A bit like America’s Las Vegas in terms of tying the not, Gretna Green is famous for runaway weddings. In the mid 18th-century, English law declared couples had to be at least 21 to be married without parental consent. Scottish law, however, stated 16 was alright with them. With Gretna Green traditionally being the first village in Scotland near the border, runaway couples would come here, usually with an angry guardian in pursuit.

One of the first buildings to be reached, the Old Blacksmith’s Shop became the place where couples would marry by paying the blacksmith a few guineas to officiate.

Gretna Green hosts about 5,000 weddings per year.

One of the marriage anvils. The blacksmiths of Gretna Green became known as Anvil Priests.

The Blacksmith shop has a small museum inside documenting the years of runaway marriages.

We weren’t able to tour ALL of the Blacksmith Shop as there was a shotgun style wedding going on. On a Monday. At 9 in the morning.