Business boomed in Gretna Green yesterday as dozens of couples flocked to marry on the landmark 12.12.12. date.
A total of 51 pairs tied the knot in the iconic Scottish border village with 18 religious services and 33 civil ceremonies.
They included Gary Parsons, 51, and bride Sheona [corr], 53, who made the 340-mile trip from Suffolk to have their wed on the unique day – at 12 o’clock.
Lorry driver Gary, of Ipswich, said: “When we booked it last December we thought it looked like a good date and realised it would be the last date like it for a while.
“We came in today and were lucky enough to get the 12 o’clock slot.
“The ceremony went well and hopefully the date brings us a bit of luck.”
Denis McAleese [double corr] and bride Susan, both 52, travelled to Gretna from Beverley in Yorkshire to tie the knot.
The groom said afterwards: “We booked the wedding last November but we never really realised the significance of the date at the time.
“We thought it would be easy to remember our anniversary and Susan wanted a winter wedding.
“It went really well. It was a lovely ceremony and everything we expected it to be.”
Father-of-two James Wild, 55, and bride Julie, 48, chose to marry on the significant date after 26 years of dating.
They travelled from Buxton, Derbys along with nine family and friends, including James’ sister Deborah Ward, 50, who flew from Canberra, Australia, to watch the couple finally get hitched.
James, a plasterer, said: “I was really nervous in the morning.
“We have been together a lot of years and it makes it all the more special that we did it on such a unique day, especially because I had proposed twice and she turned me down before she finally asked me in April.
“The service was everything I had hoped for and more.
“I’m really glad my sister managed to fly all the way from Australia too. It really was a brilliant day.”
Julie added: “It was wonderful, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.
“We have been together for 26 years and have two children, but life just got in the way and we never married. So 12/12/12 seemed like a good idea to make it special.”
Gretna also saw a rush of weddings on 9/9/09 – many involving members of the emergency services.
The next matching day-month-year date is not until 01/01/2101- 89 years’ time.
