Gretna maintains wedding capital crown

The Gretna area remains unchallenged as Scotland's wedding capital, according to the latest figures.

It consistently sees a 12% share of all ceremonies in the country - more than even the Edinburgh or Glasgow local authority areas.

Last year alone there were more than 4,000 weddings in Dumfries and Galloway - about 80% of them in Gretna.

Gretna owes its popularity to its position just north of the Scotland-England border.

The town became a destination for young lovers after the Marriage Act was passed in 1754 in England, which outlawed marriages without parental consent if either party was under 21.

A tradition developed of couples travelling over the border to Scotland, which had more lenient laws.

• The bit of Scotland where English people go to get married

The latest report to Dumfries and Galloway Council on the trends and income from marriages said Gretna remained a venue chosen by thousands of couples every year.

The report said it helped to fuel an economic impact from tourism in the area estimated at nearly £37m.

However, it said the volume of weddings tended to decrease in times of "economic uncertainty".

There was a decrease both nationally and locally in 2009 which was blamed on the impact of the recession and fears of a double-dip recession may also have had an impact in 2013.

Nonetheless, Dumfries and Galloway has consistently enjoyed a market share of 15-16% - meaning it hosts nearly one in six of all marriages in Scotland.

Gretna alone sees 12% of ceremonies with couples paying fees of between £125 and £476.

The council report said customer satisfaction with their wedding experience in the region was high.

A recent survey found 97% of those asked were "very satisfied" with the service.