Why the Blacksmiths Shop?
Standing at the junction of five old coaching roads known as 'Headless Cross' the World Famous Blacksmiths Shop appears much as it did in the 1700's.
Wedding ceremonies still performed at the Blacksmiths Shop
Follow over 250 years of history
Book your wedding today
Call Gretna Green Wedding Bureau 01461 336001
Run-away to the Blacksmiths Shop, Gretna Green
Location, location, location...when run-away weddings began the Blacksmiths Shop was the first building couples reached in Gretna Green.
The Blacksmiths Shop was at the heart of the village, at the junction of five old coaching roads, known as 'Headless Cross'. In those days, the village blacksmith was the lifeblood of any village, always at work making horseshoes, fixing carriages and farm equipment in his blacksmiths workshop.
When couples began running away to marry in Scotland, the Blacksmiths Shop soon became synonymous as a hot bed of scandal and intrigue with many daughters from respectable families choosing to flee here to "marry a scoundrel."
The 'Anvil Priests' would perform the ceremony for "a wee dram or a few guineas" depending on your status and financial standing. The hammering of the anvil soon became a notorious sound; romantically it is said that like the metals he forged, the Blacksmith would join couples together in the heat of the moment but bind them for eternity.
Today as you pass through the narrow walls and low ceiling of the Blacksmiths Shop you are touched by the atmosphere of this ancient building. You can just imagine hearing the voices of the frantic couple as they make their dramatic dash over the border claiming, "It must be tonight! It must be tonight!"
Over the years, the Blacksmiths Shop became Gretna Green's best-known marriage venue, and the word 'Blacksmith' became synonymous with Gretna Green weddings.
Plan your runaway marriage...
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.
