The original Marriage Room

Accommodates up to 45 wedding guests

Richard Rennison

The Blacksmith’s Workshop is presented as it was in the 1700’s when the Blacksmith Priest married runaway couples over the original Anvil. Situated adjacent to the Blacksmith’s cottage, which is now an exhibition area, access to other visitors is restricted during the ceremony and a screen option is available if you prefer a completely private ceremony. The Original Marriage Room.

Today as you pass through the narrow walls and low ceiling you are touched by the atmosphere of this ancient building. You can just imagine hearing the voices of the frantic couple as they make their dramatic dash over the border claiming, “It must be tonight! It must be tonight!”

Old Blacksmiths Wedding

Follow an Ancient Tradition

The ancient tradition of the ‘handfasting’ ceremony for marrying couples was law in Scotland until as recently as 1940. This simple civil ceremony enabled couples over the age of 16 to marry, by declaring in front of two witnesses their wish to be husband and wife and they were legally bound. Gretna Green became famous for these handfasting ceremonies following the 1754 Marriage Act.

[ Contact Gretna Green Wedding Bureau ]