Eloping to Gretna Green : The Present

What is Eloping to Gretna Green Like Today?

In the first part of our three part Gretna Green series, we looked at some of the history of elopement that turned Gretna Green into such a key part of the elopement, and indeed the wedding, industry as a whole. In this installment we wanted to take a look at modern day elopements in Gretna Green and how things have changed over the years while still remaining true to tradition.

It is estimated that today, around 1,500 couples get married in Gretna every single year and another 200 come to renew their wedding vows. Most of them are not runaways, especially since arranged/forced marriages are no longer legal in the UK, but many of the couples do get caught up in the romantic notion of “running away” together! Even today, the marriage laws in Scotland remain different from those in England despite both countries being part of the United Kingdom! In Scotland, it is legal to marry at the age of 16 without parental consent while English couples need to wait until they turn 18. Since England is not a foreign country, this means that young love-birds who are under 18 could potentially elope to Gretna Green without their parents’ blessing just like they did in the past – as long as they have filled out the required paperwork that is!

It is no longer possible to simply cross the border and ask to be married! Notice must be given to the registrar of the district in which the wedding will take place a minimum of 29 days before the ceremony, so some forward planning is required! Of course, once you are there only a licensed officiant can perform the ceremony now, although the traditional handfasting was still legal in Scotland until 1940… Couples can also choose between a religious ceremony or a civil one performed by a Registrar both of which are legally recognized.

Where to Elope in Gretna Green?

Today it is still possible for eloping couples to get married in the same historic venues that runaway couples did back in 1754! One of the most highly sought after venues in the village is the Famous Blacksmith’s Shop. The traditional hammering of the anvil to seal a marriage has become one of the biggest hallmarks of a traditional Gretna wedding, so it is no surprise that so many couples want to include this tradition in their ceremonies.

All of the venues in the village have actually adopted this tradition, but only the Blacksmith’s Shop can lay claim to using the original anvil that has been used since 1754 to seal marriages. Due to the popularity of this historic tradition, couples are unlikely to be able to just turn up and get married at the Blacksmith’s Shop without a prior reservation, as this venue is now booked out several months if not years in advance!

Couples wanting to exchange their vows at the Blacksmith’s Shop will often choose the ‘Blacksmith’s Wedding Package’ that is the perfect combination of simplicity and great value. This is a basic elopement package that includes the ceremony and photography for the couple and a small number of guests if they are invited. If it is just the two of you then witnesses can be arranged for you.  But these elopement packages book up early so plan ahead.

In Gretna Green today there are also other venues available for elopement ceremonies including:

• The Old Toll Bar – The Old Toll Bar is a historic venue that is the first and the last house in Scotland. It lies just over the border between Scotland and England and over the years it has hosted many a runaway couple! It can accommodate up to 10 guests for either a religious or civil ceremony.
• Anvil Hall – Anvil Hall sits in the heart of Gretna and is one of the larger venues available. It has a seated capacity of 60 and it can be booked as part of several different elopement packages.
• Bonshaw Tower -This 500 year old tower is set in secluded, mature gardens making it an ideal wedding venue. The rose garden and wildflowers offer a perfect backdrop for your photographs!
• Gretna Hall –  Gretna Hall, a former coaching era inn actually has a replica of the Blacksmith’s Shop in one of its outbuildings making it a popular alternative for couples who cannot get a booking at the original shop.

Eloping to Gretna Green from the USA or Canada?

Scotland is one of the places where it is fairly easy for couples from overseas to elope to. Couples must follow the usual procedure and give notice to the Registrar as well as providing additional documentation. You can find out everything that you need to know about getting married in Scotland and the rest of the UK by visiting the UK Home Office website.

If you are thinking about eloping to Gretna Green Scotland then why not reach out on Twitter at @GretnaGreen1754 or @WhereToElope.