Gretna Green, Scotland- the name synonymous with romance and weddings since 1754
Gretna Green is a village on the Scottish border that is a world famous as a romantic wedding destination. First over the border, it became a haven for young lovers following the 1754 marriage act introduced in England and Wales. You were forbidden to marry without your parents’ permission if you were under 21. So the young and in love began eloping to Scotland, where it was much easier to marry…
Gretna Green in Scotland is considered the home of weddings and the wedding capital of the UK. It is also home to the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, Smiths at Gretna Green; a 4 star luxury Hotel, Gretna Hall; A historic Marriage House, Greens at Gretna and The Old Toll Bar. Whether you want to get married or are looking for a great family day out at Gretna Green, which is home to an authentic and fabulous Scottish gift shop, they have it all.
Wedding Packages
Weddings in Gretna Green have taken place for over 250 years. There have been a lot of changes in that time but the spirit of Gretna Green has remained the same. Today they can offer you a great choice of Scottish wedding venues in Gretna Green including the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and Gretna Hall as well as the award winning 4* Smiths hotel. Together with the wonderful choice of Gretna Green wedding venues, they have a great range of all inclusive wedding packages for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for small, intimate Scottish wedding packages right up to larger 50 guest+ packages in Anvil Hall Gretna, they can cater to your wedding budgets.
The Famous Blacksmiths Shop
Over the years, the Famous Blacksmiths Shop became Gretna Green’s best-known marriage venue, with the Blacksmith, and his legendary anvil, becoming synonymous with Gretna Green weddings. 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 Famous Blacksmiths Shop you are touched by the atmosphere of this ancient building.
Smiths at Gretna Green
Surround yourself with a little bit of luxury at Smiths at Gretna Green. Situated adjacent to the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, the 4 star hotel with 2AA Rosette dining is the ideal venue for ceremonies and celebrations. The hotel boasts 56 en-suite bedrooms, including balcony rooms, stunning suites and a penthouse apartment overlooking the spectacular views of the Scottish borders.
Gretna Hall
Built in 1710 as the manor house for the Johnstone family, Gretna Hall is the original marriage house of Gretna Green. As a modern day venue, weddings take place in the external outbuildings, which once housed the horse and carriages used to travel to Gretna Green. Today it has developed into a stunning 97 bedroom hotel with all the facilities you would expect within any modern hotel. Offering you options from ceremony only to inclusive packages tailored to suit your special day. Situated within the heart of Gretna Green and set in ten acres of grounds, the hotel continues to be an ideal venue for weddings and celebrations, enjoying its picturesque surroundings and the most romantic village location in the UK.
Weddings can also be held in Greens at Gretna and the Old Toll Bar.
For more information:
Visit the Gretna Green website here
Call 01461 336001
or visit them at the Wedding Journal Show Belfast on February 3rd & 4th February.
