Registry Office Edinburgh Wedding – Elope in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has become increasingly popular over the past few years—not just as a tourist destination, but also for couples looking to elope or get married in Scotland. For those couples, the easiest and most reliable option is to plan a wedding at Edinburgh City Chambers.

Why is it the safest option? The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, even in summer, so having your ceremony indoors removes the risk of unexpected downpours or strong winds.

Can anyone get married at the Registry Office in Edinburgh?

Yes, City Chambers is open for marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships for both local residents and visitors. These ceremonies were previously held at Lothian Chambers on Parliament Square.

Here’s some helpful information to consider when planning your Edinburgh City Chambers wedding.

City Chambers – Basic Information 

The Registry Office is located in the heart of the Royal Mile, directly opposite St Giles’ Cathedral. The nearest parking is available at the NCP on Niddry Street. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

Wedding Ceremony Rooms

• Alexander Suite – located on the ground floor, the smaller room which can seat up to 36 guests and features light décor.
• European Suite – available for weekend ceremonies, this room is on the first floor and accommodates up to 70 guests.
• The Wee Neuk – the smallest room, can accommodate a couple and 2 witnesses only, available to book Monday to Thursday.

 

European Suite at the City Chambers.

Alberto waiting for his bride at the Alexander Suite.

Hannah and Liam saying their wedding vows at the Wee Neuk.

Paperwork, Fees, and Other Details

To get married in Scotland, you’ll need to complete the necessary forms and submit them along with your birth certificate, proof of address, and in some cases, your passport. For full details on the required paperwork, visit the Edinburgh Council website.

How quickly can I get married in Scotland?
The minimum notice period is 29 days, and the maximum is 3 months.

How much does it cost to get married at a registry office in Scotland?
Prices start at £315 for midweek ceremonies in the Alexander Suite. Weekend ceremonies start at £465.

Do I need to bring witnesses?
Yes, you’ll need two witnesses. If you’re short on volunteers, I’m happy to act as one!

Dogs are not allowed at the venue but you can ask someone to bring your dog after the ceremony for some photos.

City Chambers Photography and Photoshoot Locations

When booking a photographer, consider the amount of coverage you’ll need. A recommended minimum of 2 hours is ideal for capturing guest arrivals, the ceremony, group photos outside the building, and a couple’s photoshoot.

If you’d like to include preparation photos or visit additional locations for portraits, you can extend the coverage as needed.

Group Photos Tip: The area outside the Registrar’s Office offers plenty of space, making it ideal for larger wedding parties.

Photoshoot locations:

• entrance to the City Chambers
• Parliament Square with St Giles & Supreme Court buildings
• Royal Mile & the Grassmarket
• The Vennel
• Calton Hill
• Holyrood Park
• Stockbridge / Circus Lane

 

Rainy Day photoshoot locations

Registry Office indoors

I always try to take a few group photos inside the City Chambers – The European room offers amazing background for group photos!

Registry Office outdoors

The area outside the City Chambers provides a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. The entrance to the Registry Office is sheltered, offering pockets of lovely natural light — perfect for capturing stunning portraits. This spot is also where I typically take all family group photos following the ceremony.

Parliament House

Located just behind St Giles Cathedral, Parliament House is a complex of several buildings housing the Supreme Courts of Scotland. I often use space under the arches to create some beautiful portraits of a wedding couple. This is also my favourite location for a photoshoot in the Old Town.

 

Cityscape photoshoot locations

Parliament Square & St Giles Cathedral 

Just a short walk from the Registry Office, this area offers a wonderful backdrop for photos with historic buildings in view. I often capture moments on the steps of St Giles Cathedral. While the area can be busy with tourists, I can usually find a quiet spot for a more intimate session.

Royal Mile 

Edinburgh’s most touristy street, stretching from the Holyrood Palace up to the Edinburgh Castle. If you are up for an exploration there are many hidden alleys for intimate photos. From here you can walk towards Victoria Terrace for a photo with the Grassmarket buildings in the background. I adore colourful doors and old vintage shops on the way to Grassmarket. The Royal Mile is a long street that can be explored all day.

Princes Gardens

West Princes Street Gardens with colourful Ross Fountain provides perfect view of the Edinburgh Castle. I recommend visiting the Gardens between Autumn and Spring as it gets busy in the Summer with people having picnics in the Gardens.

The Vennel

My top pick for a photo with Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop! The Vennel is a charming, secluded passage with narrow steps, old stone buildings, and a stunning castle view. It’s easily accessible from the Grassmarket and doesn’t take much effort to climb. While it can occasionally get busy with people taking photos, it’s absolutely worth a visit. This spot is ideal if you have a little extra time for your photos.

Landscape Photoshoot Locations

Edinburgh is a city that truly has it all — historic architecture, hills, and even coastal views. And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to find greenery and peaceful nature trails.

Calton Hill
Calton Hill is perfect if you can spare a little extra time for your photos. Just a 15-minute walk from the City Chambers, with an easy 5-minute climb to the top. The panoramic views of the city and Arthur’s Seat are breathtaking, making it a favourite spot for proposals too! Since it’s a popular tourist destination, I recommend visiting in the early evening when the crowds thin out, just before sunset for the best light.

Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat
For couples seeking a more adventurous vibe, Holyrood Park offers stunning natural scenery just minutes from Edinburgh’s Old Town. With hills, cliffs, lochs, and vibrant yellow gorse in spring and summer, this area feels worlds away from the busy streets. Couples who love the outdoors might even choose to exchange vows at St Anthony’s Chapel — a picturesque ruin reached by a short 10-minute hike. While the park can get busy with tourists and walkers, its size makes it easy to find peaceful, secluded spots for intimate photos.

Stockbridge 

A little trip away from the Royal Mile, Stockbridge is a perfect location for those couples who prefer to avoid touristy places. Although Circus Lane is probably most instagrammed street in Edinburgh, it is usually quieter and there are plenty of nice spots nearby. I also recommend visiting non touristy places like Blackford Hill, especially for couples who bring their dogs. 

Edinburgh City Chambers wedding stories

I visited City Chambers many times as a wedding and elopement photographer, covering beautiful wedding stories. Check links to some of my weddings for an inspiration:

Olivia & Declan had a Chinese – Scottish wedding with a reception at the Imperial Palace Restaurant. I loved Olivia’s traditional red Chinese dress. Some of the photos were shot on 35mm film ( below ).

Zoe & Chris, a pair of wedding photographers got married at the Edinburgh Registry Office followed by a small reception at their family’s home.

Rachel & Huub travelled from Devon for their Halloween elopement in Edinburgh. We took the photos before the ceremony to take advantage of natural light.

Wedding photography prices

My elopement packages prices start from £850 for two hour coverage. This would cover wedding ceremony, family photos outside the City Chambers and couple photoshoot in the Old Town/Holyrood Park. I also include a few photos taken on 35mm film.

Lastly, when is best time to get married in Edinburgh? Any time of the year is good! However, a wedding August is more expensive due to Fringe Festival taking place on the Royal Mile. The street is extremely busy so locations might be limited.

Check my availability for a wedding at the City Chambers.