 Marriages at the blacksmith shop were inconsistent during Rennison 's time as " anvil priest " . Although they followed the same pattern , and both parties were to declare in front of witnesses they were single and that one had lived in Scotland for 21 days , there are documented cases where these requirements were not confirmed . At this point , Rennison would strike the hammer on the anvil , and the couple would be married . Rennison 's wife often acted as a witness to the couples getting married , and sometimes performed the ceremonies herself . The marriage fee was supposedly £ 1 , but Rennison would sometimes perform the ceremony for free or however much he was given ; in one case he received £ 20 ( worth approximately £ 3 @,@ 030 in 2012 ) . If witnesses were required , they would be provided at the cost of 2s 6d each . 
