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Recently, Wildling Weddings had the pleasure of photographing Ruth and Jan’s beautiful wedding ceremony in one of Edinburgh’s most magical locations.
Although the city has no shortage of romantic places to tie the knot, there are some spots that are just designed to celebrate love, and the Secret Herb Garden is one of them.
If these fairytale images stir your soul and send your mind into a wedding-planning frenzy, we’ll impart all our wisdom on how to have a stunning Secret Herb Garden Edinburgh Wedding.
Read more: Forest Wedding Scotland: Planning Your Magical Outdoor
Photography by Wildling Weddings
What (& Where) is the Secret Herb Garden in Edinburgh?
The Secret Herb Garden is a café and bistro that also doubles as – you guessed it – a secret herb garden!
The bistro (which is also a distillery and bakery, just FYI) is tucked away into the Pentland Hills and spans across 7 glorious acres of farmland – the inside of which is a stunning glasshouse building, which is surrounded by grapevines, fruit trees, and herbs.
The menu is comprised of dishes brimming with ingredients grown on-site, making it the freshest cuisine you ever did taste! And the best part is you can hold your wedding ceremony and reception within this beautiful and unique venue.
The address is:
32a Old Pentland Rd,
Edinburgh
EH10 7EA
Secret Garden Distillery Edinburgh
We mentioned earlier that the herb garden also doubles as a distillery, which means you can enjoy fresh gin made and casked right there on the property – all with 100% natural ingredients.
Some of the gin flavours available for purchase include organic original, lavender, and rose, so why not take a bottle with you as the perfect keepsake of your magical day?!
Not a fan of gin?! Fear not. The venue is completely licensed, so fizz and other alcoholic beverages can be supplied during the event.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Secret Herb Garden Edinburgh Wedding
So, let’s get down to the brass tacks of having your wedding in this enchanting corner of the world.
If your wish is to get married within a quiet rural location complete with killer natural vistas all around – but within driving distance of Edinburgh – you’ve come to the right place.
At the Secret Herb Garden, you can enjoy a stunning outdoor ceremony with the rolling Pentland Hills providing a glorious backdrop, and once the vows have been said and the happy couple’s lips have locked, everybody can head inside for a delicious feast and all the dancing you can handle!
Availability
Be mindful that the Secret Herb Garden is only available for summer weddings. Couples can book the venue from the 1st of May until the 30th of September, and exclusive hire is only available from 4 pm onwards.
Capacity
Weather depending, the venue can hold up to 80 guests on the hillside, which can be a standing or sit-down affair.
Another option is the Sunken Garden, which is a more intimate space, therefore ideal for elopements and micro-weddings, and has standing or seating options for up to 40 guests.
If the weather lets you down on your big day, you can head to the café inside the Glasshouse, which can also be used for a larger indoor ceremony.
Last but not least, the final option is the small private dining area, which can house up to 24 guests.
The Wedding Dinner
You don’t have to venture far to tuck into a delicious wedding feast, as the Glasshouse can seat as many as 80 guests for a sit-down meal.
The stunning glasshouse is already decked out with foliage and twinkle lights, but couples are welcome to add their own decor for a touch of authenticity.
As for the meal itself, couples are spoiled for choice with freshly prepped cuisine – many of the ingredients coming from the very glasshouse itself. Wedding menus can be completely bespoke and allergens and requirements can be catered to.
More information about the wedding menus can be found here.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
The Reception
If you’re wondering whether there is room to dance the night away, the answer is yes! Featuring fabulous festoon lights, the Glasshouse can be cleared in time for the music to kick up and the bubbly to start flowing!
Be mindful that the venue is not permitted to emit amplified sound, including microphones, DJ booths, or background music. Acoustic bands are permitted, which can include guitars, pianos (and other string instruments), and traditional Ceilidh bands.
Drinks
Because this wedding venue is conveniently located on the premises of a gin distillery, a gin-based cocktail menu can be served, with signature tipples including apothecary rose, lemon verbena, wild gin, or elderflower & jasmine.
Parties are welcome to supply their own drinks, which come with a corkage charge of £10 per head.
The Cake
As we mentioned earlier, there is a mouth-watering bakery on site, so why not take the hassle out of the planning process and have the venue supply your wedding cake?
This service is completely bespoke, so you have full control over the style of cake you require, including design, flavours, botanicals, and florals.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Venue Hire
As of 2024, it costs £4500 to hire the Secret Herb Garden as your wedding venue, but please note: for 2025 weddings, the cost will be £4750. A 50% holding deposit will be required.
This includes:
- Ceremony, dinner, and reception on site from 4 pm to midnight.
- Space for up to 80 dinner guests and 100 for the evening reception.
- The option of holding your ceremony indoors or outdoors.
- Beautiful gardens for photography.
- A dedicated drinks reception area (indoor or outdoor options available).
- The use of the Glasshouse for the seated meal.
- Evening reception space, including a dance floor.
- ‘The Tub’ for changing facilities/storage
- Furniture, cutlery, crockery, and glassware.
- Access to set-up suppliers (from 1 pm onwards).
Wedding Packages
To make the planning process that much smoother, the Secret Herb Garden also offers 2 wedding packages.
Package 1
(£65-70)
- Canapés for the drinks reception
- 3-course wedding menu
- Linen, napkins, and candles
- Tea & coffee
Package 2
(£85-90)
- A glass of bubbly for the drinks reception
- Canapés for the drinks reception
- Glass of bubbly for the toasts
- 3-course wedding menu
- Tea & coffee
- Linen, napkins, and candles
- Half a bottle of wine (per person) during dinner
- The option of a champagne upgrade for the drinks reception & speeches (£10 per person).
Find out more here.
Secret Herb Garden Edinburgh Wedding Photos
As you can see from Ruth and Jan’s gorgeous wedding ceremony, the Secret Herb Garden is ideal for those wanting something a little different than the average church or registry wedding – and for lovers of all things botanical!
Whatever photography style you have in mind for your special day, I will listen to you and work with you to create the wedding photos of your dreams!
Get in touch today to find out more.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Places to Stay Near the Secret Herb Garden Edinburgh
Because there isn’t any on-site accommodation at the Secret Herb Garden, you and your guests will need to seek alternative options. Luckily Edinburgh has no shortage of fabulous places to stay, including:
Motel One Edinburgh
The ultra-hip Motel One in the city’s historical Old Town is the place to be if funky glamour and a big dose of chic are your cup of tea!
Not only is the hotel in the ultimate location to enjoy some of Edinburgh’s best sights, but it is pet-friendly, and guarantees some of the best breakfasts in the area.
Popular amenities include:
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Great views
- Free Wi-Fi
Six Brunton Place Guest House
Think lavish English decor and world-class service and that’s Six Brunton Place to a tee.
Situated in the Abbeyhill area of the city, this swanky guest house (which is 5-star, just FYI) allows guests to rest their weary, champagne-pickled heads in style after a long day of celebrating!
There is a beautiful garden to enjoy your morning coffee in, as well as a stunning terrace.
Popular amenities include:
- Exceptional breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
Blackfriars Lofts
Nestled into the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, this former church-turned-apartment dates back to 1871, and has since been renovated to create a luxury space for guests to crash – while keeping some of the beautiful touches from its olden days.
You get a whole apartment to yourself, while reaping the benefits of a snazzy hotel, as the property features a restaurant.
Popular amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Private bathroom
House of Gods Royal Mile
If you want to be front seat of Old Town action, the Royal Mile is the place to be – and the House of Gods is arguably the most lavish accommodation in the area.
Featuring boutique-style boudoirs with a hint of gothic romanticism, this hotel is far from your average Holiday Inn!
As well as being in a great location, guests can take advantage of the plush bar, nightclub, and room service – the perfect way to end your fabulous wedding day.
Popular amenities include:
- 24-hour front desk
- Free Wi-Fi
- Good breakfast
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