Squad Rebrands UK Marriage Capital Gretna Green, New Logo Unveiled
The well-known Scottish wedding venue, Gretna Green, has been rebranded by creative studio Squad.
The new identity seeks to turn the already famous wedding spot – said to be the marriage capital of the UK with nearly 4,000 ceremonies each year – into an ‘experiential village’.
“The visual identity takes the characteristics of a traditional village reimagined for 2025, marrying tartan and traditional shop signs with the modern revival of craft and local produce to create the ideal destination for modern marriage,” explain the designers at Squad.
“Gretna Green is full of rich, human stories just waiting to be told, it’s a dream business to work with, because everywhere you look there’s gold dust. We don’t need to make Gretna part of culture, because it already is,” adds Rob Gray, strategy partner at Squad
With a history that goes back to the 18th century, countless couples have exchanged vows at the iconic blacksmith’s shop located in the centre of Gretna Green village in Dumfries and Galloway.
After the Marriage Act of Hardwicke was enacted in 1754, couples under 21 required parental consent to marry.
Since this law did not apply in Scotland, many couples from England wanting to marry without consent travelled north of the border and wed before their parents could intervene.
Being the first village in Scotland on the main post road from London, Gretna Green became a favoured spot for couples, many of whom were wed over the anvil in the blacksmith’s shop.
Gretna has even been featured in popular British films and TV series, such as Coronation Street and Downton Abbey, and plays a key role in Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice.
The Houston Family has managed Gretna since 1885, and under the guidance of executive chair John Holliday, it is currently undergoing a major redevelopment as part of an £8 million investment.
The first phase is expected to be finished in Spring 2026, which will feature new and expanded facilities, including a working blacksmith’s shop with its own forge, honouring the horseshoes given to joyful couples over the years.
Squad
www.squad.co
