Explore the rich history behind the iconic buildings of Gretna Green and discover the stories that shaped this world-famous wedding destination.
Blacksmiths
old toll bar
Gretna Hall
old parish
MarriagE HisTory
Gretna Green is regarded as the wedding capital of Scotland and indeed, of the entire United Kingdom. The tradition of Gretna Green runaway marriages began following the introduction of the 1754 Marriage Act in England and Wales.
The new law stated that if the parent of anyone under the age of 21 objected to their marriage, they could legally prevent it from taking place. As a result, English couples began fleeing to Gretna Green, the first Scottish village across the border, to marry freely. The journey for eloping couples became even easier in the 1770s with the construction of a toll road leading directly to the village.
In the 1700s, the blacksmith was regarded as a senior and respected member of the community, a true Scottish “high heidyin.” As a result, the Gretna Green Blacksmith’s Forge became the preferred destination for couples seeking to be married.
Gretna Green’s Blacksmiths’ Old Smithy became the famed destination for eloping couples. There, the Blacksmith would perform the ceremony over the anvil. He would ask two simple questions: “Are you free to marry?” and “Are you of marriageable age?” Once both parties replied “yes,” the Blacksmith would strike the anvil with his hammer and declare them “man and wife.”
Gretna Green is world-famous for its weddings, with around 5,000 couples choosing to marry here each year. Our charming village also welcomes over 800,000 visitors annually from all around the world.
