Wedding venues in Edinburgh are some of the most sought-after spots to tie the knot in the whole of the UK, and it’s unsurprising really. This magical ancient city not only has atmospheric structures on quite literally every corner (75% of Edinburgh’s buildings are listed properties don’t you know), It also somehow manages to be the greenest country in Britain, with more trees per head than anywhere else. The combination of stunning architecture surrounded by beautiful wilderness is hard to resist, and when it comes to a romantic destination, we don’t think it gets much better than hosting your nuptials in Scotland’s capital.
Whether you’re a local or are coming from across the country or across the continent we truly believe that in the line-up of the best wedding venues in Edinburgh there is something for everyone. There are sprawling countryside estates to the south and north of the city, which let you escape the metropolis for something serene or on the other end of the scale there are restaurants found right in the shadow of the castle itself which create an amazing buzzy atmosphere and relaxed backdrop to your day. It’s almost hard to find a bad venue here.
When looking for your venue you’ll of course have to tailor it to your tastes and making a list of priorities we think works well. You’d be surprised how much clarity you can get from jotting down a few ‘must haves’. Perhaps you’re a Harry Potter fan and want snaps taken at various filming locations throughout the city, or maybe it’s the food that is the deal clincher for you. One other thing to consider is whether you’d like exclusive use with guests able to stay on site or whether you are happy to have a private space somewhere for the night for a right good knee’s up. Whatever it is that makes you happy, we say, seek it out and seal the deal.
We’ve gathered together a few of the best wedding venues Edinburgh has to offer below, to get you started. From converted churches and town halls to hay lofts and gardens, we think we’ve managed to find something for every couple on every budget.
Mansfield Traquair
Formerly a catholic church, Mansfield Traquair in the heart of Edinburgh is now an exclusive use venue which offers couples an atmospheric and romantic option for both their ceremony and reception. The cavernous central space has been left relatively neutral so that you’re able to put your own stamp on things décor wise, but we think you’d be foolish to miss out on lining the nave with fairy lights. When it comes to finishing touches we love round tables and high floral centrepieces to make an impact within the scale of the room. Exclusive hire starts from around £3000 with additional charges for things like lighting and there are various menus to choose from. There’s a small garden too, which is ideal for a drinks reception and to get those all-important photographs.
The Old Dr Bells Baths
The clean, crisp black and white décor in the Old Dr Bells Baths in Edinburgh make the dreamiest backdrop for your nuptials. The gallery running around the top gives a bird’s eye view of your setup below for some beautiful snaps, while the pitched roof inset with windows floods the room with natural light. Weddings here are all-inclusive, with the in-house team sorting everything from perfecting your menu and getting just the right fizz through to organising the finishing touches like table centres and lighting.
The Signet Library
Image: Bluesky photography
Within the Signet Library – a wonderfully historic and elegant building in the city centre – there are several room options, allowing you flexibility to host any number of guests from a small and intimate gathering through to a large-scale party. If you prefer you can use one of the spaces for a ceremony and reserve a different room for the party afterwards to give your day two distinctly separate elements. The Upper Library is our favourite space for celebrations thanks to its grand pillars and lofty ceiling which help add a touch of old-world glamour. The Signet Library is one of Edinburgh’s largest wedding venues, with space for over 200 guests.
Rosebery Steadings
Just half an hour south of Edinburgh you’ll find Rosebery Steadings, a meticulously restored collection of farm buildings and self-catering accommodation that make for a wonderful base for any wedding. The whole property has been sympathetically brought back to life with stunning interiors and carefully manicured grounds. There’s an onsite chapel for your nuptials (which is consecrated so can accommodate your choice of ceremony) and plenty of cottages for guests to be able to stay on site. There’s a small list of recommended caterers to choose from, and bookings are allocated on a two-night basis so that you can make a full weekend of it.
Botanic Gardens
What could be more idyllic than a plush garden setting found at the heart of the city – weddings at Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens are the best of both worlds. There are plenty of options for size and style of celebration, from just a simple ceremony in the grounds through to your reception being hosted at one of the on-site properties well into the wee hours. Wedding menus are created by the in-house chefs who are passionate about using Scottish produce, going as far as to source ingredients from the gardens themselves for a uniquely special touch to your feast.
Riddle’s Court
Expertly blending old and new, Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh gives couples a wonderfully old building with contemporary design features for a day that straddles centuries. If you’ve been hunting for a wedding venue in Edinburgh for a little while now you may well have spotted a snap from this photogenic spot already – it really is a favourite of the Instagram crowd. There’s a wood panelled room for ceremonies and a fairy-tale-like winding staircase outside which is a photographer’s dream for your couple shots. Riddle’s Court has space for up to 60 seated guests, and offers special mini wedding packages for smaller numbers
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Image: Julie Tinton photography
If you love tradition and grandeur, The Royal College of Physicians could be the best wedding venue in Edinburgh for you. It’s found on Queen Street in the city’s new town and has a whole host of spaces where you can host varying aspects of your day. The most impressive room is probably the Great Hall which can accommodate up to 150 guests for dinner and has a specially sprung floor and great acoustics meaning a ceilidh is practically a required element to get the most from the space!
Dundas Castle
Image: Mark Pacura
This 15th century castle appeals to the inner history geek in us all and makes the perfect backdrop for destination weddings with its authentically Scottish fairy-tale feel. Once booked you have access to the castle’s professional planners who will make sure your day goes without a hitch – aside from actually getting hitched – and there’s a whole team of recommended suppliers you can choose from for all the little details too.
Edinburgh Castle
Image: Chris Radley Photography
What could be grander than getting married at the most famous landmark in Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle itself? This perfectly positioned royal property in the heart of Edinburgh gives you that wonderfully traditional backdrop to your vows with some of the most beautiful views of the city that you can find anywhere. This is the perfect option if you’re bringing in guests from out of town, as it has that real wow factor and an atmospheric Scottish touch. Edinburgh Castle also plays host to the city’s oldest building - St Margaret’s Chapel. With a range of rooms to choose from, your reception here can host up to 170 of your friends and family.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Looking to impress your guests with something a little bit different? One of Edinburgh’s best wedding venues for a quirky celebration is The Royal Yacht Britannia. While this spot isn’t exactly traditional in terms of a venue, it does retain a wonderfully classic edge given that it’s the Queen’s former Royal residence no less. Weddings here are provided on an exclusive use basis. Numbers run from 196 for dinners up to 500 person drinks receptions, so there’s lots of flexibility in terms of group sizing. There’s also accommodation available by way of the on-site floating hotel, Fingal.
Doubletree by Hilton
Not all chain hotels are created equal, and this Doubletree by Hilton is one of our favourite Edinburgh wedding venues because of its breath-taking views. The main event space has expansive windows that look out over Edinburgh’s skyline, giving you an incredible backdrop to your big day. As you might expect, this option also comes with the convenience of pre-conceived packages where you’re able to tailor aspects to your liking without having to get too bogged down in the details. The kitchen will ensure you have a delicious meal for your friends and family, while the in-house planners take care of all the little extras so that your day can be stress free.
Ghillie Dhu
This vaulted Georgian hall is over 175 years old and has held on to many of its original features, including an impressive organ at one end from its time as a busy church. The team at Ghillie Dhu are passionate about giving couples the day of their dreams and will work with you in the run up to your wedding to ensure every detail is looked after. Food and drinks are included when you book here, with the choice between standard and premium packages. Cooking is classic with starters like chicken liver parfait on offer, or a main of chicken with a haggis stuffing and a whisky sauce for instance.
Newhall Estate
It’s hard to believe this Baronial home is on the outskirts of Edinburgh, but the sweeping grounds surrounding this stately home are in fact on the very fringes of the city. Choose between celebrating in the Sunroom, the walled garden, or the recently refurbished Coach House. The clean white walls and expansive windows of the Coach House make it our favourite spot for a celebration, and a lovely option if you’re keen to build your aesthetic through your decorative touches. Caterers are provided from a recommended suppliers list, and your flowers can be grown on the estate itself for a wonderful, sustainable touch.
Dovecot Studios
First and foremost this space is a world-renowned tapestry studio, but the interiors lend themselves beautifully to contemporary events. With clean white walls and an arced ceiling, this is a blank canvas venue at its best. Included in each package is exclusive use of the Ladies Baths, the Meeting Room or the Weaving Floor. There’s the balcony too, which makes the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks, and the team here are on hand to help with all the details – from table and chair hire through to making sure your menu is exactly to your taste.
Timberyard
Image (and cover image): Claire Fleck Photography
Timberyard is one of Edinburgh’s coolest restaurants in its own right but is also a fun and unusual wedding venue for foodie-focused couples. The space is big and open with loads of natural light and interesting details, plus the bonus of super friendly staff. You can choose to hire either the private room called the Shed or take over the full restaurant, which can hold eighty guests for dinner. The modern, ingredients-focused food is the biggest winner here, and there’s also a small outdoor courtyard to sweeten the deal.
The Free Company
The Free Company is found half an hour outside the city centre, but the drive is well worth it for the resulting small steading you’ll find at the other end. While the farm is primarily used for supper clubs and as a place to rear the company’s rare-breed pigs, it can also be hired as a wedding venue and is truly unique. There’s a large courtyard surrounded by outbuildings, while inside said buildings there’s a whitewashed rustic bar and upstairs a converted hayloft which creates a cosy atmosphere whatever the weather. Long trestle tables complete the convivial atmosphere, and menus are created around the farm’s own produce for a delicious feast for your family and friends.
Carberry Tower
Looking for a luxury wedding venue in Edinburg? Carberry Tower could have what you’re searching for. You’ll have exclusive use of this four-star 40 acre sprawling countryside estate which is in Musselburgh, just a few minutes from the city centre. A private chapel, a Champagne terrace and Garden Rooms make up your options for hosting here, and there are all kinds of style of suites to choose from when it comes to accommodation too. You’ll be assigned an in-house planner to help you pick your menu and distil down all the fine details of your day.
Gardener’s Cottage
Quite literally an old gardener’s cottage, this sweet space is only big enough for a handful of people so makes the ideal venue for a city-centre micro wedding. With two small rooms either side of the front door; low ceilings and antique chapel chairs set the scene for a wonderfully atmospheric meal. The kitchen specialises in seasonal cooking and tasting menus of local produce, so this is a great pick for foodies wanting a day without much fuss, just a gathering of great friends over a delicious meal.
The Lookout
For small scale celebrations this gloriously positioned wedding venue in Edinburgh is ideal. Usually run as a restaurant, there’s also a private dining space for eight people, and the kitchen is one of Edinburgh’s best restaurants serving up a roster of modern British dishes made from local ingredients. The room comes with spectacular views of the city’s skyline as standard, and the helpful team are on hand to make sure the details of your day run smoothly.
Looking for something on the west coast? These are our favourite wedding venues in Glasgow