Wedding age raise plans welcomed

PLANS for a consultation on raising the legal age of marriage in Scotland to 18 have been welcomed in Gretna Green.

In years gone by the historic border love town was the scene of many teenage weddings, with documents describing the elopement from all over the UK of young sweethearts to be married over the anvil.

And the law north of the border still states that both persons are at least 16 years of age on the day of their marriage, the youngest age limit in the UK without needing parental consent.

Now, however, the Scottish Government is preparing to end that and are launching a consultation on raising the legal age that someone can be wed from 16 to 18.

Commenting yesterday, John Holliday, executive chairman of Gretna Green Ltd, said: “As the UK’s wedding capital, hosting more than 3500 ceremonies each year, we support all efforts to ensure that marriage is a safe, freely chosen commitment that reflects modern understandings of personal rights and wellbeing.

“For over 270 years, Gretna Green has symbolised the spirit of love and escape, but never at the expense of consent or maturity. Bringing Scotland’s law in line with England, Wales, and broader international recommendations, including those of the United Nations, is a sensible and responsible step.

“We look forward to engaging with the consultation process as a stakeholder and continuing our role as a trusted and iconic destination where couples of all backgrounds can celebrate meaningful, grown-up commitments.”