natural wedding photography
Botanic Gardens Wedding Venue in the Autumn
I am so happy to work at wedding venues with gardens and trees nearby , especially in the Autumn – my favourite time of the year for outdoor ceremonies! I was very delighted when Hayley and Jack emailed me to check my availability for their Edinburgh Botanic Gardens wedding.
I’ve photographed September wedding at the gardens before – I remember beautiful colours and light at Victoria & Fraser’s wedding a few years ago.
This time the weather forecast wasn’t great and the gardens were closed to the public. Jack and his groomsmen were waiting for the girls at the East Gate – when Hayley arrived I was stunned seeing her in vintage velvet dress and dark green cape complemented by autumnal bouquet from Roseparks. The couple walked together down the aisle and made their vows in front of the floral arch.
Edinburgh Botanic Gardens wedding: Hayley & Jack
For drinks reception everyone gathered in the Caledonian Hall. We were waiting for the rain to stop and when it didn’t, we decided to start the bride and groom photoshoot with umbrellas . Hayley and Jack were so natural and cute together. I love couples who are not afraid to get out in the rain. We’ve had a little walk around and took a few photos under trees. So lucky it wasn’t torrential at this time of the day!
The speeches were sweet and untraditional. After the meal we got a pleasant surprise – dry sky and the most beautiful light. I took the couple out again, down to the little bridge where they’ve had their very first date. The evening has finished with ceilidh and everyone was enjoying it with laugh.
Venue: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Caledonian Hall
The Caledonian Hall is the smaller one of the two buildings at the Botanic Gardens wedding venue. Situated at the east side of the Garden, it is a grade B building with a view of the Rock Garden. It is wheelchair accessible and includes a small marquee that can host small wedding ceremonies or drinks reception High ceilings and big windows make it a perfect space for indoor wedding photos. The hall has been refurbished recently – scroll down to see the new look!
The Hall can accommodate 100 guests for a wedding ceremony and meal and further 20 for the evening dancing.
Photos from newly refurbished Caledonian Hall
The hall before the refurbishment
Edinburgh Botanic Gardens wedding: an outdoor wedding in the Summer
As much as I love Autumn, I must admit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh look even better in late Spring / early Summer. Blooming trees and exotic plants make an impression ! Plus you have more chances of a good weather for weddings between May and August.
Rachel and Geoff had an outdoor wedding ceremony at John Muir Grove, a magical woodland off the main path at the Botanics. The space is a truly stunning location for an outdoor wedding ceremony in Edinburgh! It is suitable for both civil and humanist wedding ceremonies and can comfortably accommodate 120 guests.
The couple chose a Chinese theme wedding. I used this opportunity to take a few photos at the Chinese Pavilion, which is also a location for smaller wedding ceremonies at the Royal Botanic Garden.
The John Hope Getaway wedding in the winter
The John Hope Getaway is the biggest of wedding spaces at the Edinburgh Botanics Garden. Located near the West Gate, it is suitable for big weddings for up to 200 guests or 300 for an evening reception.
Lastly, no matter the wedding season, The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is my favourite wedding venue in the city. I am looking forward to visiting back in July and October this year 🙂
Victoria & Fraser’s beautiful warm wedding day at the end of October 