Why flee to Gretna Green?
In the 18th Century, English law lords tightened marriage arrangements. Couples had to reach the age of 21 before they could marry without their parents' consent and their marriage had to take place in a church.
In Gretna Green, runaway couples would find a place of security where they could marry at haste!
Why run-away to Gretna Green to marry?
Simply due to a change in English marriage laws and a happy accident of geography!
In the middle of the 18th century English law lords approved new laws to tightened marriage arrangements. Couples had to reach the age of 21 before they could marry without their parents' consent and their marriage had to take place in a church.
Scottish law was different: you could marry on the spot, in a simple 'handfasting' ceremony, only requiring two witnesses and assurances from the couple that they were both over the age of 16 and free to marry.
With such a relaxed arrangement within reach of England it soon led to the inevitable influx of countless thousand of young couples running away to marry over the border. Gretna Green was the first village in Scotland, conveniently situated on the main route from London into Scotland.
With Gretna Green perfectly situated to take advantage of the differences in the two countries' marriage laws and with an angry father-of-the-bride usually in hot pursuit the runaway couple could not dally so as soon as they reached Scottish soil, in Gretna Green, they would find a place of security where they could marry at haste!
Gretna Green Marriages
Plan your runaway marriage to Gretna Green
If you are running away to get married and want all the excitment and adventure of true romance, then plan a Gretna Green Marriage
Our experienced wedding planners will advise on what dates are available and reserve a provisional date for your marriage to take place in Gretna Green.
Contact our wedding planners online at the Gretna Green Wedding Bureau or telephone 01461 336001 to speak to one of our dedicated wedding planners.
Provisional bookings are held for 14 days.
