Romantic leap year elopement at Gretna Green

Not every couple dreams of a big white wedding – and for Megan and Johnny, a relaxed and intimate elopement to Gretna Green was the perfect alternative.

Sparked by a joke, sealed with a screenshot, and planned in just under three months, their romantic runaway wedding on leap day 2024 included personal touches, a border terrier ring bearer, and a post-ceremony chess match.

With minimal stress, historic charm, and unforgettable memories, this Gretna Green elopement proves that sometimes less really is more.

Wedding highlights at a glance

Wedding venue | Gretna Green Since 1754, Dumfries + Galloway
Date | 29th February 2024
Photography | Alister Lynn & Co Photography
Theme and decor | Romantic and secretive Scottish elopement 
Guests | Two (plus their dog!)

Read on for the full story...

For many, the idea of a big wedding with lots of loved ones is something they’ve often dreamt about – but this couldn’t be further from the truth for bride Megan.

“I could never see myself standing in front of an audience and getting married in a traditional setting,” she says.

“In any case, at the time we were talking about getting married, my parents had recently divorced, and the thought of having the family drama that often comes with a big wedding did not appeal to either of us."

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Planning a leap year wedding in three months

“I was joking with my co-workers in November 2023 about getting married, as a team member had recently eloped to Las Vegas," explains Megan.

"Someone then suggested Gretna Green to me, so I sent Johnny a screenshot of the leap-year package deal there and said, ‘Should we?’ His reply was simple: ‘Let’s!’

“We then had an ‘informal engagement’ – Johnny proposed during my lunch break on 1st December in the local park, which we now refer to as our ‘special place’.

"We booked our wedding for almost three months later.”

With little time to spare, the couple quickly set about planning their day.

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“The most stressful part was finding a dress and getting the alterations completed within such a short timeframe. Luckily, I found a brilliant seamstress at Foster + Bloom, near our home in Worcestershire, who was able to redesign and alter a dress that had been two sizes too big.”

Elope to Gretna Green with a wedding package

There was little in the way of any further stress for Johnny and Megan, however, since everything else was taken care of by their package at Gretna Green – they didn’t need to think about booking a celebrant, a wedding meal, a photographer or even someone to do hair and makeup.

“We loved Gretna Green – both the fact that it has so much history and that it’s in a beautiful part of the country.

"We brought our border terrier Poppy with us and frequently reminded her that she was in her breed’s birthplace!”

Although it’s difficult to narrow it down, the couple say there is one key moment that will stay with them forever.

“That was when the registrar struck the anvil to pronounce us husband and wife. It was amazing. We chose traditional vows for the ceremony, and then later, on our honeymoon, we said our own private vows on top of a mountain.

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“After celebrating with a glass (or two!) of champagne, we enjoyed a steak dinner at the Smiths Hotel.

"Then we went for another walk with Poppy around Gretna Green, and we were honked at by cars as we were still in our wedding clothes. We had lovely chats with some local people about our day too."

A relaxed and romantic wedding day in Gretna Green

With everything underway, Johnny and Megan then enjoyed a truly relaxed and romantic day that included their ceremony, a stroll around the town, a game of chess… and lots of champagne, of course! 

“On the morning of our wedding, Johnny took Poppy for a walk to give me a chance to steam my dress without him around. When he got back, I helped him into his suit, before going for my hair and makeup appointment at Spoilt at Smiths. 

“We decided not to walk together to the ceremony, so I left shortly after him and waited with the registrar before walking down the aisle to an acoustic rendition of ‘First Date’ by blink-182.

"Honestly, being with Poppy kept both of us calm, and she also had our rings in a pouch on her collar.”

Why they wouldn’t change a thing about eloping

“Once we got back to the cottage where we were staying, we put on music and played chess with some more champagne flowing.”

The day had gone without a hitch, but the happy couple now faced one slight hurdle: how to break the news to their families.

“Johnny and I were going to tell everyone once we returned from our honeymoon in the Lake District. We’d planned to keep it all a complete secret, but then on the day, we agreed to have our wedding published on Gretna Green’s social media.

“We honestly cherish the videos and pictures… but the algorithm of Instagram was not our friend,” laughs the bride.

“I accidentally interacted with the video, which sent it to my mother’s feed (of all people!). I then got a frantic phone call from her asking if it was real or AI!

“We then told the rest of our family and friends in person. There were some mixed and emotional reactions about our ‘runaway wedding’, but the two of us were happy with our decision.”

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Overall, the couple say they wouldn’t change anything about their day.

“Our favourite thing about eloping was the excitement of running away on our own. We’ll always look back on the day with such fondness.”

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“Megan and Johnny’s elopement continues a tradition that has drawn lovers to Gretna Green for more than 270 years. Since the 18th century, couples have crossed borders and broken rules to say ‘I do’ on their own terms, igniting a tradition forged in passion and rebellion.

"And we were honoured to welcome them with open arms and warm hearts, keeping that flame alive with a touch of true Scottish hospitality.” 

– Sophie Lytollis, head of weddings at Gretna Green