Gretna Green became a popular wedding venue due to its location in the south of Scotland.
The Marriage Act – passed in 1754 in England – outlawed marriages without parental consent if either party was under 21.
However, eloping couples could pop over the border and be married simply by stating their intent in front of witnesses – usually at the blacksmiths.
They would strike the anvil as part of the wedding ceremony – a tradition which has continued to this day.
Over time, blacksmithing gave way to the more lucrative marriage business with about 18% of all Scotland’s weddings taking place in Dumfries and Galloway – the majority at Gretna Green.