Gretna Green, just one mile over the Scottish border, has for 250 years been associated with clandestine marriages although now it is one of the world’s most popular venues!
Many places in and around this small village can lay claim to being marriage venues but Gretna Hall was the first official stop in Scotland for travelling stagecoaches and private carriages which made it the first choice for a "Blacksmith’s Wedding", a hastily performed ceremony according to the Law of Scotland, which required only a declaration by the couple in the presence of two witnesses.
Gretna-Green-Weddings.com is the umbrella website for the The Blacksmith’s Shop and Gretna Hall Hotel that together offer a unique Gretna Green Wedding service.
The Blacksmith’s Shop
Dating back to 1710, this historic courtyard provides a unique and charming location for those looking for a truly memorable wedding. A legal Christian service can be performed for you by a Minister in one of our traditional rooms surrounding the Courtyard, all with original features of the period. Alternatively a Civil Ceremony can be arranged.
Built along with Gretna Hall, the Courtyard at one time comprised of the Blacksmith’s Workshop, Stables, Coach House, Blacksmith’s Cottage and
Coachman’s Cottage.
Gretna Hall was a stopping off point for the mail coaches travelling from London to Edinburgh. Food and rest would be provided along with repairs over the original "marriage anvils" which are still on display today.
The Gretna Hall Hotel
Built in 1710 it is the original Manor House of Gretna Green. Gretna Hall Hotel was a coaching inn before being extended and modernised. The building retains much of its original character and is a splendid link to the romantic period of previous centuries which gained Gretna Green its reputation as the "Runaway Marriage Capital".
Gretna Hall was the original marriage house with no less than 1134 runaway marriages taking place within its walls during the 19th century. Set in several acres of lawns and gardens with views towards the Lake District, Gretna Hall is the perfect location for those important wedding photographs.