Gretna Green Bridal Packages

Gretna Green

Gretna Green is famed the world over for it's association with eloping couples and romantic weddings, but the reasons for it's fame are less to do with Scotland and more to do with the formerly more onerous English Laws of marriage. Because of many abuses of marriage in England by bigamists and opportunists seducing young wealthy girls the Church and aristocratic establishment persuaded the Law Lords of England to formalise and control those 'irregular' marriages.

Lord Hardwick's Marriage Act of 1754 made several new regulations. Amongst the most significant were that if a couple wished to marry they not only had to marry in Church, but also had to be over 21 unless they had the consent of their parents. Lord Hardwicks Act did not apply in Scotland where the legal age was (and still is) 16. A legal and binding marriage could be made in Scotland by declaring before two witnesses.

The result, when the Act came into force, was the immediate flight of young lovers who wished to be married against their parents wishes to Gretna.

Gretna's Blacksmiths shops and countless Inns and smallholding became the backdrops for hundreds of thousands of weddings.

Today, Gretna Green remains one of the most popular and romantic wedding venues in the world, and thousands of couples still come from all over the world to be married 'over the anvil' at Gretna Green.

Your ceremony may be attended by either a Minister or Registrar at any of the location below

The Gretna Hall Blacksmiths Courtyard

Hosting one of the original marriage rooms which is still in use today, the cobbled Courtyard dates back to 1710 and is situated within the grounds of Gretna Hall Hotel, the home of the lord of the manor until 1792 when it became a coaching inn.

It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens which include a decked pond, gazebo woodland area, kissing gate and original Blacksmiths Anvil.

There are three marriage rooms within the Blacksmiths Courtyard.

1. The Blacksmiths Shop
The Blacksmith's Workshop is the more traditional room with marriage records dating back to the 18th century. With flagstone floor, whitewashed walls and a magnificent 19th century nobleman’s carriage making a stunning background for photography. This room will hold up to 60 people.

2. The Cottage
The Blacksmith's Cottage is a smaller more intimate room which can accommodate up to 15 guests standing. It is tastefully furnished with tartan carpet and an open coal fire, which is used in the cooler months. A very popular room for smaller wedding parties.

3. The Linton Room
The Linton Room is named after John Linton, who married couples here, in his capacity as marrying blacksmith in the 1800’s. The room contains his portrait and various artefacts used by him; not least his signing table which now houses his original register. By signing your legal documents at his table you become part of 200 years of history, tradition and romance. This room has seating for up to 20 people

The Mill Forge

The idyllic setting of The Mill Forge, and its Scottish Chapel design create a very romantic and tranquil setting. A walk up the aisle to the Anvil offers the churchlike entrance followed by a traditional Gretna Green style candlelit marriage 'Over the Anvil'

After the ceremony, the immaculately kept grounds offer a great range of picture opportunities including The Fountain Garden, Rose Garden, kissing gate, gazebo, The Mill Wheel and Gretna Green road sign

The World Famous Blacksmiths

The hub of village life in days gone by, the local smithy not only provided the joining of two metals but also two lives in the form of a marriage. This venue is steeped in local history and offers unique internal photography.

This quaint building has three rooms available for your ceremony. The Workshop will hold 45 people, The Saddlery and Rennison rooms which are both private rooms hold up to 35 and 10 respectively .

The Anvil Hall

This refurbished church, built in the early 1900s is becoming one of Gretna's popular wedding venues. All ceremonies are conducted by candlelight creating a very special atmosphere. Parties from 2 up too 100 will feel equally special within this environment, Ceremonies can be conducted by either a minister or registrar.

For your own peace of mind, you may wish to consider wedding insurance from an insurance company you are familiar with or we can advise.