Nicole and Joel to tie the knot before prison?

It has been reported that Nicole Richie and boyfriend Joel Madden are planning to get married before Richie serves her jail sentence.

Last week (July 27th to be precise) Nicole was sentenced to four days in jail after being found guilty of her second DUI charge in two years. The socialite has to serve her time by September 28th, so the happy couple, who recently confirmed the rumors they are expecting their first child are now allegedly planning a September 21st wedding. The date is also good for Madden, as he has a 19 day break from touring with his band, Good Charlotte.

"Joel said to Nicole, Let's get married before you go to jail, She was so happy. He's doing this so she feels secure behind bars. The last thing he wants is for her to worry about where they're at while she's in jail," a source says.

Richie has allegedly hired a wedding planner to take care of wedding details. Reports claim the couple may wed at Madden's mansion or hold the ceremony in Madden's hometown near Annapolis, Maryland. Lionel Richie, Nicole's father, also reportedly offered the use of his house.

Joel doesn't want a circus, a friend says about wedding plans. The friend also says that Madden "really does love her and feels a since of responsibility toward Nicole."

The wedding rumors have not been confirmed.