T-S
02-14-2003, 12:06 PM
The 2001 census of the UK showed the decreasing numbers of married couples in the country but it hasn't stopped them in Gretna.
Record number tie knot at Gretna
A record number of couples are tying the knot on Valentine's Day at Gretna Green.
A total of 84 Valentine's Day weddings are being carried out in the Dumfries and Galloway town.
Couples from countries as diverse as Jordan, the USA, Russia and Germany are visiting for their nuptials.
Senior registrar Sheila Wallace says staff are working flat out on their busiest day of the year to cater for the couples and their guests.
A change in the law in Scotland, which enables civil ceremonies to take place outside register offices has led to the rise in the number of weddings.
In Gretna, 31 couples are tying the knot at the Gretna Hall Blacksmith Centre, 27 at the register office and a further 26 at hotels and visitor centres in the area.
"Love really is the air here and there is just a wonderful atmosphere," Mrs Wallace said.
"There is supposed to be a fall in the number of people getting married these days, but there is no evidence of that here. There are 17 more couples getting married this Valentine's Day compared to 2002."
A total of 5,113 weddings took place in 2002 in the town, which has gained world-wide fame for being the place where eloping couples get hitched.
Annanova (http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_750729.html)
Record number tie knot at Gretna
A record number of couples are tying the knot on Valentine's Day at Gretna Green.
A total of 84 Valentine's Day weddings are being carried out in the Dumfries and Galloway town.
Couples from countries as diverse as Jordan, the USA, Russia and Germany are visiting for their nuptials.
Senior registrar Sheila Wallace says staff are working flat out on their busiest day of the year to cater for the couples and their guests.
A change in the law in Scotland, which enables civil ceremonies to take place outside register offices has led to the rise in the number of weddings.
In Gretna, 31 couples are tying the knot at the Gretna Hall Blacksmith Centre, 27 at the register office and a further 26 at hotels and visitor centres in the area.
"Love really is the air here and there is just a wonderful atmosphere," Mrs Wallace said.
"There is supposed to be a fall in the number of people getting married these days, but there is no evidence of that here. There are 17 more couples getting married this Valentine's Day compared to 2002."
A total of 5,113 weddings took place in 2002 in the town, which has gained world-wide fame for being the place where eloping couples get hitched.
Annanova (http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_750729.html)