The village of Gretna Green in Scotland, snuggled against the border with England, is a famed destination for runaway weddings. Beginning with Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act in 1754 and age restrictions upon marriage, couples were able to easily runaway to Scotland to be married with the completion of a toll road from England that ran to the village. Today, we would shudder at the thought, but at the time Scotland allowed marriages between males at least 14 years old and females at least 12 years old. Yikes! Today, Gretna Green remains a destination for eloping couples.
Elkton, Maryland, found itself in a similar coincidental geographic location as Gretna Green. When many northern states began restricting the age of marital consent in the 1910s and 1920s, couples looked to find a way around the laws. Maryland did not have the same age constraints, so nearby Elkton became a popular destination for quick marriages. By 1938, however, the state tired of its infamous reputation and passed its own restrictive marriage laws. Still, Elkton remained the "Gretna Green of the West" until the emergence of Las Vegas as a popular elopement destination. Today, Elkton still has one chapel, and couples flock to the town, though in smaller numbers.
The Wikipedia articles for Gretna Green and Elkton contain good sources. Also, check out this blog article about Elkton.
Elkton, Maryland, found itself in a similar coincidental geographic location as Gretna Green. When many northern states began restricting the age of marital consent in the 1910s and 1920s, couples looked to find a way around the laws. Maryland did not have the same age constraints, so nearby Elkton became a popular destination for quick marriages. By 1938, however, the state tired of its infamous reputation and passed its own restrictive marriage laws. Still, Elkton remained the "Gretna Green of the West" until the emergence of Las Vegas as a popular elopement destination. Today, Elkton still has one chapel, and couples flock to the town, though in smaller numbers.
The Wikipedia articles for Gretna Green and Elkton contain good sources. Also, check out this blog article about Elkton.