Jean Owen, 88, and Robert Thorp, 97, secretly travelled from their home in London to Gretna Green to marry on Robert's 97th birthday on August 26, without telling their family they were planning to tie the knot.
Secret wedding beneath the lucky arch
The couple, who have known each other for 30 years, celebrated their new marriage beneath the iconic lucky arch—a huge sculpture of clasped hands—after their ceremony. In a sweet moment, the pair, who regularly go dancing together, were filmed enjoying a dance beneath the arch.
Jean and Robert were originally family friends and had spent years holidaying together with their former partners. After their former partners both passed, they remained close friends before their relationship blossomed into romance during the Covid pandemic.
Two reasons to celebrate
Their children repeatedly asked when they were going to get married, but instead of announcing an engagement and arranging a large family celebration, the couple decided to do things their own way. They secretly made the journey north and married at Gretna Green on Robert's 97th birthday—giving them two reasons to celebrate. Their marriage remained a secret throughout the day as they planned to return home and surprise their family with the news.
The couple have continued to enjoy dancing together, with Robert joking about how his abilities have changed with age. “The only problem is that I can't throw Jean over my shoulder like I used to,” he said.
Gretna Green's runaway wedding tradition
Gretna Green is world famous for its history of runaway weddings, with couples traditionally travelling across the border to marry at the historic Blacksmiths Shop since 1754. It's a tradition for couples to stand beneath the horseshoe-covered arch on their wedding day for good luck.
Sophie Lytollis, Head of Sales at Gretna Green, said Jean and Robert's story showed “there is no age limit on love and new beginnings”. “Gretna Green has welcomed couples choosing to marry in their own way for generations, and it was a privilege to be part of their secret wedding,” she said.
After 30 years of friendship, the newlyweds proved they were still young at heart as they took to the floor together.
