Gretna Green, Scotland and Marriages

Throughout history in England, Scotland was a popular place for young couples who were eloping to get married. Once of the first places they came to after crossing the border into Scotland was Gretna Green. Scottish law did not require a clergyman to officiate over the wedding. Therefore, since the village blacksmith was the most respected tradesman of the community, he would marry the young couple over his anvil.

See: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/gretna/gretna/index.html for more details and pictures.

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 30 Aug 2009