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
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
City Chambers Edinburgh Elopement | Emily + Laurence | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Harriette Gordon
City Chambers Edinburgh Elopement | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Harriette Gordon Bridal Dress | Snapdragon Edinburgh Florist | The Fall Bride | Edinburgh wedding photographer
Emily and Laurence started their wedding day by meeting two of their best friends, who were their witnesses, on the royal mile in the Edinburgh City Chambers courtyard. I knew Emily and Laurence were having a formal wedding celebration with their friends and family at the weekend, so when she walked up wearing the most chic and fashionable outfit with full hair and makeup and beautiful florals, I was the most pleasantly surprised! I get so excited when couples, even for their intimate Edinburgh City Chambers ceremony, decide to wear something memorable for that day as well as their larger wedding party with their friends and family! Her dress was from purchased from The Fall Bride, which has some of the most unique dress designers around, like Harriette Gordon, which is the designer who made her short, fun bridal gown! And her florals were from an Edinburgh florist, Snapdragon, located in Bruntsfield, where they are also regulars!
After the intimate ceremony at Edinburgh City Chambers, where one of her friends delivered the sweetest poem about their lives, we headed out to take portraits around the old town of Edinburgh. Both Emily and Laurence met in Edinburgh as students putting on a show during the Fringe, so not only is the city a special place for them, but that part of town is as well.
After we strolled around the royal mile for a bit taking their bridal portraits, they mentioned wanting to grab a bite to eat before meeting up with their friends later. I, of course, only try to take on one shoot a day, so was happy to walk over with them afterwards to wherever they were headed to. So we made the journey through The Meadows over to Elliott’s Edinburgh for them to grab food and drinks. Elliott’s is one of their favorite places to eat and the staff knew who they were, which was the best! They ended the day with endless congratulations on their strolls and then I said goodbye so they could enjoy the rest of their intimate ceremony wedding day with just each other. It was a really relaxed and sweet way to have your legal ceremony and I loved how true to themselves they were. These type of days really fuel my creativity and give me so much joy to see couples doing things in their own unique and unconventional ways, and making their wedding day all about each other and what they want, as it should be.
I love living in Edinburgh and being an edinburgh wedding photographer and edinburgh city chambers is one of my favorite wedding venues in edinburgh. x
Wedding Dress - The Fall Bride, Harriette Gordon // Suit - Beggar’s Run // Edinburgh Florist - Snapdragon // Hair & Makeup - Kate Elliot Muir // Edinburgh Restaurant - 27 Elliott’s Edinburgh // Ceremony Venue - Edinburgh City Chambers Weddings // Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
Scotland Elopement | Lamb's Pavilion | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
The Pavilion at Lamb’s House | Leith | Scotland Elopement | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
We were together.
I forget the rest.
-Walt Whitman
The beautiful wedding vendors involved in this day are listed at the bottom and I personally believe they offer some of the best options for eloping in Scotland. I’m also so thankful for Tamar + Matt’s genuine love for each other, that always comes through every time they are captured. If anyone is eloping or getting married in Scotland, I would love to help plan the day if you are unfamiliar with the area. I hope everyone enjoys these images and would like to thank the Lamb’s Pavilion, Narcissus Flowers, and Those were the Days Vintage Bridal for being a part of this simply elegant + naturally textured elopement shoot!
Getting Ready + Lodging The Lamb’s Pavilion | Vintage Wedding Dress Those Were the Days Bridal | Wedding Bouquet + Florals Narcissus | Groom’s Jacket + Vintage Burberry Coat Those Were the Days Vintage | Portrait Locations Private Historic Home + Holyrood Park, Edinburgh | Lovely Couple Tamar + Matt
Eloping in Edinburgh, Scotland is something I always encourage! If you are wanting something more intimate and looking for a beautiful country and city to spend those precious memories together, this is the place! I would love to help you plan your elopement in Edinburgh or anywhere else in Scotland! There is nothing I love more than to make your wedding day all about you both and any recommendations or suggestions that you may need, I’m here for you! I also can refer Edinburgh wedding planners, florists and wedding dress shops and designers. Just know that eloping doesn’t mean you are on your own and need to feel overwhelmed! Even the smallest Scottish elopement deserves all of the attention to detail as a wedding day does! I assume if you are reading this that you are contemplating eloping to Scotland, so again I just have to say, do it! You won’t regret spending the start of your life with your best friend in the stunning countryside of Scotland.