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Best wedding venues in Edinburgh
This wedding season I visited some new Edinburgh wedding venues as well as getting to work at my favourite ones again. Whenever someone asks about wedding venues in Edinburgh there are a few I can recommend as a great place to get married:
Outdoor ceremony wedding venues
Getting married outdoors in Scotland is never a bad idea, and many venues provide both options for an indoor and an outdoor wedding ceremony.
The Royal Botanic Garden
I have worked at the Botanics many times now, mostly covering weddings at the Caledonian Hall. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a stunning place to get married no matter what time of the year it is. Obviously, it is especially spectacular in the Spring when trees are blooming and in the Autumn full of yellow and red foliage. The Caledonian Hall has been recently refurbished and I was really impressed with decor! There are a few options for a wedding ceremony at the Botanic Garden, with John Muir Grove being most picturesque.
Hayley & Jack’s Botanic Garden wedding
Carlowrie Castle
A baronial style castle with a marquee, walled garden and 32 acres of grounds. Sounds like a dream wedding venue, right? Carlowrie is not a traditional castle with its contemporary interior and Pop Art collection on the walls. Located near the Edinburgh Airport, it makes a very convenient venue for travelling guests. The Orangery can host both ceremonies and wedding receptions while the marquee can seat 300 guests. And it offers a stunning backdrop for outdoor wedding ceremonies!
Read more about Carlowrie Castle wedding
Micro wedding venues in Edinburgh
Micro weddings got very popular since lockdown, and now restrictions are gone many couples still choose to have an intimate wedding with closest family and friends. Small wedding venues are in demand and some big venues started offering micro wedding packages too.
The Timberyard
Timberyard is an award winning restaurant located in a former warehouse within short walking distance to the Grassmarket. I love its stylish industrial style. There is a small courtyard too for wedding ceremonies and drink receptions. Its capacity is 75 people but this venue is mostly suitable for small celebrations and micro weddings. For bride & groom photos I recommend taking a short walk to the Vennel just around the corner from the venue. Timberyard is a heaven for foodies, each dish is a piece of art!
Riddle’s Court
You might have lived in Edinburgh all your life and somehow missed seeing this cute yellow building on the Royal Mile. Riddle’s Court is an A-listed tenement with an external staircase and quirky look. Relatively new as a wedding venue, it’s a good alternative to City Chambers weddings. Most suitable for small weddings and elopements, it can seat 60 guests for a meal in The Library. And there are plenty of options nearby to take the couple to for their wedding photos – the Grassmarket or around St Giles Cathedral.
Unique wedding venues in Edinburgh
I am always looking forward to hear about new places to get married, especially if they are different than a typical hotel or a castle. Unusual wedding venues are always something to talk about.
The Old Dr Bell’s Baths
Former Victorian swimming pool, this is a pretty unique venue located in Leith. High ceilings and plenty of light make it a wedding photographer’s dream venue for work. Dr Bell’s Baths is perfect for couples with DIY skills who can create a unique and personalised look for their wedding. There is a small courtyard, its size is good enough for a drinks reception and group photos. The venue is located next to a busy street but there are plenty of good options for photos nearby within a short walking distance.
Laura & Ali’s wedding at the Old Dr Bell’s Baths
Edinburgh Zoo
The Zoo is one of the most quirky venues in Edinburgh you can choose to get married! The park is a very popular visitor attraction and has a separate building, The Mansion House, where they host weddings. Wedding ceremonies take place in the MacMillan room with a spectacular view of the Pentland Hills. After a ceremony couples can have a walk with their guests around the Zoo visiting penguins and other parts of the park. Attending a wedding at the Zoo is a truly memorable experience.
Megan & Chris’ animal themed wedding at the Edinburgh Zoo
City Centre wedding venues
Nothing more convenient that getting married in the middle of the city. Close to the transport links as well as popular tourist attractions where you can run for a photoshoot.
The Balmoral Hotel
An iconic hotel and luxury wedding venue with stunning views. Couples getting married at the Balmoral have access to the roof with stunning views over the Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat. Balmoral has a range of 10 different event suites that can accommodate up to 400 guests. The hotel is famous for its excellent food, attentive staff and faultless service. And it is located next to Waverley Station making it a perfect destination wedding venue.
Sarah & Toby’s destination wedding at the Balmoral Hotel
The Signet Library
A hidden gem and Edinburgh’s best kept secret. Located on the Royal Mile just next to the Parliament Square, Signet Library is a very unusual wedding venue that can host up to 220 guests. Wedding ceremonies take place in the lower library while wedding meal and dancing is reserved for the upper library – both libraries make an impression. There is a beautiful staircase perfect for group family photos and of course plenty of stunning backdrops for bride and groom photos with St Giles Cathedral just around the corner.
More unique wedding venues in Edinburgh
A farm shop and seasonal restaurant in the foot of Pentland Hills – simple and rustic, with great food! The Free Company is based in Balerno, and is a great alternative to popular wedding venues.
The Biscuit Factory
Industrial style live events venue in Leith. The Biscuit Factory is a host of many events and it is also a very unique wedding venue with capacity 120 guests on its top floor.
Collective
Collective gives you an option to hire a space in the City Observatory on Calton Hill, ideal for elopements and micro weddings for up to 40 guests. Catering is provided by The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage. You won’t find a wedding venue with better views that this!
Summerhall
A unique space in arts centre perfect for DIY weddings, located next to the Meadows.
