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Any seasoned Edinburgh dweller will tell you that there’s no shortage of iconic Category-A-listed buildings, but there is something just that teensy bit more magical about Riddle’s Court in the city’s infamous Royal Mile.
Perhaps it’s the 500 years of history or the sweeping balconies that overlook the colourful sights of Victoria Street, but we can’t get enough of it – and yes – you can get hitched there!
Are you ready for the elegance of a Riddle’s Court wedding?! We certainly are….
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Riddle’s Court
Riddle's Court Wedding
Let’s explore the magical rooms of this fabulous merchant’s tenement.
Geddes Room
Named after the famed Scottish biologist, Patrick Geddes, who spent many raucous evenings here as a student when the building was a university hall of residence, and was the man behind the room’s most notable talking piece – the ‘storybook’ that is painted on the ceiling.
Ideal for more intimate and smaller-scale weddings, the suite can accommodate up to 50 seated guests and 50 standing guests. The venue also offers an in-house catering service (and does not permit external companies).
Prices for booking the Geddes Room can be found here.
Seton Room
Next up is the charming and uber-intimate Seton Room. As this suite can only accommodate a total of 16 seated guests (20 standing), this room is only suitable for elopements and microweddings.
This newly refurbished room still inhibits its historical and olden-day vibes, and visitors relish in the beautiful plastered ceilings, chandeliers, and the natural light that oozes in from the tall Georgian windows.
Prices for booking the Seton Room can be found here.
Kings Chambers
Hoping to tie the knot at Riddle’s Court and only have to walk mere metres to lay your head after a night of celebrating? No problem!
Within the beautiful 500-year-old walls of this historical building lies the Kings Chambers, a 16th-century merchant’s house with one bedroom and a private bathroom.
Formerly known as the North-West Wing and made famous as a dinner party location by none other than the Scottish King James VI, this beautifully refurbished flat is the perfect place for newlyweds to retire after a night of champagne and dancing.
Given its prime location within the Royal Mile, it is also perfect for couples looking to do a bit of exploring, as it is approximately a 2-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle, as well as many lovely local restaurants, bars, and shops.
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Riddle’s Court
Riddle's Court History
Like many of the buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Riddle’s Court is rich in history and originally served as an upper-class residence of the city’s most well-to-do individuals, such as Baillie John McMorran, a 16th-century merchant and city treasurer.
Famed for being the spot of many lavish banquets over the centuries, Riddle’s Court is one of the most distinguished spots in the Lawnmarket area, with its name evolving from around 1726, when a one George Riddell purchased and reconstructed it into the lavish hotbed of celebration it is known for today.
After undergoing many improvements and restorations over the last few centuries, the building is now owned by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and lends its lavishness to weddings and other celebratory events.
Riddle’s Court Wedding Venue
Available for either your ceremony or reception – or both – everything you need for an intimate and magical wedding or elopement in the heart of Edinburgh is right under one roof.
Offering flexibility with wedding days (including Saturdays) as well as a brochure to get you going with your wedding prep, Riddle’s Court likes to accommodate its couples – and even allows their four-legged friends to be a part of the festivities!
Like many venues, Riddle’s Court offers several wedding packages to take the pressure off the wedding planning, including:
The Full Package
- Exclusive use of Riddle’s Court comprising the Geddes, Seton, McMorran and Library Rooms
- All of our onsite furniture and decoration, inclusive of linen
- A dedicated Co-ordinator
- Two-night stay in our onsite accommodation
[This is based on 60 full-day guests – for fewer guests, please get in touch with the venue for a bespoke quote].
As for pricing, here’s the breakdown:
- Ceremony-only prices starting from £850 (+VAT)
- Full venue hire only from £5,955 (+VAT), inclusive of two nights in the luxury onsite apartment, the King’s Chamber (subject to availability)
- Our venue hire prices also include a set of Chiavari-style chairs.
Riddle’s Court Catering
Offering not one, not two, not three, but four appointed caterers, the venue ensures your dream wedding menu will be brought to life. These are:
- Howie’s Events – Contact info: 0131 322 6868 / events@howies.uk.com
- Culinarians – Contact info: events@culinarians.uk
- Saltire Hospitality – Contact info: 0131 333 0131 / sales@saltirehospitality.co.uk
- Pinkerton’s – Contact info: info@pinkertonscatering.co.uk
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Riddle’s Court
Where to Stay Near Riddle’s Court
Those with guests coming in from out of town will be delighted to know that this particular area of the city is rife with fantastic lodgings.
Some of our favourite local accommodations include:
Edinburgh Nine
Located just a five-minute walk away from Edinburgh Castle, this plush self-catering option features everything guests need for a self-sufficient stay, including a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, kettle, and a dishwasher.
Each bedroom comes with fresh linen and towels, as well as a flat-screen TV.
Popular features:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Great location
Garden Flat
This superb one-bedroom apartment offers a little slice of gardenista heaven in the middle of the most bougie area of Edinburgh.
Not only does Garden Flat boast some killer views, guests can kick back on a chilly evening in front of the fireplace, and enjoy the convenience of a fully-equipped kitchen.
Popular features:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitchen facilities
Cairn Hotel & Apartments
Situated just 800 metres from the iconic Princes Street, this swanky townhouse-style accommodation has all the conveniences of a hotel with the added privacy (and space!) of a self-catering apartment.
Guests can fuel themselves with the breakfast that is included, as well as enjoy a cheeky nightcap in the bar after a long day of exploring.
Popular features:
- 24-hour front desk
- Private parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Family rooms
Ocean Serviced Apartments
The most chicest city with a side order of coastal charm? Yes, please!
Wake up each morning to views of the iconic Firth of Forth, while being conveniently located anywhere and everywhere in Edinburgh you wish to visit.
Located at the regenerated city harbour, guests can often peep a view of the iconic Royal Yacht Britannia. Each suite also comes with 2 spacious rooms to enjoy a relaxed stay.
Popular features:
- Weekly fresh linen & towels
- Fully-equipped kitchen (including a dishwasher)
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Lift
- Family rooms
Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket
These superb apartments are literally within walking distance of Riddle’s Court – ideal for toddling home after an evening of champagne-sipping and dancing the night away!
Each apartment has unique features such as natural timber flooring, bespoke joinery, crafts, artwork, and soft furnishings.
The “Wilde” style is apparent in every room, which includes fully-equipped kitchens and kitchenettes, modern technology, rainfall showers, Hypnos mattresses, as well as free spring water, Nespresso pods, Brew teabags, fresh milk, handmade sweets, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Oh, and the best part? This accommodation also boasts its own gym!
Popular features:
- Restaurant, bar, & self-service pantry
- Free Wi-Fi
- Family rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests (including a lift)
- 24-hour front desk
- Good breakfast
Riddle's Court Wedding Photos
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Riddle’s Court
All-Inclusive Elopement Packages
If you weren’t able to secure Riddle’s Court for your special day, but still desire to say your vows in the heart of Edinburgh, fear not – I have just the elopement package for you!
This includes:
- Outdoor ceremony in Edinburgh (choice of 4 locations*)
- 3 hours of wedding photography coverage
- Print-quality digital photos in an online gallery
- Hair and makeup for one person
- Flowers for two
- Celebrant/humanist to conduct your ceremony
- Transport**
**see website for details.
Fancy venturing slightly further afield? I also offer all-inclusive elopement packages in the following locations:
- The Isle of Skye
- Glencoe
- Lochnell Estate
- Roseate Edinburgh
To find out more, simply pop in a few small details and I will promptly be in touch.
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