A couple look anxiously behind them, fearful that they may be pursued, as they make their way speedily to Gretna Green to be married. After an Act of Parliament was passed in 1753 banning the marriage of those under the age of 21 without parental consent, elopements to Scotland, where this Act did not apply, became extremely popular. Gretna-Green lies just across the England-Scotland border and was therefore a convenient choice for the bride and groom-to-be.