A wedding photographer’s mini-guide to where to get married in Edinburgh & surroundings
Hello, as a photographer I reckon I’m in a unique position to compare and give an insight into many of the wedding venues around Scotland, having shot in many dozens of them (I haven’t counted but I think somewhere around a hundred), and I can also show my pictures to help you compare! Welcome to my mini-guide to just some of the possibilities presented for getting married around the Edinburgh area (and on the other page of this guide, the rest of Scotland), both in the city and a short-ish drive into the surrounding countryside. I’ve photographed at most of the beautiful venues in the region, and count myself so lucky to be based in Edinburgh, one of the most amazing playgrounds for a photographer!
Throughout I’m using my own pictures and some of the films that Simon & I have made at these locations to give you a feel for the venues. I hope you find it helpful!
All of the venues that I’ve highlighted here are fantastic places to get married, and there are also plenty more that I haven’t included or indeed shot at (yet!). There are really hundreds of possibilities, and mostly I haven’t included the smallest ad-hoc for elopements such as restaurants, with just a scattering of standout exceptions.
Castles & Grand Country Houses surrounding Edinburgh
If you think of Scotland the chances are you may be thinking of history and castles set in spectacular landscape. Needless to say, there are castles all over Scotland, and quite a few of them are geared up for weddings.
Most of the castles below (with the odd exception, such as Dalhousie) aren’t run as hotels and it’s assumed you’ll be hiring the whole castle for a day or two or more for you and your family. If you’re on more of a budget or just want a less castle-y setting, then you might want to scroll straight down to the next section
It can sometimes be possible to use some castles just as the background for a photoshoot, and in that case there are plenty of other castles that you might look at - it might be worth browsing the National Trust for Scotland website for starters.
Most grand homes and castles of this type tend to be located in the areas where the grandest families mostly hung out, or which had the most border conflicts (the rich history of Scotland vs England), that is, more in the central belt and south Borders area, or the North East, while castles in the slightly harder to access (but wildly beautiful) North West Highlands tend to be of the more rugged keep-out-marauders - or ruined (failed-to-keep-out-marauders) - variety.
Winton Castle is one of our favourites - it has original Jacobean detailing in the interiors and an amazing collection of works of art on the walls, you’re surrounded by Van Dykes and Canalettos and Duhrers not to mention a collection of family portraits that have been passed down over the centuries. And the gardens are so lovely - with terraces leading down to a small loch (lake). The place has the homely feel of an ancestral family home, which is what it is, and the team who run it couldn’t be more helpful. They can also organise lots of outdoor activities, like clay pigeon shooting and highland games.
A similar distance from Edinburgh (actually slightly closer) but in the other direction is another of our favourites, Dundas Castle. With a grand facade, and set in a gently rolling landscape (don’t miss their collection of llamas in the field opposite) and a golf course. Ceremonies are often held in the medieval keep tower, at the top of which there are fantastic views out over the Firth of Forth with its iconic bridges. The proximity to Edinburgh airport is really handy too, but watch out if you want to use a drone - you’ll need permission in advance from Air Traffic Control at the airport (and be a qualified drone pilot). Again, there are plenty of outdoor activities possible, with squash and tennis courts, a snooker room, a golf course adjacent. If you decided to have a wedding cake you can cut through it with a giant sword!
Not far away, to the East of South Queensferry is yet another of our all time favourites (Edinburgh is rich in these!) - Barnbougle Castle - which is in a stunning setting on the banks of the Firth of Forth, and is also very conveniently close to Edinburgh. Part of the Earl of Rosebery’s Estate, this was opened as a wedding venue after a brilliant refurbishment and it has a beautifully quirky interior, high end service, and a special location on the coast.
Next up are two of the grandest country houses in Scotland: first Gosford House, which looks awe inspiring as you approach it and has an even more spectacular staircase. And inside the collection of artworks and sculptures is special. The grounds are also very extensive and loads of possibilities for wandering to take portraits, including a private lake with boathouse.
Second, and on perhaps an even grander scale if such a thing is possible, is Hopetoun House, which is set overlooking the Firth of Forth. The drive up to it is designed to impress, and it doesn’t fail, but the house and its wings (former stables) again are spectacular. Weddings are held with the ceremony in the North wing which was the stables, and the reception in the south wing which is the ballroom, while you can use the main house and the extensive grounds for photos of course.
Another elegant period country mansion in East Lothian not so far from Winton is Archerfield House, second home of the Duke of Hamilton. It’s just next to some of Scotland’s finest golf courses, and close to the coast. The house itself has elegant eighteenth century interiors with especially lovely rooms upstairs on the first floor. Lots of nice architectural details and paintings, pretty gardens, and the possibility of using rocks on the coast for pictures.
Also close to Edinburgh is Dalhousie Castle, which has the flexibility of allowing you to rent rooms there without renting the whole castle, as it is in effect run as a hotel and a spa. It has some beautiful landscaping around it which are great for photos, and the awesome possibility of your wedding rings being delivered by an owl. Nothing gets more iconic than this!
Borthwick Castle is a really medieval castle with slit windows optimised for archers and a large dent of a cannon ball in the side. As you approach it from the outside you really feel like you might be seeing what Mary Queen of Scots saw when she approached it on horseback in the 16th century - which is what she did, because she was great friends with the Earl of Borthwick. It has a medieval dining hall, and has recently been renovated inside with interesting interior details and to a five star quality. Downsides are that not much natural light penetrates those arrow slit windows, so don’t expect bright and airy pictures inside, and to get to the main rooms upstairs you need to negotiate several floors of narrow spiral staircase designed for hand-to-hand combat and not for the faint hearted. There’s no possibility of installing a lift amongst those walls designed to withstand cannonballs, so you’ll develop either thighs of steel, or a heart attack.
Newhall Estate is a smaller country house, but is a bit of a gem, with gorgeous walled gardens, plenty of landscape to play with, and the house itself has a rich literary history. It has plenty of capacity for larger weddings, but it’s also a great setting for weddings with more an intimate family feel.
Another gorgeous country house is Gilmerton House, not far from Haddington. It has a very pretty interior with lots of light, and also lovely grounds with a nice relaxed but elegant feel.
Carlowrie Castle is about as close to Edinburgh airport as it’s possible to get without actually being on a plane, so that is pretty convenient if guests are flying in. It has lovely gardens and a contemporary interior which bounces light around in a nice way. Proximity to the airport means use of a drone for filming is unlikely to be possible (certainly not without specific permission from Air Traffic Control and a suitable licence).
Between Edinburgh and Glasgow is the incredibly grand & lavish palace where Mary Queen of Scots was born which is set on the banks of a picturesque loch. Linlithgow Palace (with its neighbouring Burgh Town Halls) has stunning architecture is readily accessible in perhaps 20 minutes or so from Edinburgh. There is only one small catch - the palace itself is a ruin, and open to the skies. All is not lost however as they have a room with a roof where ceremonies can be held for small to medium size guest lists, and if it’s fine weather the ceremony can be held outside in the Great Hall. And just next door is Linlithgow Town Burgh Halls which has pretty gardens, a room for ceremonies with much more capacity and a dining/dancing hall, so pretty much everything you need. Alternatively you can have your ceremony in St Michael’s Church just in between the Palace and the Burgh Halls.
Considerably further from Edinburgh, but I’ve included it here as it’s within Edinburgh’s orbit, is Wedderburn Castle, which has Wedderburn Barns attached. That gives you two options depending on whether you want a grand house or more of a relaxed vibe, and both are pretty with some lovely walks and gardens surrounding it.
20 minutes or so south of Edinburgh is Glencorse House, which is a pleasant smaller country house - the outstanding feature is probably is that it has its own church, which is very pretty and historic, up a path on the hill just next to the house. It also has pretty grounds with its own miniature lake and island. To help with climbing the hill to the church for more infirm guests or to get to the lake there is an electric golf buggy.
Another possibility is Carberry Towers, which is a 19th century house turned hotel which has some very pleasant gardens and grounds, as well as a marquee for hosting medium to large-ish weddings.
Edinburgh - the City Itself
As you might expect from one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Edinburgh city has some truly gorgeous and historic venues.
We’re not mentioning these in any particular order, but in spite of that somewhere right at the top of our list has to be the Signet Library, which has two of the grandest and glittering halls you will find anywhere in Britain (the lower one is usually used for ceremonies and for drinks, the upper one which if anything is even grander is where dinner and later on the dancing takes place. It is a combination of 18th century classical elegance with plenty of gilt detailing and classical columns. Outside you’re right on the Royal Mile so have Edinburgh’s Old Town to play with for photoshoots.
Another favourite is the Royal College of Physicians on Queen Street, which is equally historic Georgian architecture, and a slightly more intimate feel, but still very grand indeed, also with gold and glittering detailing and distinguished portraits on the walls. It is directly opposite the private Queen Street Gardens, which you can get access to via the venue for a portrait shoot during the wedding.
Edinburgh’s iconic hotels also of course give plenty of options. Most famous of all has to be the Balmoral Hotel. Its clock tower and enormous facade are one of the icons of Edinburgh and one of the buildings that come to mind first of all when you think of the Edinburgh skyline. It has a grand banqueting hall, but also plenty of smaller (still decent size) function rooms that will be suitable depending not he size of the guest list. And of course you are on Princes Street and next to Princes Street Gardens and parts of the Old Town nearby too for portrait shoots. If taking pictures in Princes Street Gardens you do need to get permission from Edinburgh Council beforehand and pay a fee (around £100 if I remember right).
At the opposite end of Princes Street is the equally grand Caledonian Hotel, also known as the Waldorf Astoria. It has many of the same attractions as the Balmoral - a large glittering ballroom, plenty of smaller function rooms, and close to Princes Street Gardens.
Near these two on George Street is another of Edinburgh’s grand ladies from the Georgian period, The George Hotel, which many will know as The Principal Hotel - it’s current proper name is The Intercontinental George Hotel. This is another one with a glittering ballroom, and it is reasonably close to (and has the keys to) nearby Queen Street Gardens for portrait shoots. And of course there is the New Town itself to play with too.
Another high-end hotel, much smaller than the Balmoral & Caledonian but in a very historic 17th century grand house and with an intriguingly refurbished interior, as well as peacocks outside, and a bit further out of the centre, is the Prestonfield House Hotel. Smaller weddings can be hosted inside the main building of the hotel, while larger ones can be hosted in the enormous circular former stables adjacent to the house, which have been converted into a reception venue. It has not only peacocks but also Highland coos. The gardens are lovely for portraits, but you’re also a short-ish drive away from Arthur’s Seat. If you’re into golf, it has a handy golf course on the doorstep.
A more recent addition to Edinburgh’s five star hotels is the Edinburgh Grand. It’s a good option right in the centre of Edinburgh, and has some lovely architectural details, especially the circular central staircase, and a lovely wood panelled room for drinks receptions.
An even newer hotel on the Edinburgh scene is the Hoxton Hotel in the West End, bringing a more contemporary designer option with some interesting contemporary artworks on the walls and nice design details.
One unique and lovely venue, a world apart from the grand hotels, and great for lovers of nature and the outdoors is the Royal Botanic Gardens in the north of Edinburgh, Weather permitting the real attraction is to get married amongst the sequoias and other botanical delights of the gardens. A wedding here just oozes a sense of well-being, with the sounds of rustling leaves. Perhaps add a string quartet or harpist too.
Another historic and rather grand option, with columns and Georgian architecture, is Surgeons’ Hall which is next to the University. As you might expect it has a bit of a medical theme going with historic portraits of illustrious surgeons and an elegant interior.
For a civil ceremony, the central administrative building for civil marriages, which happens to have a rather beautiful interior, is Edinburgh City Chambers. This is for the ceremony itself rather than any after party, so it’s for a wedding where you’re having the party somewhere else. It’s where we got married (we had the second chapel ceremony party and the party down in Oxford, but that’s another story) :)
Another alternative venue along more animal rather than plant lines is Edinburgh Zoo, which is pretty much what it says on the tin. In a good way. In the middle of the zoo is a mansion house that houses the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland but also hosts weddings. The mansion house is very nice but of course the real attraction is the opportunity to wander round the zoo and get to know all the animals. Watch out for the special penguin parade happening everyday at 1 pm!
For a smaller intimate wedding with a more modern feel and a high end fine dining experience, Timberyard restaurant is a quirky venue with a reputation for great food that also has a small courtyard where intimate wedding ceremonies can be held. It is also located just a short walk from the Old Town.
More informal and quirky places to get married in and outside Edinburgh
For a spot of industrial chic, it is hard to beat the National Mining Museum at Newtongrange, just outside Edinburgh. The diningroom-cum-ballroom where dinner & dancing happens is pretty smart, and outside that is a fascinating playground for guests and a simply awesome set of possibilities for your photographer.
One venue that is tucked away in pretty countryside not far south of Edinburgh is Rosebery Steading. This is quite a new venue that is part of the Earl of Rosebery’s Estate - the very same who owns Barnbougle Castle mentioned at the top of this article. This comprises a converted farm steading, but also a pretty house with beautiful gardens and its own private chapel. Everything you need in one location.
One venue right in the centre Edinburgh, which as you can guess from the name is one of the (literally) darkest places in Scotland you might get married is The Caves. This is a collection of vaulted rooms at the bottom of the Old Town tucked up one of Edinbugh’s closes (alleyways). It has plenty of atmosphere, and while it’s definitely a challenge for your photographer, you can step outside into the Old Town itself or hop to nearby Arthur’s Seat for some light for your portraits! And in the meantime, it is definitely a venue that breathes old Edinburgh.
Closer still to Edinburgh, you can also have a ceremony on a beach, or (less sandy) on a cliff overlooking a beach, and East Lothian has some of the finest beaches in the UK. Harvest Moon is a venue with accommodation and a marquee set on the edge of spectacular East Lothian coast with sand dunes.
Ravensheugh Lodge at Tyninghame also has wonderful views down the coast, and overlooks the beach which is readily accessible. The lodge is really nothing more than a wooden hut, but can host a small ceremony with a few guests in case the weather isn’t good enough to hold the ceremony outside, and from there it is a matter of self-catering, bringing in outside caterers, or moving on for the meal.
There are several other super beaches along East Lothian too which could be used for informal ceremonies - Belhaven Beach is readily accessible from the road with a shortish walk over a bridge, and Yellowcraigs offers a beautiful expanse of sand dunes and beach, though you have to walk a little further. so not so good for elderly guests/with mobility issues. Having Plan B for inclement weather though would be pretty important no matter how mobile you are.
With beach weddings, if you want to avoid unpleasantness and potentially being ejected mid-wedding, you need to check with whoever owns the adjacent land and/or if it’s a national park area get in touch with the park rangers, to make sure if there are rules for holding celebrations in your dream spot. Certainly, for access to the likes of Ravensheugh Lodge, you need to hire this well in advance.
A little further from Edinburgh, past Dunbar, is Dunglass, which has a great option for an alternative ceremony in a picturesquely ruined church which still has its roof, so you’re protected from the elements just in case it does rain (not completely unknown in Scotland). It also has the creature comforts nearby with a newly renovated courtyard barn venue & marquee.
The Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders south of Edinburgh offer a different kind of wild landscape than the Highlands - more gently rolling hills with sheep than mountainous crags, but no less pretty for that. They’re a whole subject in themselves, but a few venues to look at are Paxton House near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Cringletie House near Peebles, Schloss Roxburghe (especially for golfers) near Duns, and Peebles Hydro.
The Rest of Scotland: Glasgow and SW Scotland, Fife & Perthshire, Aberdeenshire & Inverness, and the Highlands & Islands
Have a read of the rest of my guide to getting married in the rest of Scotland here.
Every year we are capturing a very limited number of weddings in Scotland.
We’d love to hear from you!
