Once the centre of the runaway bride trade in the 19th century, Gretna Green is Scotland's answer to Las Vegas (at least in elopement terms). It was historically the first village in Scotland on the old London to Edinburgh coaching route and Scotland has different marriage laws to England and Wales.
The laxer marriage laws meant that in the past, just about anyone could conduct a marriage, so blacksmiths became 'anvil priests', marrying runaway couples before their anvils. Bill and Peggy Cullington (pictured above) were among 25 couples who were blessed in front of the original anvil in 2006, celebrating their diamond anniversary. You still need to give 15 days notice before the wedding, but that is still quicker than the year it takes to plan the average wedding.
Where to do it: The original old blacksmith's is still the place to go.
