Gretna Green Famous Old Blacksmith's Shop Experience

About Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

The Famous Blacksmiths Shop, Gretna Green is world-renowned for being the home of runaway weddings, since 1754, when Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act, made it illegal for couples in England and Wales to marry without their parent's consent under the age of 21. Couples began to flock in droves over the border into Scotland and as the first building you saw, as well as the fact - that because it was a working Blacksmith's shop at the time - the light of the burning forge made it a beacon for those newly arrived in Gretna Green; seeking shelter and someone to marry them in a hurry. Fortunately for the couples, provided there were two witnesses present, anyone could marry in Scotland simply by declaring themselves wed in front of said witnesses; therefore the Blacksmith and his wife began 'marrying' couples. And so the historic story of Gretna Green began.

Since 1885, Gretna Green has been owned and operated by the Mackie-Houston family. The fourth-generation family business is currently owned by Alasdair Houston, MBE, DL, FRAgS, and run with the support of his sister, Susan Houston. The family business has grown vastly through the generations, to not only continue to be Scotland's most popular wedding venue but a world-famous, 5-star, multi-award-winning Visitor attraction, with people travelling from all over the world to discover and explore Gretna Green and the Famous Blacksmiths Shop history.

As the gateway to Scotland, this magnificent attraction offers everything from shopping and dining to historic museum and wedding venue, hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors per year and sits in the TOP 10 visitor attraction and places to visit in Scotland. With plenty to see, do, discover, explore - inside and out - there is something for all ages at the home of romance in Gretna Green.