On the last day of 2003, David Lewis Macdonald and Sheila McNaughton became the first ever couple to say their marriage vows at Burns Cottage. The happy couple, both great Burns enthusiasts, were married within Robert Burns' Alloway birthplace. The ceremony itself took place in the cottage grain store (to accommodate the guests)and the couple signed the register at a table next to the bed where the poet was born, in the cottage kitchen.

For Mr Macdonald, there was no contest for the Burns song that had to be played to mark the event, "O, My Luve's like a Red, Red Rose", arguably the poet's greatest love-song. As well as their marriage certificate, the couple received a special framed certificate from Burns National Heritage Park, certifying that they are the first ever couple to be married in the historic landmark.

Burns National Heritage Park is now licensed to host civil marriages at Burns Cottage, in the gardens of Burns Cottage and at Burns Monument, making it a unique and romantic venue for a memorable wedding. All fees for the use of the space will go towards the upkeep and restoration of Burns Cottage and the rest of the Burns heritage of Alloway.For more information, follow this link Hospitality and Weddings at Burns National Heritage Park.