1940 - Anvil Weddings Outlawed at Gretna Green!
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Pressure by the Church on Parliament finally led to another act of Parliament in 1940 when anvil weddings at Gretna Green were made illegal.
The wedding trade took a downturn as a result but since couples could not marry without consent if under the age of 21 in England, they still flocked to Gretna Green to be married, which they could still do from age 16; even if it was in a Registry Office.
Many would visit the World Famous Blacksmiths Shop afterwards to have their vows blessed at the anvil.
In the 1970's history turned full-circle when Scots law dictated that religious ceremonies could take place out-with the church and the 1856 'Cooling off' act was repealed along with a change in the age of consent from 21 to 18 years of age; in Scotland the age of consent remained, as it is today age 16.
Since the mid 1980's religious ceremonies over the anvil became popular again and today about 4,500 weddings take place in the Gretna Green area each year.
Join them and choose Your Wedding Date...
Experienced Wedding Planners will advise you what dates are available and reserve a provisional date for you. Contact Gretna Green Wedding Bureau online or telephone 01461 336001 to speak to one of our dedicated wedding planners.
Provisional bookings are held for 14 days.
