Gretna Green

Gretna

UKbride 5 Heart Rating
EXCELLENT
23 Reviews

Information For Gretna Green

Since 1754, Gretna Green has been the world’s most iconic wedding destination, where tradition, romance, and unforgettable ceremonies are sealed with love.

At Gretna Green, right on the Scottish border, weddings are not just what we do, they are who we are. Since the first vows were exchanged here in 1754, we have become one of the world’s most iconic and romantic wedding destinations. As a trusted family-run business since 1885, we have helped generations of couples begin their forever over the famous anvil.

From the legendary anvil ceremonies at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop to modern-day celebrations, we bring together tradition and contemporary charm. Whether you are dreaming of a runaway-style elopement, a bespoke gathering, or a full all-inclusive wedding, our experienced wedding hosts are here to make it seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. With every detail carefully taken care of, and every venue steeped in romance, a Gretna Green wedding is more than a ceremony. It is a story rooted in tradition, sealed with love, and remembered forever. Say “I do” to a wedding like no other, only at Gretna Green.

Here, the warmest of Scottish welcomes meets unrivalled romance, history, and hospitality. Gretna Green first hosted nuptials in 1754 and has been a trusted family business since 1885. We are home to the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, the renowned runaway wedding destination, and Gretna Hall, a grand venue once favoured by distinguished eloping couples. For an authentic anvil wedding and “Gretna Green” on your marriage certificate, there is no place like our historic haven.

We understand that planning your big day can feel daunting, but our dedicated wedding hosts are here to ease the process. With more than a century of combined experience, you are in safe hands that know how to lift the weight from your shoulders. Whether you want an all-inclusive package, a venue-only booking, or something completely bespoke, we have created it before and would be delighted to create it again for you.

Some couples love venues rich in history, others prefer a more modern setting. At Gretna Green, you can have both. Our Old Blacksmiths Shop has hosted weddings since 1754, while our boutique Smiths Hotel offers contemporary style. Then there is the 18th-century Gretna Hall Marriage House & Hotel, built in 1710 on the cusp of the Georgian era, beautifully restored with elegant modern interiors. In short, we have a venue to suit every vision.

Gretna Green weddings carry a certain magic, marked by the sound of hammer striking anvil. Having “Gretna Green” on your marriage certificate and sealing your vows with the traditional anvil strike are two of the details couples love most. Every wedding package, designed to suit a variety of tastes and budgets, includes these special touches along with thoughtful extras. From the support of our wedding hosts to hotel stays with breakfast for newlyweds, our packages are filled with details to make your day truly unforgettable.

Gretna Green at a Glance

Price Range icon
Price Range
£1,699 - £1,699
Built in 1713 as a Blacksmith’s Shop, this venue served its original purpose for over a century. Just across the border, it became a refuge for runaway lovers, where young couples could escape convention and celebrate their love freely. Over 260 years of secret vows and whispered promises fill these walls. Today, you can join this legacy, adding your own love story to the rich tapestry of romance that has unfolded in this magical Scottish wedding venue. Couples may marry in one of two historic rooms: the Original Marriage Room, where the Anvil Wedding began, or the Forge Marriage Room, decorated with artefacts from the era of horse-drawn carriages, where love is pledged above the iconic anvil. Feel the spirit of lovers fleeing to Gretna Green. Marry in the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and experience the intimacy, excitement, and romance that have made this historic venue a cherished destination for generations. Presented as it was in the 1700s, the Blacksmiths Workshop lets you step back in time. Stand where the Blacksmith Priest united runaway couples over the original anvil and create a memory as enduring as the love that fills this place The Forge Marriage Room showcases artefacts from the era of horse-drawn carriages. Couples exchange vows above the famous anvil, continuing the tradition of runaway weddings in the historic and celebrated Famous Blacksmiths Shop. Pricing Category : AffordableReception Capacity ( Indoor / Outdoor ) : 150Seated Dining Capacity ( Indoor or Outdoor ) : 50Has AccommodationBridal Suite : Standard RoomHistoric View More
No of Weddings Hosted : Number of Weddings Hosted - Less Than 10Location : In The CountrysideNearest Town : GretnaNearest Airport : Newcastle International AirportNearest Motorway : M6Nearest Train Station : Gretna Green Station, DG16 5HFUnique Wedding VenueAffordableIntimateConfetti PermittedIn House DancefloorAlcohol LicenseAlcohol ProvisionBartendingExternal Catering PermittedIn House CateringBuffet StyleClean UpPre-Wedding ConsultationSeated MealSet UpStaff ProvidedTables And Chairs ProvidedTableware ProvidedCeremony MusicReception MusicPackageFull Service PlanningDisabled AccessGrade Listed BuildingIn House Wedding CoordinatorOnsite ParkingOutdoor SpacePet FriendlyGreat ViewsRomanticRusticHotelMuseum AttractionWedding PlannersSame-Sex View Less

Current Promotions

Exclusive Promotion:

Enjoy 40% off our Luxury Wedding Package for 6, 10, or 20 guests at Gretna Green, available any day of the week throughout January and February 2026. After the discount, prices are £1,575 for 6 guests, £2,541 for 10 guests, and £4,440 for 20 guests. Please note that this exclusive offer cannot be combined with other promotions and does not apply to off-peak pricing.

Top Wedding Tips

Set your budget early and stick to it. Decide what matters most, divide your funds wisely and track spending so you can enjoy the day without financial stress.

Keep everything in one place. Collect supplier details, budgets, schedules and lists so nothing is missed and you and your partner feel calm and organised.

Take time to relax before the big day. A spa trip, weekend away or quiet evening together helps you recharge and remember that your wedding is about love, not stress.

Videos

Gretna Green Love Lock Maze

A free, family-friendly attraction shaped like interlocking wedding bands. Enter through two symbolic paths, explore twists and turns, and reunite at the bridge. Open daily from 10am—add a LoveLock to the bridge or LOVE wall to mark your visit.

Testimonials

Hear first-hand from a selection of our brides and grooms who chose to marry at Gretna Green. Find out why they chose Gretna Green as their wedding destination and hear what their experiences were like when they trusted us with their special day.

Bedrooms at Gretna Hall Hotel

A 4-star hotel with 86 en-suite rooms, from Standard Singles to XL Family Rooms. Choose from historic Bridal Suites named after famous couples, Luxury Doubles, or Patio Rooms with garden views for a comfortable and memorable stay.

Bedrooms at Smiths Hotel

A 4-star hotel with 50 en-suite rooms, from Standard Singles to Luxury Suites. Enjoy Ash, Rose, Thistle or Penthouse Suites, scenic Balcony Rooms, or spacious Family Rooms. Nearby Bensmoor Suites offer 1-2 bedroom retreats for couples or families.

Function Rooms at Gretna Hall Hotel

Gretna Hall Function Suites: Choose from the elegant Drawing Room (24), intimate Johnstone Suite (20), spacious Annandale Suite (45), or versatile Criffel Suite (35 with bar). Annandale and Criffel combine for up to 75 guests.

Function Rooms at Smiths Hotel

Flexible spaces joined by partition walls, ideal for weddings from intimate gatherings to 150 guests. Named after historic figures of the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, these suites offer plenty of room to celebrate your special day.

Load More Videos

Awards

Winner of the Business Awards 2024
Winner of the Business Awards 2024
Winner Best Wedding Venue 2023
Winner Best Wedding Venue 2023
Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards Winner 2024
Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards Winner 2024

Accreditations

UKbride Approved Supplier
UKbride Approved Supplier

Gretna Green Reviews

Add Review
Avg. Rating
23 Reviews
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
EXCELLENT
Sort Reviews By
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Catherine and mathew
Gretna Green
So romantic and a total dream come true x a day made so easy and special xxxxx
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Natalie and Adam
Welcoming to everyone
This is a venue that is accepting and welcoming and willing to create your perfect wedding day. No matter the request, Gretna Green will do everything they can to make it happen. From small weddings to large, there's options for all.
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
emma and chris
Uk bride
Everything you could ever want to find for your wedding, good ideas for all budgets
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Emma and martin
Gretna wedding
Beautiful historical venue and for not a large expense as we couldn’t afford a bigger wedding, everyone we spoke to so far has been helpful, can’t wait for our big day
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Claire and Derek
Venue review
Abbey hall is the only venue in Gretna that has an actual aisle to walk down and is stunning,with lots of flowers and candle lights,so romantic
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Katherine and
Wedding venue
I cannot wait to get married at Gretna Green it’s just so incredibly romantic and beautiful. The staff have been so helpful and sometimes I have to pinch myself to let me it’s all real
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Natalie and Crispian
Wedding Prep
Everyone has been so super helpful as we are travelling 100’s of miles for our special day.
Nothing is too much trouble and all the staff have eased our concerns.
UKbride 4 Heart Rating
Rachel and karl
Venue with a romantic history
We don't even live in Scotland, but we love the history of Gretna green and after having to cancel our original plans due to covid and loosing deposits we have decided to have a far more scaled down intimate wedding with less than 25people and the packages they offer are very competitive.Next year when we get married we will have been together 20years.
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Becky and kye
Great historic venue
Gretna green, history of the run aways. Absolutely beautiful venue with lots of character which is affordable. Great customer service
UKbride 5 Heart Rating
Nicki and Col
Gretna
Gretna Green weddings, helpful and nothing too much trouble answered all my questions and went over whatever I need as many times as I asked with pleasure. Grace has been an absolute star xx
View More Reviews

Map

Headless Cross, Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway, DG16 5EA

Gretna Green

  • Headless Cross
  • Gretna
  • Dumfries and Galloway
  • DG16 5EA
  • United Kingdom