Blacksmith Marriages
In 1754 the English Parliment passed a Marriage Act that made a
number of "irregular" ceremonies illegal and placed control of
marriages under the Anglican Church. One result was that couples
had to be 21 years old or have parental consent. While England
and Wales followed this new law, Scotland did not. So along the
Scot-English border a number of small villages became an option
for young lovers who desired to be married and could not for
whatever reason be married in England.
One such village is Gretna Green.
It is the first town in Scotland on the old road between London
and Edinburgh. A man named Joseph Paisley set up a thriving
business in the old Blacksmith Shop. The couple would rush across
the border to the Smithy. Once inside the "Blacksmith Priest"
would quickly give a ceremony and join the lovers in the estate
of Matrimony. Should the parents object and be following the
couple to stop this marriage the young couple would be whisked
into a small bedroom. The disapproving parent would then peek
through a small window, see the couple in the bed and assume
the Ceremony (and ensuing consummation) had already occurred.
We are proud to continue this tradition here in our Smithy.
Fr. Geof Franklin, DD is an ordained Minister and Friar of the Universal
Life Church and available to officiate your non-denominational, interfaith
or traditonal ceremonies. Wether you are getting married or renewing your vows
let us help you make your day something truly special.
Wedding Packages
This is our most popular package, feel free to contact us with other ideas for your special day.
Or visit the Maysville Abbey for more Wedding Options.
Blacksmith's Wedding
Add the magic of the Olde World to
your special day. Recreate the romantic rush as you are married
in our Forge and at our anvil. We can even bring the Forge to
you!
| Blacksmith's Wedding Package(Anvil & hammer only) | USD $150 |
| Rehearsal (the day before) | add $25 |
| Travel with Forge & Fire also | add $25 |
Contact us and book your special day
now! 
Please Note these Terms: 50% non-refundable Deposit requested 30 days prior
to your event date to secure our calendar. Payment in full requested at time of
event. Rehearsals requiring travel and preformed the day before the wedding and
Weddings requiring travel of greater than 150 miles one-way require an overnight stay.
Chair Rentals, Portable-Facilities, Catering, Photography, Audio Services, Wedding
License Fees, etc are the responsibility of the Bridal Party. Use of our gardens for
Receptions and other wedding related parties is subject to $100/hr fee and requires
a refundable $200 security deposit. No alchohol is allowed upon our grounds. Cash,
Cheque or Money Orders Accepted. $45 fee on returned cheques. - Thank you.
All photos, graphics, scuplture, web pages and
descriptions are copyright
(©) Dr. Geof Franklin unless otherwise stated.
Please do not copy, use or link to our graphics or files
without permission, Thank you!
This web site is the official virtual store for the company of
Bent Metal Forge.
Both this web site and Bent Metal Forge are owned by Dr. Geof
Franklin who can be reached via : geof@bentmetalforge.com
For any issues relating to the design or function of this web
site please contact our webmaster via : webmaster@bentmetalforge.com
Our privacy policy can be viewed via this link : http://www.bentmetalforge.com/service.html#PPS
Site
Map This page last updated:
