Gretna Green is part of a village in Scotland, located a mile across the border from England. In the 1700s it was the destination for runaway English couples who wanted to take advantage of the reduced legal age for marriage. In Scotland, the age was 16, whereas in England, the age for marriage was 21. The weddings in Gretna Green were usually conducted by the local blacksmith, and the marriage would be marked by the blacksmith striking his anvil with a hammer, symbolising the joining together of two individual pieces in the heat of the fire, which once joined, would be together forever.
Gretna Today
Gretna is still a really popular wedding destination, and couples come from all over the world to get married in this romantic location. Gretna Holds more than 4,000 weddings each year, which equates to one in every eight Scottish weddings.
There are several locations in the area which conduct weddings, the most popular being the local church, hotel and the famous Blacksmith Shop. Weddings in Gretna are usually very traditional in style, rather than contemporary or modern, as those getting married in Gretna usually do so because of the tradition and history associated with the location. Ceremonies usually involve historical touches, such as a piper in traditional dress and transportation in a horse-drawn carriage.
The World Famous Blacksmiths Shop
The Blacksmiths Shop is a popular venue in Gretna, as it is a building that dates back to 1712. The building retains the original 1700s style, and appears as it would have during those first runaway weddings.
The original marriage room is very simply laid out, with two wooden chairs and an anvil. The room can accommodate 45 wedding guests.
The shop has two other rooms that can be used for weddings: The Saddlery Room, which is decorated with artifacts from the era of the horse-drawn carriage, and the Rennison Room, which is more modern in style.
Other Gretna Venues
Couples can also marry at the local Parish church, which has a timber roof and stained glass windows. Part of the church dates back to the 17th century, and the history of the building dates back to medieval times. This church is popular for weddings and vow renewals, and can accommodate 300 guests.
Weddings are also held at the Anvil Hall, which is a former church building offering the unique opportunity for a candlelight wedding ceremony, with the aisle lit by hundreds of candles for romantic effect.
Gretna: A Special Location
It is not surprising then, that many of the local businesses in Gretna specialise in the wedding industry. The town is home to many florists, bakers, photographers, dress shops and car hire businesses, keen to take advantage of the popularity of the location.
Many return to Gretna, particularly on anniversaries and Valentine's Day, to renew their vows and revisit one of the most romantic locations in Great Britain. It is easy to see why this picturesque Scottish location is so popular with couples the world over.
Sources:
Undiscovered Scotland "Gretna Green"
Louise Jones - I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby, but started writing reviews online in February 2010 for Dooyoo, and later Ciao. In the beginning ...
