Couples have married here for 250 years, so why are we falling out of love with Gretna?
IT became synonymous with couples eloping to tie the knot behind the backs of their families.
But Gretna Green’s reputation as the place for young and impulsive lovers to get married is starting to wane.
Only 17 couples will get hitched there tomorrow on Valentine’s Day – down from nearly 200 in 2004 – even though it has been one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations since the 1750s.
Businesses that depend on the oncethriving industry say it is, in part, because Valentine’s Day falls midweek.
On Valentine’s Day in 2004, which fell on a Saturday, a record 194 couples wed in the village. By 2009, this had fallen to 48. By last year – another Valentine Saturday – the number saying ‘I do’ was down to 37.
Natasha Radmehr, editor of the Scottish Wedding Directory, said increasing competition from venues across Scotland was why couples were looking elsewhere.
She said: ‘Other areas in Scotland such as the Highlands and Islands are being much more proactive now in promoting themselves as wedding destinations – especially in elopement-style weddings that Gretna is famous for.
‘It could be that couples are simply opting to tie the knot in parts of Scotland that are slightly more off the beaten track.
‘Lots of couples are now seeking ways to make their wedding unique and perhaps the tradition that Gretna represents isn’t as
‘Seeking to make weddings unique’
appealing as it once was. However, I do think Gretna will see a rise in popularity again in coming years, especially with some iconic venues in the village now under new ownership.’
Wedding planner Michelle Hall, 44, of Gretna Green Ltd, said that despite the expected low turnout this week, they had been inundated with requests for the rest of the year.
She said: ‘Love is still very much in the air at Gretna Green this St Valentine’s Day.
‘If you look at the patterns for weddings on St Valentine’s Day, when it falls midweek it’s always far fewer than when it lands on Friday through Monday.
‘However, for the year, bookings for the Famous Blacksmith’s Shop are already well ahead of last year and it has been hectic with inquiries for all our venues since the beginning of the year.’
Over the centuries Gretna has played host to countless romantic trysts and tales of runaway lovers. In the 18th century, English sweethearts whose unions were frowned upon by their families would head north to marry under Scots law.
The 1754 Marriage Act in England meant couples under 21 eloped to Scotland, where they could wed without permission.
Ceremonies were conducted by a ‘blacksmith priest’ over the now-famous anvil, which he would bring his hammer down upon to seal the marriage.
According to legend, the anvil brings good luck in love for anyone who touches it.