Photo of Cinema Man in Gretna Green.

5,2 x 3,2 inches, fine condition.

Gretna Green is one of the world's most popular wedding destinations; hosting over 5000 weddings each year or one of every six Scottish weddings.

Gretna's famous runaway marriages began in 1753 when an Act of Parliament, Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act, was passed in England, which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old, then consent to the marriage had to be given by the parents.

This Act did not apply in Scotland, where it was possible for boys to get married at 14 and girls at 12 years old with or without parental consent. Since 1929 both parties have had to be at least 16 years old but there is still no consent needed. In England and Wales the ages are now 16 with consent and 18 without.

Item ID: col-6649