COUPLES from across the country descended on one of the world’s most famous wedding venues to tie the knot on the most romantic day of the year.

Gretna Green welcomed lovers to its numerous wedding venues yesterday, with 10 weddings and four handfasting services (a Celtic alternative to a traditional wedding) taking place in the Famous Old Blacksmith’s Shop.

The history of the first Scottish border town’s wedding popularity dates back to the 18th century, when an English law change meant that couples couldn’t marry without parental consent until they were 21.

Just over the border the rules were more relaxed, with marriages permitted with just two witnesses for anyone 16 years and above. Ever since there has been an intrigue around the place, with people eloping to the venue - often telling no-one of their intention.

Others have been drawn in by the reputation of a traditional wedding spot and the history that comes with that.

Falling into the latter category were Andrew and Dawn Redman, both 46 and from Bradford.

They revisited Gretna Green yesterday on their first anniversary of tying the knot, to relive the memories of their special day and to attach a padlock onto the Gretna Green “wall of love”.

“We got engaged here, we got married here,” explained Andrew.

“With it being our anniversary we thought we’d come back today to put a padlock on and remember last year.”

Dawn added: “We wanted something a bit different (the marriage at Gretna). Everything is really beautiful here.”

Making the trip from Prudhoe in Northumberland were Amanda and Brian Lonie, both 48.

The pair chose to marry - unaware to family and friends - at Gretna Hall. They told family and friends the following day, at an event they believed was a late engagement party.

They were one of two weddings at the Gretna Hall Hotel yesterday as people turned to the marriage mecca.

Amanda said: “We didn’t want the fuss. We wanted to come away the two of us.”

Brain explained why they chose to marry on Valentine’s Day.

“It was for Valentine’s and all the links that come with Gretna. We have successfully eloped.”

Renewing their vows 15 years to the day since they got married were Jackie and Derek Sweeney of Bristol.

Derek, 55, said: “We got married here 15 years ago today. Same piper, same step, same Original Blacksmith’s Shop. Gretna is a real pull for us.”

Jackie, 64, added: “We came back five years after we got married originally and we were witnesses of someone else’s marriage. It has that nice romantic pull for us.”

Senior operations manager at the Blacksmiths site, Michelle Henry, explained what she thought pulled people in.

She added: “It is the history and the fact that it is a small place it means it is more hospitable.”