[photo:Reuters]

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z are planning on getting married in the Caribbean next week, it has been claimed.

The couple were overheard excitedly talking to record executives at New York's STK restaurant on Saturday about a special "four-day" celebration on a yacht in St Barts to mark the rapper turning 37 on Monday.

It has been suggested that the birthday bash is just a cover and insist Beyonce, 25, and the hip-hop mogul - who have been dating for four years - are actually preparing to tie the knot.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "Beyonce is throwing Jay a four-day birthday party, but it's really a wedding."

Insiders say friends and family invited to the celebrations were told to have passport applications filed by last Friday so they could witness the pair exchanging vows.

The four-day party will begin on a luxury yacht before guests are ferried across to Anguilla for the wedding ceremony, which will take place at the five-star resort of Cap Juluca.

Beyonce and Jay-Z reportedly visited the exclusive venue earlier this year and decided it would be perfect for their big day.