kissed his soon-to-be bride in front of the cameras, was in fact already married.

Peru's Channel Nine showed video of the women punching and kicking Mr Ortiz before a group of stunned wedding guests.

The two women were thought to be the aunt and the sister of Mr Ortiz's current wife.

After the incident the remaining couples were joined in matrimony by the local mayor.