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An Edinburgh wedding is a marvellous idea if you love being surrounded by history and your dream wedding includes stunning architecture, luxurious hotels, and fantastic views. Wedding photos you can take in Edinburgh stand out by its beauty and there are not many cities in the world that offer the same experience.
This is why many people consider Edinburgh one of the most romantic cities in the world. From candlelight dinners to romantic walks through the city’s narrow streets, the entire stay in Edinburgh will be magical for you and your other half.
Read More: Engagement Rings in Edinburgh: 10 Locations You Can Visit Today
What Is It Like to Get Married in Edinburgh?
Getting married in Edinburgh is a dream come true for many couples. Some people travel across the world to go to this fairytale-like city for their wedding. From castles and cobblestone streets to small chapels and fantastic backgrounds for photos, no wonder why this city is so attractive to couples.
Especially if you are a fan of Harry Potter or love history and ancient architecture, Edinburgh might be precisely what you are looking for. When you decide to get married in Edinburgh you can choose between a small and big wedding or an elopement that involves just the two of you. Many companies, including ours, offer fantastic Edinburgh wedding packages that include wedding organization and photography. Contact us to learn more.
If you choose to have someone else organize your Edinburgh wedding, everything else will be a breeze and you can enjoy the most beautiful day of your life. Edinburgh is the ultimate wedding destination, and perfect as the start of your honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands or other spectacular destinations.
What Are the Most Beautiful Wedding Venues in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has some of the most stunning wedding venues you have ever seen. They range from historic pubs to luxurious hotels and there is something for every taste and budget. You can choose from extravagant interiors to stylish hotels, and have your special day exactly how you want it.
The Caves Edinburgh Wedding Venue
- Prices start at £2530
Did you know that the entire city is covered in underground caverns and tunnel networks? The Caves is one of the most unusual venues in the city, because it is located in the underground passage which is now stylish and luxurious. If you want your wedding to stand out, this is an ideal location for you.
The Caves, which are part of the structure of the 18th-century South Bridge once served as Edinburgh’s Old Town’s secret vaults, have been beautifully transformed into a location befitting the most opulent weddings. It is not only unique, but also historically significant, and perfect if you want your wedding to be remembered.
Cafe Royal Edinburgh Wedding Venue
- Prices start from £200 per guest
If you want to get married in a historic Edinburgh location but also want modern conveniences, Cafe Royal is a top choice. This Victorian pub, a hidden gem near St. James Quarter, has been tastefully updated to contemporary standards for the ideal balance of character and style.
You can hold a vintage reception with all the trimmings of an inventive seasonal menu here, amid retro tiled floors and vivid oil paintings. We adore the stained glass windows that adorn the venue’s ornate wooden bar. Warm interiors provide an inviting atmosphere that is skillfully balanced with old-world elegance throughout the entire property.
The amazing Scottish specialities served at Cafe Royal, such as smoked haddock scotch eggs and Maison Sassy cider mussels straight from Loch Fyne, are probably its most well-known offerings. This is unquestionably a top choice for a classic bridal feast with a memorable twist.
Glasshouse Edinburgh Wedding Venue
- Prices start at £5000
You’ll fall in love with The Glasshouse if you enjoy history with a contemporary twist. This location is unquestionably a stunning historical structure and is regarded as one of the finest wedding venues in Edinburgh. It was formerly known as Lady Glenorchy Church and was a 170-year-old place of worship before being transformed into the lovely location it is today.
The Glasshouse is regarded as one of the best locations to stay in Edinburgh because it offers 77 opulent bedrooms, first-rate city views, and a spectacular two-acre rooftop garden. And to consider, you could do so at a great price while enjoying your special day with your loved ones.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
The Balmoral Hotel Wedding Venue
- Prices start at £750
The Balmoral Hotel is a location unlike any other, situated where the Old Town and the New Town converge. You aren’t just paying for the room here—you have breathtaking views of all the city’s most iconic structures, from Edinburgh Castle to Scott Monument. It is an amazing place if you want a luxurious wedding in a prominent hotel with fantastic service.
They offer a variety of service and reception locations that you can reserve for your special day, so there are no restrictions when it comes to putting together your ideal wedding with them. And to cap it off, the party practically never ends because you’re in the heart of the city.
Royal Botanic Garden Wedding Venue
- Prices start at £2500
Is there a more enchanted place to enjoy your wedding ceremony than a botanical garden? This is a prime example of a romantic and magical place where you can confess your love to each other. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city, but at the same time, it is quiet and relaxing, perfect for a small party.
The Botanic Garden offers six exquisite wedding venues for you to use for your service or reception on your special day. There is truly something for everyone, including the John Muir Grove, which is an outdoor wedding venue that resembles a cathedral ambience, or the John Hope Gateway, which includes indoor and outdoor rooms with stunning vows of the garden.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Best Locations for an Elopement in Edinburgh
If you are looking for Edinburgh wedding venues for a small wedding or an elopement, we have a list of the most charming places where you can say your I Do’s. The biggest advantage of getting married in Scotland is that you can have a ceremony almost anywhere. Choose the place that has the best scenery or that means a lot to you, and then start planning the rest.
St Giles Cathedral
If you want to have a catholic wedding, there is no better place in Edinburgh than St Giles Cathedral. However, this beautiful location has certain rules that include that one of you has a link to this cathedral. It can be that one of you has been baptised or confirmed here, that one of you has been living in the parish for the last six months, or attends religious ceremonies here.
Arthur’s Seat and St Anthony's Chapel Ruins
The highest and most beautiful spot in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat, offers a variety of locations for wedding ceremonies, including the top of the hill from where you have the best view of the city. However, keep in mind that sunrise is your only choice if you want a little bit of seclusion for your elopement without too many tourists around.
Another choice is to have a ceremony at the St Anthony’s Chapel ruin, which has a view of St Margaret’s Loch. The short trek to the top of the hill where the ruins are located only takes five to ten minutes. Additionally, the trek offers fantastic views of the city and the surroundings and isn’t nearly as difficult as the hike to Arthur’s Seat summit.
Dalhousie Castle
A truly magical place for elopement is a gorgeous Dalhousie Castle. It is located just a short drive from Edinburgh, and here you can feel like royalty while saying your vows. The photos taken in and around the castle will be magazine-like, and you will never forget this day.
This 700-year-old castle has a rich history, and it was often visited by royalty, including Queen Victoria. Nowadays it is a hidden gem that offers amazing service for your events, including accommodation and fantastic food.
Read More: 13 Best Locations for Your Castle Wedding in Scotland
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Dalhousie Castle
Edinburgh Castle
The most memorable Edinburgh weddings take place in Edinburgh castle. It can be the elopement of just the two of you or a small wedding with a couple of guests. Edinburgh castle also offers venues that fit more guests, but this historic location is best enjoyed with a couple of people that you love. The tiny chapel inside the castle is considered to be Edinburgh’s oldest building, and it is a magnificent experience for history buffs.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is among the most popular tourist attractions in Edinburgh because it offers breathtaking views of the city. This is why it is also an ideal elopement location if you want to have amazing views and photos.
This beautiful location is extremely busy during the summer tourist season, which is why it is best if you have your ceremony early in the morning or at sunrise. Also, sunrise is one of the best times for photography, when your photographer can completely take advantage of the golden hour.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
