Custom House Gallery Leith Wedding Ceremony | Custom Lane Leith | Williams and Johnson Coffee | Montrose Restaurant | Katie + Murray | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Custom House Gallery Leith Wedding Ceremony | Custom Lane Leith | Williams and Johnson Coffee | Montrose Restaurant | Katie + Murray | Ochre Botanic Studios | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
MURRAY AND KATIE HAVE BEEN OUR FRIENDS FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS, AND WOW DOES TIME FLY. We’re so close now, that this past summer we stayed in a villa and drove all over an island in greece with them. We definitely vet our close friends by who we can travel with, and traveling with these two was seamless and so chill. I even checked back in my dm’s to remember when we met, and of course… it was through working remotely from coffee shops, mainly lowdown Coffee (back in the day when that was allowed and before it properly blew up in popularity in the best way), and our love of a good cup of filter. I used to work remotely from Lowdown Coffee all of the time back in 2017, when I was living in chicago, but visiting edinburgh for months at a time to spend quality time with Ross (my now husband), during our 4 year long distance relationship before we got married. So yes, murray was one of my first friends here and I of course eventually took some couples portraits of Murray and katie strolling around Stockbridge back in the day, without knowing that my husband and I would eventually buy our first home here in stockbridge.
Anyways, throughout the years, murray, my husband and myself all connected over photography, and katie and I were able to grow closer whenever they both eventually moved full time to the city down in leith. I always feel like I’m the “cool one” (that shows how uncool I actually am) in a lot of my older friend groups, but honestly, these two keep me humble… as they are a bit younger than us, properly cool, always know the best brands and have the best style without even trying.
I have truly loved watching them both grow in their creative passions throughout the years, Murray Orr with his Travel, commercial and editorial photographer career all around Scotland, the UK and now abroad, as well as Katie’s talent and skill for hosting supper clubs, dinner parties, baking, cooking, as well as styling and planning events. I mean, she quite literally styled her entire wedding day, while of course working with some of the best suppliers to make their chill and intimate wedding day come true.
katie and Murray had their wedding ceremony at Custom House Gallery, located on the shore in Leith, and their vision of organic materials and abstract florals everywhere was executed by none other than Ochre Botanic Studios. Marion and Sophie, from Ochre Botanic studios, did such an amazing job, as always. They did her organic bouquet as well. Which again, instead of me describing the textures, you can just view the images of all of their florals below.
After their ceremony, they had a confetti exit at the custom house gallery, then after all of the hugs, all of their guests had a short 10 second walk over to Custom Lane, where they rented out Williams and Johnson’s space, the Custom Lane Gallery and the Courtyard, for their guests to enjoy stunning bites by Harkness Pies, The Shore Deli (Roxi and Meave), Pheobe (Selene) and Marias Kitchen, who made the tiramisu. They were also all able to grab a coffee from WIlliams and Johnson or a drink (natural wines are always their top choice) then go and sit or dance to enjoy the local band, The Lone Bear play.
Rolling back to the start of the day a bit, ross and I joined them at their flat in Leith, for a coffee and to grab a few casual snaps of them getting ready together, on both medium format and 35mmfilm as well as digital (which is what Ross and I photographed with for the entire day). on our walk over to custom lane we stopped to take bride and groom portraits at The pavilion at Lamb’s House Garden. The Garden was the perfect spot for portraits in a private and secluded green space with endless history all around them with the architecture and unique garden design and landscape architecture. The very first time I was at the Pavilion at Lamb’s House was when I photographed the space for their website many years ago now for Gras. It’s still as stunning as ever, and was such a beautiful backdrop for Murray and Katie’s unique wedding day outfits, which you can scroll to the bottom to see the details below.
After the cocktail hour at Custom lane and Williams and Johnson Coffee, the guests had a little break before they had a smaller group congregate in the private dining upstairs room at Montrose Restaurant in the center of Edinburgh for a multi-course plated dinner and dessert. and of course, plenty of natural wine to go around. There were heartfelt speeches, endless good food and drinks and lots of laughs with friends! Being guests ourselves, I can truly say that this day was so much fun and so full of joy. We love this group of people so much, and we’re excited to continue making memories with Katie and Murray throughout the rest of our lives. x
“Custom House Gallery on the shore in Leith is a beautiful wedding venue within the city of Edinburgh, SCotland. It is a blank space that was perfect for Ochre Botanical Studios to Transform into a lovely ceremony space.”
Edinburgh Intimate Ceremony Venue - Custom House Gallery Leith // Cocktail Hour - Custom Lane and Williams & Johnson Coffee in Leith // Intimate Reception Dinner Venue - Montrose restaurant // Florist - Ochre Botanical Studios (Marion and Sophie) // Hair Artist - Stag Barber (Quentin) // Wedding Dress - Damson Madder // Bride’s Dinner Trousers - Custom Made by Paradigm Shift in Leith // Wedding Shoes - Maison Margiela // Groom's Outfit - Styled by Murray Orr // Groom Shoes // Bride + Groom Rings - Alighieri and The Ouze // Cocktail Hour Caterer (Including desserts) - Harkness Pies, The Shore Deli (Roxi and Meave), Pheobe (Selene) made the Wedding Cake and Desserts, Marias Kitchen made the Tiramisu, The Great Grog supplying alcohol // Leith, Edinburgh Wedding Band - The Lone Bear // WEdding Portrait Location - The Pavilion at Lamb’s House // Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
The Edinburgh Grand, A Luxury Collection Hotel Wedding | The Courtyard at Gleneagles Townhouse Hotel Wedding Reception | Edinburgh, Scotland Wedding Photographer
The Edinburgh Grand, A Luxury Collection Hotel Wedding | The Courtyard at Gleneagles Townhouse Hotel Wedding Reception | Edinburgh, Scotland Wedding Photographer
As an Edinburgh wedding photographer, capturing Olivia and Henry’s elegant city wedding was an absolute joy. Their day perfectly reflected the beauty of Edinburgh itself. It was a refined, atmospheric, and effortlessly stylish wedding day in Edinburgh. Thoughtfully planned with a focus on design and experience, their wedding felt intimate while still embracing the architecture and heart of the city.
Photographing beautiful wedding days at The Edinburgh Grand Hotel,
in the heart of the city, is one of the reasons why I am so
grateful to be an Edinburgh Wedding Photographer.
The ceremony took place in The Director’s Suite at The Edinburgh Grand Hotel, a sophisticated space filled with natural light and sweeping city views. Officiated by Humanist celebrant Gillian Monaghan, the ceremony was warm, personal, and deeply meaningful. The calm elegance of the venue created a beautiful setting for heartfelt vows and emotional moments.
Olivia’s bridal look was modern and editorial, wearing the Persephone gown by Sau Lee. Clean lines and subtle drama made the dress photograph beautifully on both digital and film. Styled by The Talented Bride, her hair and makeup felt polished yet natural, complemented by her Dior wedding shoes and Tom Ford perfume, adding a luxurious finishing touch. Olivia truly had the best wedding style.
Henry’s style mirrored the refined tone of the day, wearing a sharply tailored Burberry Suit paired with a Hermès tie. Olivia and Henry exchanged wedding rings by White November, while Henry wore a groom ring from Temple and Grace, tying together classic craftsmanship with modern design.
They had the most lovely and intimate Wedding Reception
at Gleneagles Townhouse hotel in Edinburgh.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered at The Courtyard at Gleneagles Townhouse Hotel, located on St. Andrews square in the center of Edinburgh City, for a relaxed and elegant reception with all of their closest friends and family members. This iconic, historic and newly renovated Edinburgh venue provided the perfect balance of historic character and contemporary luxury, allowing the celebration to be really memorable for all of the guests visiting from out of town. from the champagne toasts to the candid moments, I really loved blending into the background to capture them all throughout the evening.
as an Edinburgh wedding photographer who documents wedding days on both digital and 35mm film, Olivia and Henry’s wedding was a beautiful example of how city weddings in Edinburgh can feel both timeless and personal. With the best wedding venues in edinburgh chosen and the thoughtful styling from the bride, their day was a true reflection of modern elegance in the heart of Scotland’s capital. I’m really grateful that of all the places I ended up living in the world, I live in the heart of Edinburgh, where I am just a few minutes walk away from all of these endlessly beautiful wedding venues in the heart of the city.
I am so grateful to work within walking distance from our home, when photographing Edinburgh City Wedding days at The Edinburgh Grand Hotel or Gleneagles Townhouse.
The Wedding Suppliers for this intimate Wedding in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Digital and Film Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
Edinburgh Wedding Ceremony Venue - The Director’s Suite at The Edinburgh Grand Hotel
Edinburgh Reception Venue - The Courtyard at Gleneagles Townhouse Hotel
Edinburgh, Scotland Humanist Celebrant - Gillian Monaghan
Wedding Dress Designer - Sau Lee
Wedding Dress - Persephone Gown
Bride Perfume - Tom Ford
Bride Wedding Shoes - Dior
Hair & Makeup - The Talented Bride
Wedding Rings - White November
Suit - Burberry Suit
Groom Tie - Hermes
Groom Ring - Temple and grace
Edinburgh City Chambers Elopement | Intimate Wedding Reception at Ardfern Restaurant in Leith | Jemma + Saf | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Edinburgh City Chambers Elopement | Intimate Wedding Reception at Ardfern Restaurant in Leith | Jemma + Saf | Edinburgh WEdding Photographer
Jemma and Saf, two of the most creative and go-getter individuals I know, had a beautiful Edinburgh City Chambers Elopement and intimate wedding day in Edinburgh, Scotland. This couple is not only dear friends of ours, but Jemma was actually my first friend that I made in edinburgh. I met up with her for coffee when I was visiting Edinburgh, years before I even met my husband Ross, who always says he first saw my profile from Jemma's Instagram. And as I wasn't using my Instagram account to focus on weddings yet at that time, and it was just filled with flat lays of coffee tables at cafes from my travels, naturally I was always connecting to people over coffee whenever I would travel to new places. And now Jemma and Saf own one of the edgiest coffee shops in Edinburgh, called Beatnik. It’s been such a joy watching them along thier journey of their relationship as well as their passion for design, art and coffee to all align for them to create inspiring and creative businesses within the edinburgh community.
So back to their wedding day, we started their wedding day by meeting at the courtyard of Edinburgh City Chambers, so go for a wander around The Royal Mile and The Old Town of Edinburgh. It’s truly an iconic part of the city and has the most historic buildings and gothic architecture to stroll around in. It’s always a beautiful area to take elopement portraits when getting married at The City CHambers, since it’s located in the heart of The Royal Mile. We strolled around the few blocks surrounding Edinburgh City CHambers before making our way inside before the guests arrived.
While there are many rooms that you can choose from to elope in at Edinburgh City Chambers, my favorite room will always be The European Room Suite. It can house up to 70 guests and looks out onto the historic courtyard of the chambers entrance, It is also lined with historic paintings that really make you feel like you’re in a mix between an art gallery and a scottish castle. Needless to say, they chose the European Room Suite to have their intimate ceremony in. There are rooms off to the side of the suite, where the couple can wait together or seperately, depending on if they want to see each other before the ceremony.
Jemma also had one of the loveliest wedding day outfits. Her wedding dress was from Malina, her lovely earrings were from Ellen Catherine and her shoes were from reformation. I could describe how lovely and beautiful they were in detail, but you can view the bridal portraits below to see a better visual description. All in all, it was stunning and very Jemma. Saf wore a Andrew Brookes suit and I was able to take one of my favorite groom portraits of him, in his iolla shades and holding jemma’s handbag while standing in his naturally sassy pose on The Royal Mile.
After their wedding ceremony at City Chambers, everyone headed down to ardfern for their intimate wedding reception. Ardfern is a cafe, bar and bottle shop based down in leith, and is the perfect space for an evening of cocktails and delicious bites from their creative menu.
And of course the entire restaurant was decorated in subtle but organic floral installations, by one of the best wedding florist designers in all of Scotland, Studio Kumari. Studio Kumari also designed Jemma’s stunning wedding bouquet. Another unique part of their wedding day was their extra long rectangle wedding cake. Again, the images below will speak better than my written description, but I was in love. The Pastry Section did such a wonderful job designing their wedding cake, from the frosted squiggle lines on the top to the pieces of fruit decorating the edges.
At the end of the day, Jemma and saf had such a chill and lowkey wedding day that started at the historic Edinburgh City Chambers and ended at one of their local favorite restaurants in Leith, Ardfern. I love that these two planned their day exactly how they wanted it, with their closest friends just laughing and enjoying their wedding day together, which was truly beautiful to witness as a friend and to be a part of the celebration. x
“Edinburgh City Chambers was the perfect place to get married in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, And Ardfern, based down in leith, was the best venue for their casual cocktail hour and intimate wedding reception.”
Edinburgh Wedding Ceremony venue - Edinburgh City Chambers, in the European Room Suite // Florist Company Name - Studio Kumari // Make-up + Hair Artist - MHM Styling // Wedding Dress - Malina // Shoes - Reformation // Earrings - Ellen Catherine // Suit - Andrew Brookes // Bride + Groom Rings - KATKIM // intimate wedding reception venue - Ardfern Restaurant // Wedding Cake - The Pastry Section
Gleneagles Hotel Wedding | A Beautiful Countryside Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland | Scotland Wedding Photographer
A Romantic Scottish Wedding Day at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland | Laurie & Craig | Scotland Wedding Photographer
Laurie and craig are both scotland natives, who chose to get married in the stunning Scottish countryside at The Gleneagles Hotel. The Gleneagles Hotel is located in the heart of Scotland, in a country town called Auchterarder. Gleneagles is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is housed in a historic building that gives all of the charm of scottish warmth and hospitality.
They had their wedding ceremony in a private space, called The ParlouR ROom. After the ceremony, guests were free to roam the gardens are enjoy one of the many hotel bars at Gleneagles, while I roamed around the gardens with the couple to take their bridal portraits. After the Bridal portraits were finished, the Parlour ROom had transformed into a beautiful wedding reception, with set tables for dinner and floral arrangements designed by one of my favorite scottish florists, fiona Hay, of Ochre Botanical studios.
Laurie actually had a lot of my favorite creatives or dear friends of mine in Scotland for her wedding vendors, like Claire Nisbet Bridal for her makeup artist and had Flossy and dossy design a custom gown for her, as well as a custom veil by Natasha Hutchison at Modiste Atelier.
the Gleneagles Hotel is really the loveliest wedding venue for guests, as they are able to accommodate for everyone to stay at the hotel or on the grounds, as well as have multiple restaurant and bars around the hotel for you to arrive earlier to enjoy the property or a drink with loved ones before the ceremony started, Which is exactly what all of Laurie and craig’s guests did.
Craig and his guys had drinks in the Century Bar and then we strolled over to take photos in the american bar, as it was closed and was the perfect backdrop for a few nice portraits of the guys and their drinks without disturbing anyone. The details and architecture throughout each bar and hallway at gleneagles is perfect for portraits as well, and a lovely location in case the classic scottish weather is pouring down or a bit too breezy outside. In fact, the first time we went out to take portraits after the ceremony, there was a bit of heavy rain and wind, but the interiors of the gleneagles hotel are so lovely, we had endless spots for portraits for the couple, between the bedroom, halls, lobby, bars, and elevator area.
between the lovely plated multi course meal that the gleneagles catering staff served everyone in the parlour room and when we gathered again for dancing, the weather was nice enough to go for a longer stroll into the garden with laurie and craig. THe gardens are one of the loveliest parts of the gleneagles hotel, so it was so nice to be able to stroll along the pond, historic fountain, the grand staircases and beautiful greenery.
a couple of their friends were waiting for us at the top of the garden to greet them with cigars and drinks before we headed back inside to join the rest of the wedding party inside the parlour room for their cake cutting and dancing the night away. Overall, this wedding day at the gleneagles hotel was the perfect combination of intimate time with loved ones, vintage style, custom outfit details in a historic scottish venue.
“The Gleneagles HOTEl in AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND really is such a perfect place for a scottish countryside wedding day.”
Wedding Venue - Gleneagles Hotel // Scottish wedding Florist - Fiona Hay of Ochre Botanicals // Make-up Artist - Claire Nisbet // Hair Stylist - Cheryl Bryson of Bryson and Hare // Custom Wedding Dress - Custom Made by Wendy at Flossy & Dossy // wedding Veil - Custom Made by Natasha Hutchison at Modiste Atelier // Tux - Slaters menswear // Bride + Groom Rings - Katie Lees Jewellery // wedding Cake - Designer Cakes by Paige // wedding DJ - Duncan Harvey //
Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding Photographer | Gleneagles Townhouse Intimate Wedding Reception | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding Photographer | Gleneagles Townhouse Intimate Wedding Reception | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
An Intimate Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding | Sophie & Sam
I photographed Sophie and Sam’s Edinburgh City Chambers wedding, and it was one of those days that perfectly captures why I love documenting city weddings in the heart of Edinburgh. Thoughtful, intimate, and effortlessly elegant, their celebration made the most of the Old Town setting while staying deeply personal from start to finish. As an Edinburgh City Chambers wedding photographer, days like this are always a joy — full of meaningful moments, beautiful light, and timeless surroundings.
Getting Married at Edinburgh City Chambers, Old Town
Sophie and Sam chose Edinburgh City Chambers Events for their ceremony, and it was the perfect backdrop for their vows. Located in the heart of the Old Town, City Chambers offers that unmistakable Edinburgh character, with all of it’s historic stonework, grand interiors, stunning architecture and an atmosphere that feels both iconic and intimate.
As Sophie arrived for the ceremony, the room felt calm and expectant, filled with soft light and quiet emotion. Edinburgh City Chambers is such a wonderful venue to photograph; every angle tells a story, and the setting adds depth and character without ever overpowering the couple.
For anyone searching for an Edinburgh City Chambers wedding photographer, this venue offers endless opportunities for timeless, elegant imagery both inside and just outside on the surrounding streets all along The Royal Mile up to Edinburgh Castle and down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Natural, Editorial Wedding Photography in Edinburgh
I photographed Sophie and Sam’s day under Melody Joy Co., as a wedding photographer based in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a focus on natural, emotive storytelling. Their wedding wasn’t about rigid timelines or staged moments. it was truly all about connection, presence, and letting the day unfold organically. the moments in between throughout the wedding day, are just as important for me to capture as the main event of the wedding ceremony.
Edinburgh City Chambers is always a dream to photograph. The contrast between the historic interiors and the energy of the Old Town streets creates a beautiful balance of classic and modern. For couples planning a city wedding, working with an experienced Edinburgh City Chambers wedding photographer means every fleeting moment is captured without interrupting the flow of the day.
Bridal Hair & Makeup by Lyn McKenzie
Sophie’s effortlessly elegant hair and makeup were created by Lyn Mckenzie Hair And Makeup. Her look was timeless and natural, perfectly suited to the classic surroundings of Edinburgh City Chambers. The styling photographed beautifully throughout the day, as she was polished enough for the ceremony, yet relaxed and modern, which complemented Sophie’s dress and the overall tone of the wedding perfectly.
Botanical Wedding Flowers by Celandine
The florals for Sophie and Sam’s wedding were designed by Claire Sylvester of Celandine, who is a member of the Ochre Botanical Studios collective. Inspired by nature and seasonality, the arrangements added warmth, texture, and softness to the day. Against the historic stone backdrop of the Old Town, the florals felt organic, romantic and never overdone, but thoughtfully composed. Claire’s work brought everything together in a way that felt both artistic and effortless.
If you’re still searching for the best florist in Edinburgh for your wedding day, truly working with anyone from the Ochre Botanical Studios Collective is the best place to look. I only get more impressed with them, after each wedding day that I photograph their floral installations and wedding bouquets.
An Intimate Edinburgh Wedding Dinner at Gleneagles Townhouse
After their ceremony, Sophie and Sam continued their celebration with an intimate dinner at The Courtyard in The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse. This Edinburgh reception venue is ideal for couples who want a refined yet relaxed setting for a smaller guest list. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with stunning natural light pouring in from the ceiling above, allowing everyone to slow down, connect, and truly enjoy the evening. Soft lighting, beautiful interiors, and incredible food made it the perfect place to celebrate after their Edinburgh City Chambers wedding.
Sophie and Sam truly had such a joy filled wedding day, and I’m so grateful to have been able to be there to witness such a memorable day in the heart of this city that I love so much, in Edinburgh, Scotland. x
FAQs About Edinburgh City Chambers Weddings
Where is Edinburgh City Chambers located?
Edinburgh City Chambers is located in the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile. It’s a popular ceremony venue for couples planning an intimate Edinburgh city wedding.
Can you have wedding photos outside Edinburgh City Chambers?
Yes. One of the best parts of getting married at Edinburgh City Chambers is stepping straight into the Old Town for wedding photos. The surrounding streets, architecture, and hidden corners are perfect for timeless portraits.
Why choose an Edinburgh City Chambers wedding photographer?
An experienced Edinburgh City Chambers wedding photographer understands the lighting, layout, and timing of ceremonies at City Chambers, ensuring relaxed, natural photos without interrupting the flow of your day.
How many guests can attend a wedding at Edinburgh City Chambers?
Guest numbers vary depending on the ceremony room you choose, making City Chambers ideal for smaller, intimate weddings as well as slightly larger gatherings. The Council Chamber can host up to 110 guests and The European Room (which is a personal favorite space of mine) can host up to 70 guests.
Where can you host a reception after an Edinburgh City Chambers wedding?
Many couples choose nearby restaurants or private dining spaces. Sophie and Sam celebrated with an intimate dinner at The Courtyard in The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse, a popular choice for elegant Edinburgh receptions.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Edinburgh City Chambers
Sophie and Sam’s day is a perfect example of why I love being an Edinburgh City Chambers wedding photographer:
A central Old Town location with iconic Edinburgh surroundings
Beautiful Historic interiors that photograph effortlessly
Ideal for intimate, meaningful ceremonies
Close to some of Edinburgh’s best reception venues
When couples choose City Chambers and pair it with a thoughtful and local supplier team, the result is always a wedding that feels timeless, relaxed, and full of heart.
Planning Your Own Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding?
If you’re planning an intimate city wedding and looking for an Edinburgh City Chambers wedding photographer, Sophie and Sam’s wedding is proof that you don’t need a huge guest list or elaborate plans, just meaningful moments, beautiful surroundings, and a team that you really trust. Edinburgh offers endless inspiration for couples who want a wedding that feels personal, elegant, and unforgettable and I’m so honored to photograph each beautiful couple, inside and out, in this stunning city of Edinburgh. x
The Lovely Edinburgh Wedding Suppliers
Edinburgh Ceremony Venue - Edinburgh City Chambers Events in Old Town
Wedding Photographer Based in Edinburgh, Scotland - Melody Joy Co.
Edinburgh Reception Intimate Dinner Venue - The Courtyard in The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse
Edinburgh Hair and MUA - lyn mckenzie Hair And Makeup
Edinburgh Wedding Florist - Claire Sylvester of Celandine,
Who is a member of the Ochre Botanical Studios collective
Edinburgh, Scotland Wedding Photographer | Edinburgh City Chambers Ceremony | Gleneagles Townhouse Wedding Lunch | Lady Libertine Bar & Restaurant Wedding Reception
Edinburgh, Scotland Wedding Photographer | Edinburgh City Chambers Ceremony | Gleneagles Townhouse Wedding Lunch | Lady Libertine Bar & Restaurant Wedding Reception
Katy and Harry’s wedding day in Edinburgh, Scotland was the perfect blend of timeless elegance, meaningful tradition, and modern celebration. Set against the historic beauty of the city, their day truly included so many of Edinburgh’s most iconic and stylish venues, creating a dream narrative for any couples planning a refined edinburgh city wedding. As an Edinburgh Scotland wedding photographer, capturing a day like this is an absolute joy, not only because I was able to walk to all of these beautiful edinburgh venues from my house, but thisa day was filled with so much emotion, beauty, and unmistakable Scottish charm.
The day began in the heart of the Old Town, right on the Royal Mile, with their intimate and elegant wedding ceremony held in The European Room at Edinburgh City Chambers. This iconic space, known for its grand windows and classic architectural details, offered a romantic and light-filled setting for Katy and Harry to exchange rings and vows. Surrounded by their closest family members and friends, the atmosphere felt deeply personal and full of warmth. I always say that smaller ceremonies can still feel incredibly luxurious and have just as many memories in day to capture, as a larger wedding day does.
Katy was effortlessly stunning in her bespoke gown by Jessica Bennett Bridal, sourced from The Fall Bride. The dress combined modern structure with soft, romantic details, perfectly reflecting Katy’s style. A midi dress is always a good idea if you’re a bride that wants to have bridal portraits taken on the cobblestoned streets on the Royal Mile or anywhere in the old town of Edinburgh, Scotland. Her bridal look was completed by one of the most talented makeup artists in Scotland, Rae Mathieson Bridal, whose make-up enhanced Katy’s natural glow, and Alex from Meka Hair Design, who created an elegant yet relaxed hairstyle that held beautifully throughout the day. Every detail felt intentional and timeless.
Katy and Harry had the perfect wedding day in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Harry fully embraced Scottish tradition in a kilt by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, a look that felt both meaningful and impeccably tailored. His ring, crafted by Beverley Hutton Moore Silversmith, was a striking and personal piece, while Katy’s rings by Dinny Hall Jewellery added a refined, contemporary touch to her bridal styling.
Floral design played a huge role in shaping the aesthetic of the day. Scotland Wedding FLorists, Sue Gordon from It Just Keeps Growing, alongside Kirsty from Flower Vogue Aberdeen, created arrangements that felt organic, textural, and seasonally inspired. Soft blooms and natural greenery added warmth to the ceremony space and flowed beautifully through the rest of the day, enhancing each location without overpowering it. They really created such a colorful spread of florals for the wedding lunch in The Courtyard at GLeneagles Townhouse.
Following the ceremony, all of the wedding guests walked from the old town of Edinburgh, to the New Town of Edinburgh, to make their way to Gleneagles Townhouse for a relaxed yet refined wedding lunch. This iconic Edinburgh venue offered the perfect backdrop for long conversations, laughter, and beautifully curated plates. The intimate setting allowed everyone to truly slow down and savour the experience, which was one of the most memorable parts of this wedding day. There is just something about being able to sit down at one long table with all of the closest family and friends to really commemorate such a special day in your lives in a more intimate way.
They picked not only the best wedding venues for their day, from Edinburgh City Chambers to Gleneagles TOwnhouse to Lady Libertine,
but they also found some of the best Scottish wedding suppliers to
create the wedding of their dreams in the center of Edinburgh.
As the sun dipped lower over the city, this Scottish Wedding celebration transitioned into an evening at Lady Libertine, where the mood shifted into full celebration mode. Known for its dramatic interiors and lively atmosphere, Lady Libertine was the ideal choice for Katy and Harry’s evening wedding reception party. Guests enjoyed dancing, cocktails, A DJ, and sweet treats from Kilted Donut, whose desserts added a playful and delicious finish to the night. When anyone gets married in Edinburgh who isn’t from there, I always recommend finding a local bakery, and just making a spread of everything delicious. Edinburgh, Scotland has some of the best bakeries, and all of them would be perfect for piling up on dessert tables.
Throughout the day, i just kept thinking about how much of an honour it was to document every moment of this day for katy and harry, not just as an Edinburgh Scotland wedding photographer, but being able to walk to all of these wedding days from our home in the heart of EDINBURGH. From quiet, emotional exchanges to vibrant party scenes, Katy and Harry’s wedding DAY TRULY showcased everything that makes Edinburgh such an incredible place to get married. FROM THE historic EDINBURGH venues, TO THE world-class SCOTTISH WEDDING suppliers, THERE WAS JUST ENDLESS LOVE AND CARE PUT INTO THIS INTIMATE WEDDING DAY.
Katy and Harry’s wedding DAY is a beautiful reminder that Edinburgh weddings can be both elegant and relaxed, traditional yet STILL modern. For couples searching for inspiration, or an experienced Edinburgh Scotland wedding photographer, this day was truly one to remember. X
If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer based in
Edinburgh, Scotland, I would absolutely love to photograph
you both in this city that I now call home. x
Edinburgh, Scotland Wedding Suppliers
Edinburgh Ceremony Venue - The European Room at Edinburgh City Chambers
Wedding Lunch - Gleneagles Townhouse @gleneaglestownhouse
Evening Wedding Reception Party - Lady Libertine @lady_libertine_
Edinburgh, Scotland Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
Florist - Sue Gordon from @itjustkeepsgrowing
and Kirsty from Flower Vogue Aberdeen @flower_vogueaberdeen
Make-Up Artist - Rae Mathieson Bridal @raemathiesonbridal
Hair Stylist - Alex from Meka Hair Design
Bride's Wedding Dress - Jessica Bennett Bridal @jessicabennettbridal from The Fall Bride @thefallbride
Groom's Kilt - Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers @gordonnicolsonkiltmakers
Bride Rings - Dinny Hall @dinnyhalljewellery
Harry Ring - Beverley Hutton Moore @beverleyhuttonmooresilversmith
Dessert - Donut Towers by Kilted Donut
Royal College of Physicians Wedding Ceremony | Gleneagles Townhouse Wedding Reception | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Royal College of Physicians Wedding Ceremony | Gleneagles Townhouse Wedding Reception | Marissa and Mike | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Marissa and mike had their wedding ceremony at The Royal College of PHysicians on Queen Street in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Royal College of Physicians is one of the most iconic library’s that you can get married at in all of Edinburgh. They were married in “The New Library”, which is ironically one of the oldest libraries in Edinburgh as well. It is actually still being used as a functional library today for the college. And of course, The New Library is perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony, and Marissa and Mike had just 10 of thier closest friends and family members with them on their wedding day.
Earlier that day, Marissa got ready in a corner suite at The Cheval the Edinburgh Grand on St. Andrew’s Square, which is just around the corner from The Royal College of Physicians. She had the talented Rae Mathieson doing her makeup and the lovely Stacey Deane do everyone’s hair. They also had the talented Emma, of Timeless White wedding planners, there with her in the bridal suite when I arrived, and of course, she was making sure that every detail was taken care of the entire wedding day. Mike and Marissa had a first look in the Games Room on the 4th floor of the Cheval Edinburgh Grand and then afterwards had a private moment to say their vows to each other with no one else in the room. After they were finished we took a few photos by the elevator in the lobby, which is an image that is sentimental to them both.
The team at Timeless White made sure that the bride and groom were driven around during their wedding portraits by the friendliest taxi service in town, Butlers Chauffeur Hire. Once we got in the car, I had already pre planned with the couple over multiple zoom calls and emails about exactly where they would like to take their wedding portraits in Edinburgh. We started on the old town side of the city first, and roamed around the royal mile and vennel lookout point with the edinburgh castle perfectly placed behind the couple. We then drove over to the new town side of town, where The Royal COllege of Physicians is located, and stopped at both Circus lane in Stockbridge as well as the SCottish National POrtrait Gallery on queen street. THe portrait Gallery is one of my favorite spots to take portraits, as there are so many lovely murals and multiple floors of artwork for every couple to find a lovely corner that they appreciate. The Portrait Gallery is also just one block away from The Royal College of Physicians, so we were able to walk over to the wedding venue.
All of the wedding guests arrived to the new Library ceremony space, which is filled with books, floral installations by The Petal Shoppe, live music by the Capella String Quartet, a surrounding balcony, windy staircases and ornate marble ceilings, while the bride and groom were tucked away in a suite. The wonderfully charming celebrant, Andrew Scott, made the ceremony incredibly scottish and heart warming for these two americans, who have heritage in scotland, with all of the scottish traditions that he shared with their loved ones. After the ceremony, the couple were greeted with confetti outside of the royal college of physicians before their guests headed off to the cocktail hour. But before leaving the stunning architecture of this historic wedding venue in the heart of edinburgh, the couple had one more roam around the new library by themselves to take a few more couple photos and have a private first dance with the live musician still playing in the background.
After leaving the Royal COllege of PHysicians, the couple had a taxi take them around the corner to The Gleneagles Townhouse for a few portraits at The Spence bar. The couple was also able to see all of the lovely floral installations and table decor in the courtyard of the spence restaurant before everyone else, and timeless white and The Petal Shoppe did such a wonderful job with everything. There were figs, grapes, and a soft palette of florals that perfectly matched the Spence’s palette of napkins and interior decor. BAck at the lounge tables by the spence bar, the wedding guests were all enjoying drinks and canapés before they were all escorted down to the courtyard for their seated dinner.
There were many heartfelt speeches, and even a few surprises for me personally, as the groom was from a place I never thought I would hear of again, but was from a small town that I used to live at for a few years in middle GA, and his two friends that gave speeches were also from there. The world is a really small place, and wedding days always remind me of that, especially when so many lovely american couples come over to scotland to get married in beautiful and historic venues in Edinburgh. IRonically, I have zero heritage in SCotland or the UK as a whole, as I’m all Mexican (mom’s side) and Norwegian (my dad’s side), via the DNA test that I took, and just in the last few generations had moved over to America and ended up in chicago, where my parents met as kids. but so many americans have british heritage and I love that they love to all come here to experience this culture. With my husband being scottish and us about to have a child in the next few weeks, I know that our child will love exploring all of the different cultures that make up their historical DNA, just as these two sweet gems did on their wedding day in Edinburgh. x
“The Royal College of Physicians has one of the most historic library spaces for anyone to have an intimate wedding ceremony and is conveniently located in the heart of edinburgh, scotland.”
Edinburgh Wedding Venue - The Royal College of Physicians | Destination Scottish Wedding Planners - Timeless White | EDINBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - MELODY JOY CO. | edinburgh Hair Stylist - Stacey Deane | Makeup Artist - Rae Mathieson | edinburgh Wedding Florist - The Petal Shoppe | Clothing & Fashion - Sophia Grace Couture | Entertainment - Capella String Quartet | edinburgh Officiant - Andrew Scott Celebrant | EDINBURGH COCKTAIL HOUR AND Reception Venue - The Courtyard at Gleneagles Townhouse | COcktail Hour - The Spence | Taxi - Butlers Chauffeur Hire | Getting Ready Bridal Suite - Cheval the Edinburgh Grand
Edinburgh Wedding Venue - The Royal College of Physicians | Destination Scottish Wedding Planners - Timeless White | EDINBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER - MELODY JOY CO. | edinburgh Hair Stylist - Stacey Deane | Makeup Artist - Rae Mathieson | edinburgh Wedding Florist - The Petal Shoppe | Clothing & Fashion - Sophia Grace Couture | Entertainment - Capella String Quartet | edinburgh Officiant - Andrew Scott Celebrant | EDINBURGH COCKTAIL HOUR AND Reception Venue - The Courtyard at Gleneagles Townhouse | COcktail Hour - The Spence | Taxi - Butlers Chauffeur Hire | Getting Ready Bridal Suite - Cheval the Edinburgh Grand
InterContinental The George Hotel Wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland | Hawksmoor Wedding Photography | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
InterContinental The George Hotel Wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland | Hawksmoor Wedding Photography | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
A Helpful Look at Planning an Intimate edinburgh City Wedding
When couples start planning a wedding in Edinburgh, one of the biggest questions is how to create a day that feels seamless, meaningful, and easy for guests, especially when working within the city. Emily and Will’s wedding is a great example of how choosing the right venues and keeping things walkable can simplify planning while still feeling special.
Emily and Will hosted their ceremony at InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel and their reception at Hawksmoor Edinburgh on St Andrew Square, with guests walking together between locations. Below is a breakdown of why this worked so well, plus what other couples can learn from their choices.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel
was the perfect Ceremony Venue
The location was on George Street, in New Town, which is best known for Couples who want an elegant indoor ceremony with historic character and central access to the city. The InterContinental Edinburgh The George Hotel sits right on George Street in the heart of the New Town, making it extremely convenient for both local and destination guests. The hotel occupies a row of Georgian townhouses dating back to the late 1700s, which gives it architectural interest without feeling overly ornate or formal.
Emily and Will chose King’s Hall for their ceremony, because From a planning standpoint, this room works well because It accommodates small to mid-sized guest counts comfortably, has consistent indoor lighting (helpful for photography year-round) and It feels polished without needing extensive décor. Because the ceremony, guest arrival, and post-ceremony drinks all happened within one block of the city, the timeline stayed relaxed. Guests weren’t rushed, and there was no transportation to coordinate, which is a big plus for Edinburgh city weddings.
Another Helpful takeaway, If you’re planning a wedding in Edinburgh and want a weather-proof option with built-in elegance, The George is a solid choice. Its central location also makes it easy to pair with a nearby reception venue.
Having a Walkable Wedding in Edinburgh is such a lovely choice
One of the most practical decisions Emily and Will made was choosing venues within walking distance of each other. After the ceremony, guests walked together from George Street to St Andrew Square, which is aonly about five minutes on foot.
This approach offers several benefits:
- No need to arrange transport or worry about delays
- Guests stay connected as a group
- The transition becomes part of the experience, not a logistical gap
Edinburgh’s New Town is particularly well suited to this style of wedding. The streets are wide, organized, and easy to navigate, even for guests unfamiliar with the city. When choosing venues in Edinburgh, prioritize proximity. Walkable locations reduce stress, save money, and keep the day flowing naturally.
Emily and will’s wedding Reception Venue at the Hawksmoor
in Edinburgh, on Saint Andrew Square was a dream
Choosing any wedding venue on St Andrew Square in Edinburgh is perfect for Couples who want a relaxed, high-quality dining experience in a stylish setting
Hawksmoor Edinburgh is located inside a former bank building overlooking St Andrew Square. The space is large but feels intimate when used for private dining or partial buyouts, which makes it ideal for smaller weddings.
From a reception planning perspective, Hawksmoor works well because
- The food quality is consistently high and guest-focused
- The service style is polished but not overly formal
- The space doesn’t require much styling to feel complete
Emily and Will’s reception centered on conversation, good food, and time together rather than a highly structured schedule. This is a strong option for couples who value the guest experience over traditional wedding formalities.
If quality food, drinks and atmosphere are high priorities, choosing a restaurant reception like Hawksmoor can simplify planning while delivering a memorable experience.
Why Edinburgh Works Well for Intimate Weddings
Edinburgh, Scotland is especially well suited for smaller, intentional weddings or for intimate destination wedding days. You don’t need to create atmosphere from scratch, as the city already has it. Venues tend to be character-driven, centrally located, and designed for real use rather than large-scale events.
For couples considering Edinburgh, some advantages include:
- Compact layout that supports walkable timelines
- High-quality venues with built-in design
- Excellent options for dining-focused receptions
- Easy access for international and UK guests
Rather than spreading the day across multiple distant locations, Emily and Will kept everything within one neighbourhood, which truly made their wedding day feel cohesive and manageable.
Choosing a Documentary-Style Wedding Photographer in Edinburgh
For city weddings like this, documentary-style photography is often a better fit than heavily posed coverage. Emily and Will worked with me, Melody Joy, and my approach focuses on observing and documenting moments as they happen. This style is especially helpful for Capturing natural guest interactions, Documenting walking transitions between venues and Preserving the real flow of the day, not just highlights.
In busy city environments, a photographer who understands how to work quickly, unobtrusively, and with changing light conditions is a major asset and it doesn’t hurt that I live within walking distance of anywhere in the center of Edinburgh, as I’m based in Stockbridge, a centrally located quaint little neighborhood of Edinburgh. But truly, If your wedding involves movement, multiple locations, or a relaxed schedule, documentary photography helps tell the full story without interrupting it.
Final Thoughts for Couples Planning an Edinburgh Wedding
Emily and Will’s wedding shows how effective simple, well-chosen decisions can be, from One central ceremony venue, A short walk to the reception at Hawksmoor, A focus on guest experience and Photography that reflects real moments.
If you’re considering getting married in Edinburgh and want a day that feels smooth, personal, and easy to manage, this style of planning is worth considering. The city supports it, you just need to choose venues and edinburgh wedding suppliers that work together well for the wedding day that you envision it to be. I hope this blog post has been helpful to anyone planning their wedding day in Edinburgh, from locally or abroad. x
Edinburgh Wedding Suppliers
Edinburgh Wedding Venue - InterContinental The George Hotel
Edinburgh Reception venue - Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
Bonham Hotel Wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland | Eilidh + Ryan | Edinburgh City Chambers Ceremony | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Bonham Hotel Wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland | Eilidh + Ryan | Edinburgh City Chambers Ceremony | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Eilidh and Ryan had the most beautiful wedding day celebrating in Edinburgh at The Bonham Hotel and had their wedding ceremony at Edinburgh City Chambers. They started their wedding day by getting ready separately, so they could have the first look as Eilidh walked down the aisle. So I met the bride in the courtyard and photographed her entire grand entrance as she walked through the Edinburgh City Chambers courtyard, strolled up the beautiful grand staircase with red carpet and followed her all of the way up to the European Room Suite, which is the loveliest room at the City Chambers. It is filled with large, historic painted murals and elegant cornicing and detail along every inch of the walls and ceiling.
I was then able to angle myself in the front of the ceremony, to capture Ryan watching his soon to be wife stroll down the aisle as he saw her in her stunning wedding dress for the first time. She had the loveliest puff sleeved wedding dress and the most timeless princess cut and neckline that was so incredibly beautiful and flattering. I also loved her headband! After the vows, signing the registry and saying I do, the couple had their first kiss and then we took a few family portraits before we headed back outside for portraits.
We strolled over to the National Galleries of Scotland Portrait Gallery. The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland is one of my favorite places for natural light in an indoor setting of Edinburgh. So whether rain or shine, you can always rely on the Scottish Portrait Gallery to have beautifully lit couples portraits in front of floor to ceiling murals and large ornate windows. I regularly visit The Scottish National Portrait Gallery with my husband to see the latest portrait exhibits and the fact that it's only a few minutes walk away from our home.
After strolling around Edinburgh for wedding portraits, Eilidh and Ryan had their friends and family meet them at The Bonham Hotel, a beautiful boutique hotel located in the stunning West End neighborhood of Edinburgh. I love the Bonham Hotel because of how quaint the interior is, but also the staff is always so hospitable and helpful when catering to your guests. The dining hall of the Bonham hotel has a beautiful bay window overlooking a private garden on Drumsheugh Gardens.
At the end of the day, the couple was able to cut their cake, laugh with their friends and celebrate their wedding day with all of their favorite people, sweetly tucked away in the beautiful interiors of the Bonham Hotel. x
“The Bonham Hotel is a beautiful spot for an intimate wedding day in the west end of Edinburgh, Scotland.”
Intimate Hotel Wedding Venue in Edinburgh - The Bonham Hotel // Edinburgh Wedding Ceremony Venue - Edinburgh City Chambers on The Royal Mile in Old Town // Edinburgh Wedding Portrait Location - National Galleries of SCotland, scottish national portrait gallery // Edinburgh Wedding Photographer Based in Edinburgh - Melody Joy Co.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Wedding | A Beautiful Outdoor and Indoor Wedding Venue in Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Wedding | A Beautiful Outdoor and Indoor Wedding Venue in Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
A Romantic Garden Wedding at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
There’s something undeniably magical about getting married in Scotland, especially when the setting is as iconic and beautiful as The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. For Katherine and Tyler, their wedding day was a seamless blend of refined elegance, lush botanical beauty, and heartfelt celebration, set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the city. With an Edinburgh outdoor ceremony and indoor reception venue that offered the best of both worlds, their day unfolded like a modern fairytale rooted in timeless romance, which is exactly why this sweet family from the states flew to Edinburgh for their wedding day.
Planned to perfection by Lucy Barrowman of Premier Wedding Planning, this unforgettable celebration brought together some of the most sought-after wedding suppliers in Scotland, creating a day that was not only visually stunning but deeply personal from beginning to end.
Morning Preparations at The Caledonian Edinburgh
Katherine began her wedding morning in the luxurious bridal suite at The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, one of the city’s most iconic hotels and a favourite Edinburgh getting ready hotel bridal suite for couples seeking classic elegance. Natural light poured through the windows as anticipation filled the room, setting the tone for a calm and joyful morning. The windows from the rooms at The Caledonian in Edinburgh also look over the Edinburgh Castle, which is just the perfect view for you and your loved ones on your destination wedding morning in scotland.
Surrounded by her closest loved ones, Katherine’s bridal look came to life with the help of two of Edinburgh’s most talented beauty artists. Pamela Docherty, a distinguished Edinburgh hair stylist, created a soft, romantic hairstyle that felt effortlessly chic yet enduring. Complementing this, Stacey Toner, a sought-after Edinburgh makeup artist, crafted glowing, timeless makeup that enhanced Katherine’s natural beauty without overpowering it. Their work helped foster a sense of calm confidence and joy that carried through the day.
Katherine’s gown, a sleek and modern creation by Sarah Seven, struck the perfect balance between contemporary design and timeless elegance, which was ideal for both the intimate outdoor ceremony and the refined indoor reception that followed. For shoes, she chose a playful blend of fashion and comfort with Fendi heels for formal portraits and a pair of Golden Goose sneakers for dancing later in the evening.
Tyler’s wedding day style mirrored the refined elegance of the occasion. He wore a custom tux designed by Canali, tailored to perfection and timeless in every sense, paired with elegant Bruno Magli wedding shoes. Together, the couple’s fashion choices were cohesive and expressive, marrying classic sophistication with personal flair.
Wedding Portraits at The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
After being picked up in a taxi from The Caledonian, Katherine and Tyler slipped away before the Botanic garden festivities for a couples portrait session at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in the heart of Edinburgh. Just a short distance from the gardens, this stunning red sandstone landmark, which was designed in the neo-Gothic style by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in the late 19th century, stands proudly on Queen Street and is one of the city’s most photogenic historic buildings. Inside, the gallery feels like a palace of stories, adorned with intricate murals, sculptural details and the breathtaking Great Hall. The museum is complete with a celestial zodiac ceiling and processional frieze depicting key figures from Scottish history. For couples visiting Edinburgh on their wedding day, the Portrait Gallery offers a remarkable blend of architectural grandeur and cultural heritage. It’s a place where contemporary portraits of modern icons sit alongside depictions of royalty, poets and pioneers, creating a rich and dramatic backdrop that elevates every romantic frame. I always love photographing couples visiting Scotland in this iconic space, as it truly feels like the inside of a castle. their gallery portraits were infused with both the timeless elegance of the city and the intimate connection of the newlyweds, I love that these two were able to have a private moment and have their couples portraits taken before seeing the rest of their wedding guests at their garden celebration.
A Forest Ceremony in John Muir Grove at The Royal Botanic Garden
The wedding ceremony of Katherine and Tyler’s wedding day unfolded beneath cathedrals of nature, under the towering redwoods of John Muir Grove in The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This special area of the garden is one of the most enchanting outdoor ceremony locations in Edinburgh: a circle of giant redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum) planted in the 1920s that reach over 24 metres high and create a stunning, cathedral-like canopy for weddings. Named in honour of the Scots born conservation pioneer behind the U.S. national park system, the grove brings a sense of calm, grandeur, and natural splendour to every ceremony held here.
Walking down a petal-lined path, surrounded by towering trees and the soft murmur of nature, Katherine and Tyler exchanged their vows in an intimate outdoor ceremony filled with meaning and emotion. The grove’s atmosphere that was both serene and majestic, allowing their love to feel even more present, rooted deeply in the moment and embraced by nature. Floral accents from Ochre Botanics, one of the most beloved Edinburgh wedding florists, breathed gentle colour into the space without taking away from its organic beauty.
One of the most significant moments of the day came with the exchange of rings. Katherine and Tyler chose a mix of Cartier wedding bands and a treasured family heirloom, which was a beautiful symbol of the couple’s connection to the past even as they embarked on their future together. It was deeply personal to both of them and a perfect reflection of the meaningful day they hand curated.
This remarkable setting is precisely why so many couples choose The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for their outdoor wedding ceremony, and for Katherine and Tyler, it provided a lush, unforgettable backdrop that beautifully reflected their personalities and shared love of nature.
Seamless Coordination by Premier Wedding Planning
Executing a wedding at such a remarkable venue, spanning tranquil outdoor landscapes and historic indoor spaces, requires expert planning and coordination. Lucy Barrowman of Premier Wedding Planning, a leading Edinburgh, Scotland wedding planner, made the entire day feel effortless. From timeline management and vendor coordination to the smallest design details, Lucy ensured that every moment unfolded smoothly, allowing Katherine and Tyler to be fully present for each meaningful moment. Even with their being rain, the entire day was so smooth, ran on time and every guest felt comfortable with umbrellas, as every detail was thought out in advance.
Documenting edinburgh wedding days for couples who fly in from America, always make me so grateful to be an Edinburgh based wedding photographer now. I always strive to photograph Edinburgh wedding days by not only capturing the emotive storytelling and refined imagery, but also the historic element of the architecture and surroundings in the city, that the couples coming here for destination wedding days really chose this historic city to get married in for. I wanted to capture this day exactly as it felt, romantic, intentional, and beautifully organic and to simply photograph it from a documentary perspective. From the natural elegance of the forest ceremony in John Muir Grove to candid moments at the reception, this day had such a timeless visual narrative and was such an unforgettable day.
Cocktail Hour & Reception in Caledonian Hall
After the ceremony, guests made their way to Caledonian Hall, the stunning indoor reception space nestled within The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Originally built in 1843 as the Herbarium and now a beautifully restored Grade B-listed hall, Caledonian Hall is characterised by high ceilings, large windows, and abundant natural light, which makes it the perfect complement to the natural beauty of the outdoor ceremony. Overlooking the Rock Garden and waterfall, this elegant space provides a refined and welcoming environment for reception celebrations.
Guests enjoyed drinks and conversations during cocktail hour in the hall’s spacious interior and adjacent outdoor areas, soaking up every moment of the celebration as the garden’s greenery became part of the evening’s ambience. Catering was provided by The Royal Botanics Edinburgh, whose culinary team delivered a thoughtfully curated menu full of seasonal flavours and beautiful presentation.
Tables were styled with candles, linens, and delicate floral details by Ochre Botanics, weaving together the natural charm of their garden ceremony with the refined aesthetic of the indoor space. As dinner transitioned into dancing, the energy in Caledonian Hall soared. The WooHoo Band, a sought-after Edinburgh, Scotland live reception band, took the stage and kept everyone on their feet well into the night. From classic hits to modern favourites, their performance provided a dynamic soundtrack to the celebration and they also did a classic ceilidh for everyone that had guests of all ages laughing, singing, and dancing.
A Documentary Style Edinburgh Wedding
Katherine and Tyler’s wedding day at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was a masterclass in thoughtful planning, elevated design, and genuine emotion. From the enchantment of their outdoor ceremony in John Muir Grove to the elegance of their reception in Caledonian Hall, every element felt intentional and beautifully connected.
With an extraordinary team of Edinburgh wedding suppliers, expert coordination from Lucy Barrowman of Premier Wedding Planning, I was able to photograph this beautiful wedding day with ease, their celebration was not only breathtaking but deeply personal. For couples dreaming of a refined garden wedding in the heart of Scotland’s capital, this day stands as a beautiful example of what’s possible when love, nature, and expert planning come together. x
Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and Edinburgh City Centre Wedding Suppliers
Edinburgh Outdoor Ceremony + Indoor Reception Venue - The Royal Botanics Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland Wedding Planner - Lucy Barrowman of Premier Wedding Planning
Edinburgh Based Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
Edinburgh Getting Ready Hotel Bridal Suite - The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
Edinburgh Wedding Florist - Ochre Botanics
Edinburgh Hair Stylist - Pamela Docherty
Edinburgh Makeup Artist - Stacey Toner
Bride’s Wedding Dress - Sarah Seven
Shoes - Fendi and Golden Goose
Groom's Tux designer - Canali
Groom Wedding Shoes - Bruno Magli
Bride + Groom Rings - Cartier and Family Heirloom
Cocktail Hour + Reception Caterer - The Royal Botanics Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland Live Reception Band - WooHoo Band
Lecropt Kirk Bridge of Allan Wedding | Kirkstyle Inn Dunning Wedding Reception | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
An intimate wedding ceremony at Lecropt Kirk in Bridge of Allan, Scotland | The Kirkstyle Inn Dunning Wedding Reception | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Sophie and Jake had a beautiful wedding day at Lecropt Kirk in Bridge of Allan and The Kirkstyle INn in Dunning. They started their wedding day by having an intimate ceremony at the historic Lecropt Kirk in bridge of Allan, Scotland. Jake arrived early to greet their loved ones and then waited at the front of the aisle for Sophie’s Arrival. Sophie was absolutely stunning, in her vintage inspired reformation silk dress, along with her stunning makeup done by Claire Nisbet, and her beautiful bouquet by Stunning Flowers. the intimate ceremony involved singing their favorite hymns, an exchanging of rings, tunes on the trumpet by their talented friend Stephanie Kennedy and beautiful words by their pastor.
After the ceremony, the couple’s lined up for a confetti toss. Sophie and Jake hugged their loved and took a few family portraits before sending them on their way to The Kirkstyle Inn in Dunning, to enjoy drinks and canapes and await their arrival while they stayed behing for wedding portraits at Lecropt Kirk. The property is so still and quiet, that it was a nice chance for the couple to spend a little time together strolling around before going and joining all of their guests at The Kirkstyle. We even went into the Lecropt Kirk Chapel after everyone left for some intimate couple portraits in the quiet sanctuary. We then made our way through the countryside as we drove up to The Kirkstyle Inn.
I was able to arrive a little bit earlier, so the couple could have some alone time and I could scout out the best angles to capture the couple arriving at the Kirkstyle Inn and to let all of the guests know to line up outside for their arrival. They had a timeless scottish entrance with a bagpiper and drummer walking them up to their wedding reception. They were led down the streets of this tiny village in a mini parade of just the two of them as they walked up to their loved one with open arms as they all greeted the newlyweds!
The rest of the evening was in three parts at The Kirkstyle Inn. First, they all had drinks in the outdoor garden on the river, just outside of the main historic building, where both the bride and groom, along with their loved ones made speeches. Then everyone headed inside and upstairs to the private dining area, where a long table was decorated with beautiful florals, candles and white tablecloth. A beautiful juxtaposition to the walls, which were colorful and filled with historic knickknacks and trinkets from all over scotland. The menu was a mix of fine dining with an elevated pub dinner course, which is exactly what the couple wanted. This Pub is already a place I want to go back to and try more on the menu, because I can testify to how delicious the food was.
After the intimate candlelit dinner upstairs, they had a live band playing while everyone danced the night away back in the outdoor garden area. Overall, the Kirkstyle Inn was the loveliest place for this wedding day to be celebrated with their loved ones, over a delicious meal, lots of dancing and lots of love in this little scottish village of Dunning. What a beautiful and memorable scottish wedding day this was! x
“The Lecropt Kirk in Bridge of Allan was so lovely for an intimate wedding reception and the Kirkstyle inn in dunning was the perfect pub for an intimate wedding dinner.”
Wedding Ceremony - Lecropt Kirk Chapel in Bridge of Allan, Scotland // Wedding Reception - The Kirkstyle Inn Pub in Dunning, Perthshire // Makeup Artist - Claire Nisbet MUA // Wedding Dress - Reformation // Florist - Stunning Flowers // Trumpet Player at Ceremony - Stephanie Kennedy
Barnbougle Castle Wedding Day | Rosebery Venues | Katie & Casey | Scottish Castle Venue near Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Barnbougle Castle Wedding Day | Rosebery Venues | Katie & Casey | Scottish Castle Venue near Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Katie and Casey were married in the beautiful Barnbougle Castle. They both flew, with all of their favorite loved ones, flew over from america to getting married in the beautiful seaside scottish castle, Barnbougle Castle. Barnbougle castle is located just outside of Edinburgh, and katie had previously been before and really felt a strong bond to scotland and found barnbougle to be the perfect venue to start their next chapter together.
I spent the morning with Katie and her sweet bridesmaids at the Glasshouse Hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, where they had breakfast, a first look with her dad and then hair and makeup done by AMM. The lovely doorman at The Glasshouse held an umbrella over Katie as she walked to her hired car to make sure she wasn’t soaked by the rain for her first look. We arrive to the Edinburgh City Chambers courtyard, where Casey was waiting for Katie to walk up to him. They embraced and we strolled around the royal mile and around the courtyard behind St. Giles cathedral to get a few bridal portraits in the old town area of Edinburgh before we took a taxi about 15 minutes outside of the city center, until we reached the countryside, where Barnbougle awaited us.
When we pulled up to Barnbougle Castle, a scottish man in a kilt greeted the bride and groom with memorable scottish tunes on the bagpipe. The couple were able to enjoy the entire castle to themselves for a bit while we strolled around for photos with the firth of forth waterfront view and edinburgh in the distance. After some moments taking in the entire castle alone with each other, they had their families come and join them 30 minutes before they told the guests to arrive for them to take family portraits before their ceremony.
The Bagpiper was at the entrance of Barnbougle Castle to greet all of their guests as they arrived in two red double decker buses. Once the guests were seated the beautiful ceremony started in the downstairs library with windows that overlooked the water. They had their friend officiate the wedding ceremony and of course they wantd to do the traditional scottish drinking of the quaich. overall, their wedding ceremony at Barnbougle Castle was surrounded by scottish Heritage.
After the ceremony, all of the guests went to the back of Barnbougle and had a cocktail hour on the Terrace. There were oysters (wild Thyme does such an amazing job of catering!), an open bar and lots of hugs and selfies taken. I love when the couple take portraits beforehand, so they were freely able to just enjoy the entire cocktail hour with their friends and family after the wedding ceremony.
They were able to pop upstairs for a few minutes to have a drink in private, refresh and to see the dining hall before the guests were invited upstairs to the grand ballroom. The couple had a grand entrance to the dining hall, with of course the scottish bagpiper once again leading the way with his music from the balcony. The rest of the evening was filled with dancing with their live band, WooHoo Band, a very entertaining ceilidh dance, lots of laughter and surprise fireworks from the back of barnbougle castle shooting over the water for all of their guests to remember such a magical wedding day in scotland.
“Barnbougle Castle is a stunning and historic wedding venue just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland with ocean front views.”
Edinburgh Weddnig hotel - The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection // Florist Company Name - Planet Flowers // Make-up + Hair Artist - AMM // Ceremony + Reception Venue - Barnbougle Castle, of Rosebery Venues // Cocktail Hour + Reception Caterer - Wild Thyme // Ceremony/Reception Band - Woohoo Band // Wedding Filmmaker - Matt Willo Film //
Cake - Liggys Cake's // Edinburgh, Scotland Based Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
Dundas Castle Wedding in Scotland | Scottish Castle Wedding | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Dundas Castle Wedding in Scotland | Scottish Castle Wedding | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
I was so excited for this wedding day at dundas castle! when APhril and graham decided to have their destination wedding in scotland, I knew it was going to be a fun time, but then learning that it was at dundas castle, I knew right then that they had the best taste and it was going to be a stunning wedding day, but also a solid party! Although, this was more of a destination wedding for APhril, as she and her family are all from the los angeles area, whereas graham was born and raised in Scotland. though he now lives in LA, which is where he met his bride, aphril.
a beautiful wedding day at the historic dundas castle
Dundas CastlE has so many rooms to get ready in and all of them are stunning with historical furniture and features displayed throughout. the owners actually live in a part of the estate still, in a private wing, so you can see a few family portraits in the library and living rooms. Aphril choose to get ready in a stunning room with two large windows overlooking the front courtyard of the castle entrance. It was joined to another room that was a beautiful shade of mint, and that is where her dress was hung up, so it wasn’t in the line of makeup while the bridal party was getting ready.
After the bridesmaids were ready, they all helped aphril put her dress on and button her many buttons on the back of her stunning wedding dress by rita vinieris. They held her dress as aphril walked down the grand staircase to head to the wedding ceremony. Her dad met her at the bottom of the stairs to walk her all of the way out of the castle and down the aisle.
The wedding ceremony took place in the tower within the castle. You did have to exit the main dundas castle building and walk through a quaint courtyard garden and then into the tower and up a few flights of a spiral staircase, but it all felt very fairytale-esque. Think, rapunzel barbara, from wild flower workshop, created the most beautiful floral installations at the front of the ceremony space on podiums as well as in the tower walls. Aphril’s wedding bouquet was also an artistic piece of work in and of itself. The staff of the castle rang the tower bell to announce the bride was on her way, as all of the guests were fully packed into the chairs and balcony area of the tower hall. as aphril’s dad walked her down the aisle, graham was so full of emotion and it was the sweetest thing to witness. The kids had bubble guns and an owl flew the rings to the bride’s brother. Overall, a wedding ceremony at dundas castle is a completely unique and customizable experience and one that is forever a memorable story for everyone to tell.
The wedding ceremony took place at the top of a tower in dundas castle
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom made their way to the rooftop of the tower for a few couple portraits overlooking the bridges and water of south queensferry, while the wedding guests headed back to the main castle building for cocktail hour. After the wedding portraits the bride and groom had some time alone to themselves before being announced down the grand staircase in front of all of their wedding guests to join them for the rest of the cocktail hour. There were a few speeches at the stairs, a cake cutting with a sword and plenty of shots taken, hugs given and selfies photographed for the next hour before the wedding reception.
Dundas castle has the perfect courtyard for a sunny cocktail hour
There were two scottish bagpipers that led the bride and groom into the pavilion just outside of the castle for a sit down wedding meal, and later that is where the dancing would take place as well. A lot of Irn bru was had, more speeches with tears and laughter and then a delicious meal by the catering team from heritage portfolio. The dessert was a beautiful lavender color that matched the bright wedding bouquet centerpieces from wild flower workshop. Once the dancing began, it was easy for the dance floor to be filled with wedding guests as the jammy devils were just that good! Everyone was instantly out of their seats and having the best time on the dance floor. The party went late into the night where the groom, who is a part of the scottish house mafia DJ Trio, were able to DJ with his friends. You know it’s a good day when the dancing never ends, in the best way possible. unforgettable memories were made all day long, and that is the best kind of destination wedding day. And Dundas castle estate was the perfect location for such a special day in their lives. x
“Dundas Castle is a beautiful castle wedding venue near Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a perfect scottish castle for a Destination wedding day.”
Scotland Castle Wedding VENUE - Dundas Castle | Florist - Barbara Smith of Wild Flower Workshop | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy | Make-up Artist - brook lilias makeup | Hair - abi taylor bride | Bride's Wedding Dress - Rita Vinieris dress | Cocktail Hour + Reception Caterer - Heritage Portfolio | Ceremony and Reception Band and DJ - Jammy Devils Band and the scottish house mafia
If anyone is planning a destination wedding in scotland or a wedding at dundas castle, just outside of Edinburgh, I would love to chat
more with you about your wedding day!
Reach out to me on the link below.
Royal College of Physicians Intimate Wedding Day in Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Wedding Photography
Royal College of Physicians Intimate Wedding Day in Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | DEstination Wedding Photographer
Myranda and paul had the most beautiful, intimate wedding day in Edinburgh, Scotland. The ROyal COllege of Physicians was the main venue for their wedding day, and they had the earlier parts of their wedding scattered all over the beautiful scenes of Edinburgh. Which Jamie, of timeless white, planned the whole day out perfectly, honestly, It was one of those days that just flowed along beautifully, and I think a lot of it was his organization skills, which I really appreciate as a wedding photographer.
First, after getting ready at a flat in New town, Myranda walked over in the lovely rainy weather of scotland, that stopped just before she arrived for her first look underneath edinburgh castle. PauL was waiting for her by standing in front of the ross fountain in princes garden, while he gazed at the castle. It honestly is such a lovely spot for a first look, and the gardens are large enough that you can always find a quiet corner to have an intimate moment for your wedding day.
After the first look, Myranda and Paul strolled through Princes Garden and throughout the royal mile in Old town. They eventually made their way over to the royal cafe to grab a drink while sitting in a corner booth and have a little breather together before heading up to calton hill for the ceremony.
The filmmaker and myself, the talented David James, headed up to calton hill to give the couple some more time to themselves at their rental and to give us time to capture all of the lovely floral installations that Gloam created for their intimate wedding ceremony. The ceremony was set up on the back of the hillside on calton hill, where arthur’s seat was the iconic backdrop. After watching one day recently, I am sure arthur’s seat will be a part of even more love stories now. It really is such a beautiful hill and so close to the city. Anyways, back to the wedding day, Myranda and Paul’s wedding guests all arrived on a double decker vintage bus to the top of the hill, and myranda’s dad walked her down the aisle while paul was waiting at the top of calton hill with the landscape of edinburgh able to be seen within a 360 view all around him.
“After the ceremony on calton hill, the wedding guests headed
over to The Royal College of Physicians in the new town neighborhood
of Edinburgh, scotland for the cocktail hour in the cullen suite
and an intimate dinneR reception in the new library.”
After the ceremony, Myranda and paul joined their wedding guests aboard the vintage bus to drive over to the royal college of physicians in the new town neighborhood of edinburgh, where the guests were having cocktails upstairs in the cullen suite. Because they already had their wedding portraits taken before the ceremony they were able to mingle and enjoy the full cocktail hour with their loved ones.
When the cocktail hour was wrapping up, the opened the doors to the New library, where one long dinner table had been decorated by the edinburgh floral stylists, GLOAm. The long table was full of tall candlesticks, florals and little disco balls The dinner table was surrounded by all of the bookshelves in the royal college of physicians, and is actually a working college and library to this day. from a wedding photographers point of view, having a balcony in the library really makes for great angles of you and your guests if you choose to have your intimate wedding day at the royal college of physicians.
another reason that you would want to get married here, is that they have such lovely caterers, such as saltire hospitality, who not only have delicious and beautiful dishes they serve, but their staff is always so helpful and friendly to work with. Of course, Jamie, of the timeless White wedding planning team, made sure that myranda and paul had a wonderful team of local wedding vendors to make this wedding day run so seamlessly.
Myranda and Paul had the amazing DJ Sam Young, who has DJ’d for “George Clooney, Idris Elba weddings, Elton John’s 60th, events for Gucci, Valentino, GQ ‘most connected men’ event”… just to name a few from his socials. So what I love about this Edinburgh wedding venue that is if you really want to work with someone they are open to it, and I love that Myranda and Paul really wanted an amazing dj, even for how intimate their micro wedding day was.
They danced the night away in the great hall, where the flashing lights of the disco ball sparkled all over the grand pillars that surrounded the room as well as all over the historic and ornate sculptures and detailed cornicing work on the ceilings. Overall, the royal college of physicians was the perfect wedding venue for this intimate wedding day in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“The Royal College of Physicians is
one of the loveliest library wedding venues
in Edinburgh for an Intimate Wedding
Day with your loved ones.”
Wedding Venue / Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Stylist, Florist & Stationery / GLOAM
Wedding Planner / Timeless White
Photography / Melody Joy
Videography / David James
Bride’s Dress / Flora
Groom’s Formalwear / Anatoly & Sons
Wedding Rings / Marrow Fine
Hair & Makeup / Bonny’s Wonderland Hair and Makeup
Catering / Saltire Hospitality
Celebrant / Caroline Lambie
Entertainment / Tartan Entertainment
Transport / The Red Bus
Featured / THE LANE
IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO DOCUMENT YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING DAY at the royal college of physicians IN EDINBURGH, INQUIRE WITH ME AND tell me all about your LOVELY wedding day on MY INQUIRY FORM.
Royal College of Physicians Wedding in Edinburgh | Edinburgh wedding Photographer
The Royal College of Physicians wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland | Jessica & Lewis | St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral | Edinburgh
wedding Photographer
Jessica and Lewis chose to have their wedding day in their lovely hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland at the royal college of Physicians, A historic wedding venue located in the heart of Edinburgh on Queen Street. Lewis got ready ready in his childhood home with his best friends and they ended up walking to a local pub for pints just before heading to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church to start greeting everyone for the wedding ceremony. Jessica started her day by getting ready in the main bridal suite of the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel with all of her best friends and family members. the talented Rae Mathieson did an amazing job on Jessica’s makeup and MElanie Herriot did a beautiful job on her long wavy hairstyle.
A vintage car drove Jessica and her dad over to ST. Mary’s Episcopal Church in the west end, for their beautiful wedding ceremony. Then after the vows, the edinburgh string ensemble playing, then being led out of the ceremony by a bagpiper, they had a long sparkler exit all of the way back to their blue vintage car and drove over to The ROyal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for their cocktail hour and wedding reception. The cullen suite is where they had their portraits taken and the late night buffet desert table and the new library was where the guests congregated for drinks during the cocktail hour and room change before and after the dinner in the great hall. All of the rooms were such lovely and unique spaces for the guests to wakl around and mingle.
One of my favorite parts of the wedding day was during the cocktail hour in The New Library room of The Royal College of physicians, because they had a brass band, called Top tier Brass, playing covers of a lot of dance songs from the second level of the library while everyone below with their drinks created a dance floor as soon as the tunes started. It was such a great atmosphere for everyone and it was one of those weddings where everyone danced and was in high spirits the entire evening. they switched up the music again for the main dance floor in the great hall, where they had jonny ross music dj’ing and had two guys on a saxophone and bongos walking around and working the crowd. IT was such a fun evening full of limbos, laughter and learning on the dance floor about guests going “true scotsman in a kilt.” look it up, if you don’t know what that means.
It was also my first time working with Ollie & Ivy on a wedding day, and they did such a beautiful job with the floral arrangements, from the wedding bouquet, to the ceremony, to the floral installations to the dinner table centerpieces. Overall, I would easily recommend them again as a wedding florist in Edinburgh.
In the end, this was such a beautiful wedding day in the center of edinburgh. ALso, Jessica did such an amazing job planning this entire wedding day by herself. Honestly, I’m sure the staff at the royal college of physicians helped a lot, but I was so impressed at Jessica’s eye for detail, understanding of timelines and overall taste and style for the vendors she selected and the vision she had. All in all, this was another lovely wedding day at the royal college of physicians in edinburgh and it’s a bit of “win, win” that I live within walking distance of this wedding venue and could just stroll a few blocks home at the end of the night. x
bridal suite in Edinburgh - Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel // Edinburgh Wedding Florist - Ollie & Ivy // Scotland Make-up Artist - Rae Mathieson // Edinburgh Hair Stylist - Melanie Herriot (MHM Styling) // Wedding Dress - Stella McCartney from Net a Porter and HOM Bridal for alterations and bespoke cape // Groom jacket and waistcoat - 21st Century Kilt // rental jackets for ushers - McCalls Edinburgh Kilt Hire // Bride + Groom Rings - Cara Jewellers, Dubai // Ceremony + Reception Venue - St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral // Edinburgh Wedding Venue - Royal College of Physicians The New Library // Cocktail Hour + Reception Caterer (Including desserts!) - Saltire Hospitality // Ceremony/Reception edinburgh music - Edinburgh String Ensemble - Top Tier Brass - Jonny Ross Music (DJ, Sax and Bongos) // Wedding Filmmaker - Simon Hird // Wedding car supplier - Edinburgh Classic Wedding Cars
“The Royal College of Physicians is one of the loveliest and historic library wedding venues in Edinburgh, Scotland.”
A Winter Wedding in Scotland | Neidpath Castle Wedding Venue | Natalie + Jack | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
A Winter Wedding in Scotland | Neidpath Castle Wedding Venue | Natalie + Jack | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Neidpath Castle was the perfect setting for the most snowy wedding weekend in Scotland that I’ve ever seen. Natalie and Jack started their wedding day by getting ready with their loved ones in two different parts of the castle. Natalie had the highest bridal suite in the tower of Neidpath Castle. Jack spent his morning in the cottage to the side of Neidpath while greeting guests as they arrived to the castle and making the bouquets and button holes for all of the men in the bridal party. Natalie had her hair done by the talented Simon Hill from Sesh Hair Dressing and her makeup was done by Jenny Ross, and both were so lovely to work with! Natalie’s wedding dress and veil were from Jessica Bennett Bridal. The oversized bow in the back of dress and the tiny ruffles on the shoulders were my favorite details. Her shoes were also lovely, by the modern designer Camilla Elphick. Natalie read her letter (read how hilarious their personalities are in the photo of the card below) from Jack in private, had a glass of champagne, had a first look with her dad and bridesmaids in her dress and then made her way down to the main hall for the ceremony with her dad by her side.
The wedding ceremony at Neidpath Castle was held in a beautiful hall that was all candlelit and their was a beautiful Christmas Tree at the alter, where Jack was giving all of the sweet adorning looks at Natalie as she walked down the aisle. They exchanged rings, took part in a lot of historic Scottish wedding traditions and then roamed out of the front door as the bagpiper, Rex Benson, led them through a line of confetti to celebrate them becoming newlyweds! After the confetti line the couple took family portraits at the front door of Neidpath Castle and then Natalie and Jack roamed around the castle grounds for a bit, for a mix of alone time as well as couple portraits together before heading back into the reception with all of their guests. Neidpath Castle has a balcony that guests could walk all of the way up to, and they were cheering Natalie and Jack on as they made their way back into the castle! I think that is a very unique feature of this castle, as the cocktail hour is held in a hall at the very top of the castle, up a long and narrow spiral staircase, where the bagpiper could play in the rafters and the balcony was open to the guests, and that made it feel like it was right out of a storybook.
Neidpath Castle is such a beautiful setting for a romantic wedding day in the heart of scotland.
The floral arrangements in the dining hall and cocktail area were all done by the Neidpath Castle staff and the amazing dinner was catered by Cooks and Co, who were so thoughtful to us as vendors (and they went above and beyond in my book), as well as their whole staff just having the best manners I’ve ever seen. Truly, it’s something I notice and note for everyone that I work with, and only refer kind, genuine and considerate individuals. And the vendor team for this whole wedding day felt like that! After dinner, the evening then moved to another beautiful hall with beautiful tapestries for more drinks and desserts, with a beautiful cake cutting, coffee with shots and a delicious cheese board spread. Once the main hall was flipped to a dance floor, everyone then headed back downstairs to dance the night away to the DJ duo, Bangers & Brass. I was amazed at how atmospheric a live trumpet can make every song, I loved it! Towards the end of the evening we decided to go outside one more time for a few minutes of flash portraits in front of the castle, and in the short 5 minutes we were outside a magical snowfall began and it was seriously a fairytale ending to their wedding day. Neidpath Castle was honestly was such a beautiful castle to house Natalie and Jack’s romantic winter wedding day in Scotland. x
Scotland Castle Wedding Venue - Neidpath Castle (a beautiful castle in Peebles near the Scottish Borders) | Wedding Florist - Neidpath Castle Florist Team and the Groom made the bouquets and button holes! | Scotland Make-up Artist - Jenny Ross MUA | Scotland Wedding Hair Stylist - Simon Hill Hair from Sesh Hair Dressing | Wedding Dress and Veil - Jessica Bennett Bridal | Wedding Shoes - Camilla Elphick | Bridal Jewellry - All borrowed from the Bride’s mother and grandmother, besides the earrings from Monica Vinader | Grooms Entire Outfit - MacGregor & MacDuff | Bride + Groom Rings - Vintage Rings from R T Jewellery Monmouth, Bride's ring is from the 1930s and Groom's ring is from 1890s | Wedding Day Caterers - Cooks and Co. | Reception DJ - Bangers & Brass | Scottish Wedding Piper - Rex Benson |
Winton Castle Wedding | Carla + James | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Winton Castle Wedding | Carla + James | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Carla and James decided to get married near where James grew up in Scotland, which brought them to having their romantic wedding day at the stunning Winton Castle, located just outside of Edinburgh. The grounds are magical. When we arrived in the morning, we were greeted with an epic gate house that was surrounded by the misty fog. We decided to put the drone up to see the castle from overhead and I love the calm and quiet presence that fog makes you feel. It was a beautiful start to Carla and James’ wedding day. Once I photographed a bit of the lovely landscaping, I went straight upstairs inside of Winton Castle to the bridal suite, where Carla was having her makeup done by the talented Lyn Mckenzie Makeup. Truly, it’s always so nice to meet lovely wedding vendors on wedding days. I spent the morning documenting the bride, her sweet child, the family, the bridal party and all of the wedding details, like the florals by Save the Date Collective, in the natural window light of Winton Castle. Truly was a lovely morning of all of the bridesmaids toasting champagne, laughing together and loving on Carla as she was about to become a wife!
Winton Castle has many beautifully designed rooms with historic featured, vibrant interiors and vintage furniture. So it’s easy for any bride to choose a room within Winton Castle to vow to spend the rest of their lives together in. The ceremony was full of many scottish tradtions from the hand tying to drinking whisky out of their monogrammed Quaich. The ceremony was followed by a bit of alone time for the couple, then a few family photos by the fireplace while everyone was well into the appetizers and drinks floating around. After the family photos we did a confetti and group shot out front of Winton Castle. The Castle manager had a ladder ready to go, which I think was very thoughtful and the kind of organization mindset that I love on a wedding day. Then the three of us went for a more quiet stroll through the gardens surrounding Winton Castle. I like to let the couple walk either ahead or behind me for a while and I capture them from a distance, so they have some more alone time to chat and just be with each other before heading back inside to spend the evening with their loved ones.
Once we got back inside, the lovely main dining hall in Winton Castle, was all set up for a beautiful dinner reception. The wine and catering was all from Winton Castle, and everything was incredible, from the actual taste to the artistic plating of the food, which I really appreciated. After dinner there were many speeches, toasts, sparklers, cigars and everyone was able to lounge in all of the rooms of the castle with their teas and coffee. Eventually, the main dining hall was cleared of the reception tables and the set up by DJ Edinburgh was ready to go, as he went room to room inviting everyone to the dance floor! The night was endless dancing, partying and a really memorable time! Truly, Winton Castle was the perfect wedding venue for this lovely wedding day. x
Scotland Castle Wedding Venue - Winton Castle (a romantic castle venue near Edinburgh, Scotland) | Wedding Florist - Save the Date Collective | Scotland Wedding Makeup Artist - Lyn Mckenzie Makeup | Wedding Dress - Cotswold Frock Shop Bridal Gallery | Scotland Wedding DJ - DJ Edinburgh, Jim Henderson | Scotland Wedding Filmmaker - Amarone Wedding Films
Dovecot Studios Wedding | Sara + Gus | Duddingston Kirk Wedding | Halfpenny London Dress | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Dovecot Studios Wedding |
Sara + Gus | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | Halfpenny London DRESS | Kinloch anderson | Ochre botanical Studios | DudDingston Kirk
Sara and Gus are such a beautiful couple, inside and out. They started their day with a beautiful view over Duddingston Loch at the lovely historic church hall of Duddingston Kirk, in Holyrood Park. Their wedding guests, local Edinburgh family members to friends who traveled up from London, were all greeted with beautiful music by a local bagpiper and the entire scene was straight out of out an international romance film. The Duddingston Kirk church hall had a loft overlooking the entire ceremony and one large beautiful window, that was perfectly lit with natural light for them to sign their marriage certificate. Sara was wearing a gorgeous wedding dress and blouse from Halfpenny London that also matched the timelessness of the venue. After their sweet ceremony, where one of Sara’s best friends sang a lovely opera piece (one of the loveliest I’ve heard in a long time, as my dad had us listening to opera a lot growing up), and her voice filled the hall. Honestly, the acoustics were perfect in there for opera music. As they exited the front doors of Duddingston Kirk, everyone was waiting outside for them in two rows of sparklers throughout the Duddingston Kirk grounds, all of the way until the entrance gate to the Old Church Lane, where a beautiful vintage Daimler wedding car was waiting to take them to the Old Town of Edinburgh for their wedding portraits.
We strolled around the Edinburgh University Old College, which was perfectly placed down the street from their wedding reception venue at Dovecot Studios. Now Dovecot Studios is one of the loveliest halls I’ve been to in the Old Town of Edinburgh. Dovecot used to be a swimming pool for locals and has now been restored and converted into thriving artist studios as well as an art museum to display the local artists works. Dovecot also have art exhibits as well. The main space in the Dovecot Studios is a large hall with a viewing balcony overlooking a stunning center hall with an immaculately crafted high ceiling. It’s the perfect wedding venue for having a cocktail hour on the balcony before dinner, and then going up to the balcony for coffee and dessert while they clear the main floor for dancing and a live band, like The Jets, who did a lovely job at this wedding. I appreciate ceilidh dances so much. Not only are they a fun time, but ceilidh’s help everyone loosen up and help everyone meet other friends and relatives they hadn’t been close to before. All in all, Sara and Gus had such a beautiful day with their loved ones and Dovecot Studios was the perfect venue to house those unforgettable memories for them! x
Florist Company Name - Julie at Ochre Botanical Studios | Edinburgh Make-up Artist - Sophie Alexis Make-Up | Edinburgh Hair Stylist - Marnie 7 West | Wedding Dress + Sheer Blouse - Halfpenny London | Shoes - Loeffler Randall Shoes | Earrings - Completed Works | Groom's Jacket - Kinloch Anderson | Bride + Groom Rings - Natalie Landale Jewellery | Church Wedding Ceremony - Duddingston Kirk | Edinburgh Reception Venue Hall - Dovecot Studios | Wedding Reception Caterer - Pinkerton's Catering | Edinburgh Wedding Live Band - The Jets
A Beautiful Edinburgh Wedding | The Scotsman Hotel | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
A Beautiful Edinburgh Wedding | The Scotsman Hotel | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | Ochre BotanicaL Studios | GRAND CAFE EDINBURGH RESTAURANT
Alana and Les are local to Edinburgh and chose to have their wedding day start and end in the heart of their city, at The Scotsman Hotel. Alana spent her morning in the bridal suite that overlooked the Edinburgh skyline and spent the morning with her daughter and closest family members. She wore a stunning vintage wedding gown and her wedding bouquet was done by the talented Ochre Botanical Studios with silk from Heirloom Silk Ribbons. A cream vintage VW van picked up Alana and her bridal party and took them to the wedding ceremony, at City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, a beautiful church located in a stunning historic hall in the Old Town of Edinburgh. After the ceremony we strolled around one of their favorite gardens in Edinburgh and then headed back to The Scotsman Hotel for the wedding dinner and had speeches overlooking the guests from the balcony of The Grand Cafe. One of the reasons I love the The Grand Cafe is because, since being located within The Scotsman Hotel, it has a stunning view of Edinburgh, as it overlooks The Balmoral, Waverly Station and the New Town skyline. And since Alana and Les had friends from all over the world at their wedding day, and myself still feeling like a tourist after living here for a few years now, the city view from The Grand Cafe really does have such a romantic and magical feeling about it, especially as the skyline lights up as the sun fades into the night. x
Edinburgh Hotel - The Scotsman Hotel | Wedding Dress - Bliss Studio Edinburgh | Wedding Bouquet - Beige Blommer of Ochre Botanical Studios | Floral Designer - Beige Blommer | Floral Company - Root and Branch Flowers | Floral Silk - Heirloom Silk Ribbons | Wedding Reception Dinner - Grand Cafe Edinburgh | Church Wedding Ceremony - City of Edinburgh Methodist Church | Edinburgh Hair - Stefan Hampton of Hamptons Hairdressing Salon | Edinburgh Makeup Artist - Nikki Marshall World | Bridal Headband - Etsy, Design by Hummingbird
The Free Company Wedding | Sally + Kevin | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
The Free Company Wedding | Sally + Kevin | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | justin Alexander wedding dress
The Free Company was the perfect start and end to Sally and Kevin’s wedding day. Sally spent the morning tucked away in the House of Cockburn, a beautiful historic home located just outside of Edinburgh, in. Balerno, and conveniently a few minutes up the road from The Free Company. She spent the morning of her wedding day drinking coffee and mimosas with her bridesmaids, while getting her hair and makeup done by the lovely Megan Neely and Danielle Dickson. After she was finished getting ready she rode with her mom in a vintage wedding car to St Theresa's Church, where her and Kevin said ‘I do.’ They exited the church together as husband and wife by running through a sea of confetti to their getaway vehicle, the previously mentioned vintage wedding car. From there, we all rode together to The Free Company before the guests arrived, to roam around the farm fields and take couples portraits of them as newlyweds. When we pulled up to The Free Company, we were greeted with champagne by Angus, who is one of the original founders of the The Free Company and now runs the farm and restaurant with his brother.
By the time we took portraits around the farm and walked back to The Free Company courtyard, all of their guests had arrived and local canapés were being served. The drinks were flowing in the best way possible. Everyone was smiling and catching up with friends, new and old! Cocktails are one of my favorite times of a wedding day because it’s the first time anyone can run up to the bride and groom and congratulate them on becoming husband and wife. The atmosphere of the courtyard cocktail hour was stunning and full of warmth, as the sun was shining brightly and there was a live band playing beautifully in the background of the lively conversations.
After the cocktail hour everyone headed through the bar area to the main hall of The Free Company where two long tables were formed to create a family style dining atmosphere. And as lovely as the farm setting and beautifully remodeled venue is, the real gem of having your wedding at The Free Company, is the top tier farm to table full course meal that you and your guests will have the privilege of tasting. All of their meals are seasonally set and locally sourced, specifically from their farm. If you are a wedding guest or simply visiting Edinburgh or Scotland for any other reason (and just stumbled upon this blog post), it’s worth having a meal at The Free Company during your stay here. Sally and Kevin spent the evening dancing with their friends to DJ Paddy Gordon and then had fresh pizzas and late night conversations in the courtyard under the stars. x
Edinburgh Wedding Venue - The Free Company | Farm to Table Catering - The Free Company | Florist - The Free Company | Getting Ready Bridal Accommodation - The Free Company Lodging | Edinburgh MUA - Danielle Dickson Makeup | Edinburgh Hair Stylist - Bridal Hair by Megan Neely | Wedding Dress - Justin Alexander | Scotland Church Ceremony Location - St Theresa's Church | Scotland DJ - DJ Paddy Gordon, MPG Entertainments