Liripoop - more liri, less poop

Scotland's Iron Heart

by Lorraine Grout

Want a traditional wedding at a romantic venue? You can’t beat the Gretna Green anvil. Gretna Green is a small village in scenic Dumfries and Galloway, South-West Scotland. Situated just across the English border, it was the first Scottish village eloping English couples arrived at.

In the mid 18^th century, English law stipulated that couples could only marry without their parents consent over the age of 21. Under Scottish law, it was possible to marry at the age of 16 without parental consent and without the need for posting notice of intent. Consequently, Gretna Green became a haven for young lovers. Marriages could be performed by anyone of standing but was usually undertaken by the local blacksmith or ‘Anvil Priest’; the striking of the anvil signified the joining of a fervent couple as metal is joined in the heat of a flame.

A hundred and ten years later the law changed - perhaps due to pressure from angry fathers - and those wishing to be married in Scotland had to have been residents for a minimum of three weeks. The last anvil wedding was conducted in 1940 when a new law was introduced decreeing that marriages could only be conducted by a Minister or Registrar. The number of weddings dropped substantially but Gretna Green had developed a clandestine and romantic reputation, re-ignited in 1977 when the 21-day residency period was abolished. In recent years, the law has changed yet again to allow Registrars to perform civil ceremonies outside of the Registration office. Couples wishing to marry need only provide a minimum of 14 days notice of their intention to wed.

Today, between four and five thousand weddings are performed in Gretna Green each year with many couples choosing to marry or renew their vows ‘over the anvil’. It is still possible to have a ceremony in The Old Blacksmiths which also houses an extensive museum and shop. There are a number of other locations to get married in and around Gretna Green including the picturesque Anvil Hall. As per its name, the hall houses an anvil which is struck during the candlelit ceremony. The Mill is an 18^th century building which houses a forge where ceremonies take place. It also encompasses a restaurant and accommodation providing a comprehensive wedding venue.

Gretna Green is a bustling self-sufficient town with its own schools, hospital and railway station. A number of local businesses apply themselves to the wedding trade – florists, photographers, formal wear, and even bagpipers for hire. There are plenty of accommodation options in Gretna, nearby Annan or across the border in Cumbria. Annan is a historic village comprised largely of impressive red sandstone buildings and an easy 10 minute drive from Gretna Green. The Rowanbank Guesthouse in St. Johns Road provides clean, comfortable rooms and caters for young families.

The nearest major airport is Newcastle, approximately 60 miles away. Or why not extend your trip and see Scotland’s other major tourist attraction – Edinburgh Castle? Edinburgh airport is just 70 miles from Gretna. The Scottish Tourist board can provide information on all wedding services in the area. Scotland is the place to get married – Madonna, J.K. Rowling, Stella McCartney and Ashley Judd have all married there this decade. Gretna Green is rapidly becoming the marriage capital of Europe so if it’s a traditional wedding you want with strong links to romantic history, strike while the anvil is hot!

Copyright © 2008 Liripoop
Last modified: 05/30/08

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