Scotland's Anvil Marriages

The Storied History of Gretna Green

Gretna Green, a quaint parish nestled in the southern reaches of Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, has long held a unique place in the history of matrimony. Situated just over the Scottish border, defined by the small river Sark and lying close to the Solway Firth, this village has been the first stop for many travelers journeying from England into Scotland. However, it is not just its geographical position that has made Gretna Green famous. It’s the romantic—and sometimes rebellious—tradition of “anvil marriages” that has cemented its place in the annals of history.