In 1753, Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act passed in England. The Act prevented anyone from getting married under the age of 21. And marriage was only allowed with full parental consent. This law did not apply in Scotland, where boys could be 14 and girls 12 to get married. This was with or without their parent’s consent. And Gretna Green became part of the conversation.
So, following the historic coaching route from London to Edinburgh, young elopers crossed the English / Scottish border. And the first village they came to, along the River Esk was Gretna Green.
Gretna Blacksmith
The Old Blacksmith’s Shop, which was built around 1712, was the location of the marriages. The marriage trade apparently flourished for these ‘runaway marriages’. Other venues in the town included inns and smallholdings.
Under Scottish law, “irregular marriages” took place. This simply meant that the marriage declaration had to be made in front of two witnesses. Anyone therefore had the authority to conduct the ceremony. The blacksmith’s anvil was struck with the public declaration of “Under the ancient rights and laws of Scotland you are now man and wife. The Gretna Green blacksmiths became known as ‘anvil priests’. And the anvil became an important symbol of the wedding ceremonies at Gretna Green. Today, for good fortune in affairs of the heart, you can touch the famous anvil.
With & without consent
In 1929 Scottish law was amended and both parties had to be at least 16 years old to marry. But still without parental consent. Today the law in England, Scotland and Wales states that you may marry at 16 with consent. And 18 without.
Over 5,000 weddings (and 1 in 6 Scottish weddings) take place at Gretna Green each year. Thus Gretna is ‘Number 1 wedding venue in the UK’. And, of course, one of the most famous in the world. All services are performed over an iconic blacksmith’s anvil. And thus one can declared to have been married ‘over the anvil’ at Gretna Green.
Common Law
Today in common law, a “Gretna Green marriage” means a marriage that takes place outside of the residence of either the bride or the groom. And allows them to avoid any restrictions on the circumstances of their marriage which may be applied in their places of residence.
A visit to Gretna Green can simply include some shopping, a visit to the museum, or a Gretna Green Anvil Blessing (for about £140). For an additional overnight stay at the luxury hotel, a Scottish piper, champagne and flowers it will only cost you about £500. This is a lot cheaper than the national average cost of a wedding, of between £15,000 and £25,000!
So, ‘over the anvil’ until death do you part…..
