Do you have a question about Weddings in Gretna Green?

Is this where you get married?
Since 1754 couples have been marrying within the World Famous Blacksmiths Shop. Today nearly 1,000 couple tie the knot every year and about 500 couples renew their vows.

Are there other venues to get married?
There are a variety of venues nowadays outwith the Gretna Green area but the World Famous Blacksmiths Shop offers the most authentic of the original buildings and is located at the heart of Gretna Green Village. It is the most well known and is the home of the legendary Anvil.

How long does a ceremony take?
The ceremony takes 20 minutes to half an hour.

How many guests can we bring with us?
The Original Marriage Room takes up to 45 guests, Anvil Hall 120, Gretna Old Parish Church 250, Penthouse Balcony 6, Smiths Marriage Hall 150

Is the wedding room private?
The Original Marriage Room is adjacent to an exhibition area. Visitors are not permitted to enter the marriage room which is screened off during the ceremony. Anvil Hall, Gretna Old Parish Church, Penthouse Balcony, Smiths Marriage Hall are all private.

What is the difference between a religious and a civil ceremony?
A religious ceremony is similar to that which you would have in a church, although it is not as deeply involved as a church ceremony and is less formal. Civil ceremonies are conducted by a civil marriage celebrant and are slightly shorter than a religious ceremony.

Do you have to stay in Gretna Green before the wedding?
No, it is no longer required for a couple to reside in the parish where they wish to marry for any longer than the duration of the ceremony. Back in 1856 a marriage act was introduced which enforced the requirement for one member of the couple to reside in the parish for at least 21 days. This law has since been repealed. Many of our couples like to arrive in Gretna Green and stay at Smiths Hotel for a number of days before their wedding day to finalise and relax before their big day.

How long do I need to arrange my wedding?
The minimum period of time required for arranging your wedding is 15 working days (this is how long it takes the Registrars to check your documentation and draw up your marriage schedule). The maximum period for submitting your M10 form to the Registrars is 3 months.
For booking a wedding on a day such as Valentine's Day we advise you book up to a year in advance.

How do I obtain the M10 forms (marriage notice forms)?
Please download your M10 form from us or call Gretna Registration Office 01461 337648.

What forms do I require?
Contact the Gretna Registrars and they will send you the M10 forms. When you have completed the M10 forms return them to Gretna Registrars along with your birth certificates and any other relevant documents such as divorce papers and fees. Gretna Registrars number is 01461 337648.
On the day all you need is your marriage schedule, which will have been prepared by the Gretna Registrars.

What if I am divorced?
Both religious and civil ceremonies are possible.

Can I have my reception in Gretna Green and is it private?
The Old Smithy Restaurant is a lovely venue for your reception. After your wedding you take a short stroll across the Sculpture Garden and enter the reception area of the Old Smithy by a private entrance. Heavy velvet drapes enclose this area from the main restaurant and there is an adjacent bar. The Old Smithy Restaurant can be book exclusively for evening functions of between 50 - 200 guests. For parties of over 60 a free disco is provided. For more contemporary surroundings, Smiths hotel at Gretna Green has 4 flexible banqueting suites, each with their own private garden.

Do you have accommodation on site?
Nearby to the World Famous Blacksmiths Shop is Smiths Hotel at Gretna Green, a very stylish and modern 4 star boutique hotel.

Do I need to book the photographer?
We can arrange photographers, florists, car hire and more as part of our wedding packages.

How far are you from the registrars?
We are a short 5 minute drive from the Gretna Registry office.

How far are you from the nearest airports?
We are 90 miles from Glasgow Airport, 70 miles from Newcastle Airport and 150 miles from Manchester Airport.

How do you get to you by road?
From the M74 or A75. Come off at the Gretna/Gretna Green junction and follow the brown tourist signs to the "Old Blacksmith's Shop Visitor Centre". More information & travel directions to Gretna Green

How do we get to you by train?
Trains from Carlisle and Glasgow stop at the Gretna Green station. We are a 5minute walk away.

What is the distance from the Registration Office?
We are 1.5 miles from Gretna's Registration Office.

What is the distance from local hotels and guesthouses?
Smiths at Gretna Green is adjacent to the World Famous Blacksmiths Shop. The area of Gretna Green and Gretna is no larger than a small town. With both villages only a stones throw from one another. There are a number of hotels, guesthouses and B&B's close by.

Can my family buy us wedding gifts from Gretna Green?
Along with a range of Gretna Green personalised gifts there is a wide selection of crystal, from vases to a set of wine glasses; china, from a delicate trinket box to a dinner set as well as figures and other gifts.

Can I wear a kilt?
Of course, in fact our kilt hire specialist onsite here in Gretna Green can advise on cost and fitting. You don't have to be Scottish or of Scottish descent to wear a kilt. You can contact them on 01461 339887.