Keren Blunn, 62, had been with her partner for eight years, when they had a romantic idea…
Hand in hand, my partner Peter and I strolled along the footpath. Our little Yorkie Tilly trotted ahead of us. “So, you know how we were discussing going to visit your brother?” I asked Peter. “I was looking at a map and I realised it’s only an hour away from Gretna Green.”
“Are you suggesting we elope?” Peter asked, smiling at me. “Maybe!” I said.
We’d been together for eight years and spoken about marriage. Our Covid confinement together had proved how much we enjoyed each other’s company! But we were both in our 60s and had been married before – neither of us wanted a fuss.
I’d never thought about eloping before, but Gretna Green would be the perfect place to do it!
Historically, young English lovers would often run away there, hoping to take advantage of the differing marital laws in Scotland and avoid the need for parental consent.
But there was no reason a couple in their 60s couldn’t do the same!
Back at home, in Swansea, we made a quick call to a venue to check whether they were dog friendly. After all, we wanted to bring Tilly to be our witness.
Then we told Peter’s brother David we were coming up for a visit and set about planning. I ordered a beautiful bluegrey wedding dress online and selected a tiny pink tartan harness for Tilly.
“We’re just off on a quick holiday to Scotland,” I told my kids.
Then we made the five-hour drive to the ve
