Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop

02/10/2026

“In five years it’s our silver wedding anniversary… that’s all I’m saying.” ❤️
Gill and Richard came to Gretna Green for the first time to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary with a handfasting. They wanted to mark it in a less conventional way, though they weren’t quite sure what to expect.

Gill brought a poem she’d written for Richard. It took them back to the Oak Inn where they met, the pizzas and film nights that followed, and everything they’ve been through together since.

Their sons walked Gill into the ceremony, with her mum there to watch. They were also missing loved ones who couldn’t be there, especially Gill’s dad, who she lost last year. The piper played Highland Cathedral, the same piece that had played at his funeral.

Gill told us the handfasting was even better than they’d imagined. We hope we’ll see them again in five years.

01/10/2026

Scotland’s national dish...but how much do you actually know about haggis?

Its appearance might be a little unexpected, but beneath the myths and mystery lies one of Scotland's most iconic foods.

Here, our Experience Host Helen shares a few facts about haggis, from its possible origins to the traditional way it's served.

Feeling curious? Come and try it for yourself at our First Taste of Scotland experience.

https://www.gretnagreen.com/visit/things-to-see-do/experiences-at-gretna-green/first-taste-of-scotland/

30/09/2026

What’s the secret to 46 years of marriage? ❤️

We asked Brian and Elaine what advice they’d give to younger couples hoping for a long and happy marriage. Their non-negotiables? Always share a kiss, say “I love you”… and maybe sneak in a cheeky squeeze. 😉

Love Brian and Elaine as much as we do? Watch their full story and discover more real Gretna Green Love Stories: https://www.gretnagreen.com/gretna-green-love-stories/

29/09/2026

The forge is open, and there’s more than one way to be part of it 🔥

🪙 Press your own Gretna Green coin
Step into the forge and create your own Gretna Green keepsake. Our blacksmith positions the heated metal, then you activate the press and take your coin home. 30 minutes · £35 per person

🔨 Make your own poker
Under Joe's expert guidance, you'll work at the anvil and shape hot steel into a poker that you can take home and use for years to come. 60 minutes · £99 per person

❤️ Forge hearts together
For a date or anniversary with a difference, work side by side to make a personalised entwined hearts keepsake. 90 minutes · £249 per couple

🤝 Handfasting in the forge
Mark your commitment with a symbolic handfasting ceremony in the working forge, led by one of our guides. 15 minutes · £99 per couple

Which one would you choose? Find out more and book: https://www.gretnagreen.com/visit/things-to-see-do/experiences-at-gretna-green/blacksmithing-experiences/

Online booking fees apply.

25/09/2026

We’ve chosen the winner of our Love Stories competition, and they’ve now been contacted by email.

Thank you to everyone who entered, shared their story or posted a wedding photo in the comments. We’ve loved reading and watching your stories, and seeing so many special moments from your days at Gretna Green. ❤️

Thank you for letting us be part of your stories and for sharing them with us. 🥰

Did you get married at Gretna Green? We’d love to hear your story. ❤️

Every couple who comes to Gretna Green has a story to tell, and yours could help inspire the couples who are dreaming of their own day here.

We’re looking for past couples to share their Gretna Green Love Story with us. Simply send:

🎥 A short video of you talking to camera (up to 30 seconds), sharing a favourite memory or reflection
📸 One favourite photo from your wedding day

It doesn’t need to be polished or professionally filmed, just you, in your own words, telling us what made your Gretna Green wedding special.

As a thank you, everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw to win dinner, bed & breakfast and a handfasting ceremony at Gretna Green. ❤️

Email your story by Tuesday 15th September to:

📧 [email protected]

The winner will be announced by email on 17th September.

Your photo and video may be featured in our upcoming wedding campaign across social media, our website and wider marketing. We can’t wait to hear your Gretna Green Love Stories. ❤️

25/09/2026

“There was an us before children and an us before marriage. Let’s celebrate that part of our story.” ❤️

Kacey and Jordan had both done the big wedding thing before. This time, they wanted something that was just about the two of them.

So they kept it a secret, left the kids at home and ran away to Gretna Green, celebrating their relationship in a way that felt completely them.

Every couple has their own story. Discover more real Gretna Green Love Stories and start writing yours: https://www.gretnagreen.com/gretna-green-love-stories/

24/09/2026

What does Irn-Bru actually taste like? 🤔

Ask ten Scots and you'll probably get ten different answers.

We put our Larder on the Border team on the spot to find out what they think Scotland's most iconic drink really tastes like.

Want to put your own taste buds to the test? Join our First Taste of Scotland experience and discover some of Scotland's most iconic flavours, including Irn-Bru. You might even uncover one of its secret ingredients...

Book your First Taste of Scotland experience today.: https://www.gretnagreen.com/visit/things-to-see-do/experiences-at-gretna-green/first-taste-of-scotland/

23/09/2026

“You don’t want that stress as a bride and groom.”

For Nicola and Dave, their Gretna Green wedding was about keeping things simple, relaxed and focused on what really mattered: each other ❤️

No pressure to keep anyone else happy. Just a wedding that felt right for them.

Every couple has their own story. Discover more real Gretna Green Love Stories and start writing yours:
https://www.gretnagreen.com/gretna-green-love-stories/

22/09/2026

Interested in Gretna Green's history, heritage and traditions?🔨

We're developing a new Heritage Volunteer Programme and are keen to hear from people who would like to play a part in sharing Gretna Green's stories with visitors from around the world.

If you'd like to find out more about future volunteering opportunities, please get in touch by emailing: [email protected]

22/09/2026

Step inside the forge and try blacksmithing for yourself.

For the first time in more than 150 years, visitors can take part in a hands-on blacksmithing experience at Gretna Green. Learn traditional techniques alongside Gretna Green's resident blacksmith before creating a fireside poker of your own.

It's hot, noisy, completely hands-on and probably unlike anything you've tried before.

Book now: https://www.gretnagreen.com/visit/things-to-see-do/experiences-at-gretna-green/blacksmithing-experiences/