As someone who planned their own wedding and got married in Edinburgh and also works as a wedding photographer in the city, I feel like I have a fair share of knowledge about the wedding scene here. I have the pleasure of meeting so many people that travel to the city to get married. And I remember that the biggest and most challenging decision to make was what venue to pick for the big day. So in this guide I have compiled my best picks for wedding venues for both ceremony and party in and near Edinburgh in Scotland, including castles, barns and historic churches. So hopefully this can be helpful in your search for the perfect wedding venue!
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The best wedding venues for ceremonies, parties and whole day celebrations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh certainly does not have a lack of wedding venues to pick from – some people want grand castles, some prefer two separate venues for the ceremony, reception and party and some wish to escape with a lovely wee elopement. My number 1 advice would be to make a list of what feels important to you before going to view venues as that will really help narrow it down and you’ll start realizing what feels more and less important on the list as well. I viewed a variety of venues, but when I saw my venue (which is included further down on this list) I just felt so much for it and it ticked all our boxes. And it was such a magical day!
How much does a wedding in Edinburgh cost?
My wedding cost roughly £24,000 which include exclusive use at The Signet Library with floral arrangements, a dinner for 85 guests and evening event for 120 guests. We had a humanist celebrant, a photographer and videographer as well as a ceilidh band for the day. This also includes my dress and kilt attire for the groomsmen as well as other little bits and bobs. Just as an indication of how our day looked and what we had included in this rate.
But that’s not to say that this is what a wedding in Edinburgh has to cost. I have photographed weddings where it’s just two people, a ceremony at the city chambers followed by a photo walk, beer at the pub and then a lovely dinner in their favourite restaurant. A small wedding like this can be put together for around £400-£500 whilst a grand exclusive use castle hire easily can be £20,000+.
In this guide I have included starting rates for the various venues, which can hopefully help you find the right venue for your wedding and budget.
Who can get married in Edinburgh?
I photograph a lot of international couples, coming to Edinburgh and Scotland to get married. Scotland does not have a residency requirement, meaning you don’t have to live here to get married here. Another way of doing it, is to do the legal marriage ceremony in your home country and then do a non-legal ceremony in Scotland, if you would prefer.
I would always recommend checking the marriage requirements of your country and especially what they require when you are getting married abroad. Most government websites have this clearly outlined.
What do you need to check before getting married in Edinburgh?
Generally both partners need to submit their own M10 marriage notice form between three months and 29 days before the wedding date. 29 days is the legal minimum, but I would recommend to do this earlier rather than later so there isn’t any last minute complications. If you are not from the United Kingdom then you might need a Certificate of No Impediment from your home country as well as a Declaration of Status by Non-UK Nationals. You should also look up if you need a Marriage Visitor Visa and apply for this three months before travelling.
On the day of the wedding, your marriage schedule will be signed on the day for the ceremony. It needs to be signed by your celebrant, both partners and also two witnesses that are over 16. For small elopements I have been the photographer and witness quite a few times now and sometimes we have even gotten a witness just off the street who could spare 30 minutes. If it’s a civil ceremony then the registrar takes care of registering the marriage. For a religious or humanist ceremony the schedule must be returned to the registrar within 3 days. This is to officially register the marriage so you can get your marriage certificate, which can be sent to you or collected in person in Scotland. You will need the marriage certificate to officially register your marriage in your home country.
Requirements can vary between nationalities and you can also seek advise from the Scottish registrars. To learn more about getting married in Scotland, I also recommend nrscotland.gov.uk and edinburgh.gov.uk which both have great information.
Wedding venues in Edinburgh
Here below I have listed a variety of wedding venues ranging from all day exclusive use to parties, ceremonies or receptions that I have photographed and really like in Edinburgh and the nearby surrounding area of Scotland.
Prestonfield House
Nestled beneath the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, reminiscent of the highlands in Scotland, Prestonfield House is one of Edinburgh’s most luxurious wedding venues, suitable both for ceremonies, parties and receptions. Its opulent interiors, sweeping gardens and five-star service create an unforgettable setting for couples looking for a romantic celebration, big or small. This is one of my favourite wedding venues and also hotels in Edinburgh and I stayed here for two nights right after my wedding.
- Location: Priestfield Road, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Luxury weddings, romantic celebrations, destination weddings
- Guest capacity: Up to 200 guests
- Price: available upon request
The Royal College of Physiscians
Combining Georgian elegance with peaceful private gardens, the Royal College of Physicians offers a sophisticated city-centre venue rich in history. Its grand rooms and flexible spaces suit everything from intimate ceremonies to larger receptions. It’s also quite popular to do elopements ceremonies here.
- Location: Queen Street, New Town, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Historic city weddings, elegant celebrations, classic weddings, romantic elopements
- Guest capacity: Up to 150 guests
- Price: from £1650 (for elopement)
The Balmoral
The Balmoral is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic luxury hotels, offering five-star hospitality in the heart of the city. Its elegant ballrooms and renowned service make it a favourite for couples seeking a refined and timeless wedding.
- Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Luxury hotel weddings, destination weddings, large celebrations
- Guest capacity: Up to 280 guests
- Price: from £1000 (for ceremony)
The Signet Library
With its breathtaking Upper Library lined by towering bookshelves and classical architecture, Signet Library is one of Edinburgh’s, if not Scotland’s most spectacular wedding venues. It offers an elegant setting for couples dreaming of a grand city wedding. This is where I got married and we chose the venues because of how beautiful it is and being married surrounded by old books was such a dream. If you book the venue you also get exclusive access all day which was perfect for us as we could have the ceremony downstairs and dinner upstairs.
- Location: Parliament Square, Old Town, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Historic weddings, luxury celebrations, elegant city weddings
- Guest capacity: Up to 220 guests
- Price: from £3,750 (venue hire)
Jupiter Artland
Jupiter Artland offers a truly unique wedding venue surrounded by contemporary sculptures, woodland and landscaped gardens. Couples looking for an artistic and relaxed celebration will find endless inspiration throughout the estate. When I photographed a wedding here recently the couple had picked their favourite artworks to get their photos by.
- Location: Wilkieston, near Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Outdoor weddings, creative couples, exclusive-use celebrations
- Guest capacity: Up to 120 guests
- Price: from £1000 (ballroom ceremony)
Port of Leith Distillery
Scotland’s first vertical whisky distillery provides a modern and distinctive backdrop overlooking the waterfront. Its rooftop event spaces and contemporary architecture make it a memorable venue for couples wanting something different. I personally love the bar at the distillery which has a lovely view over the water, so if you want some delicious cocktails at your reception this is such a good pick!
Port of Leith also has its sister venue Lind & Lime nearby as well which is available for exclusive hire from £1200.
- Location: Leith, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Modern weddings, whisky lovers, intimate celebrations
- Guest capacity: Up to 180 guests
- Price: from £250 (room hire)
The Scotsman
Set within the former home of Scotland’s national newspaper, The Scotsman Hotel combines historic architecture with contemporary luxury. Its elegant event spaces and central location make it a popular choice for stylish city weddings.
- Location: North Bridge, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Luxury hotel weddings, city weddings, destination weddings
- Guest capacity: Up to 180 guests
- Price: from approximately £95 per person (wedding packages)
Harburn Barn
Surrounded by the West Lothian countryside, Harburn Barn offers a beautifully restored rustic venue with exclusive use. Its converted stone barns provide a relaxed yet elegant setting for weddings throughout the year.
- Location: West Calder, West Lothian
- Recommended for: Barn weddings, countryside celebrations, exclusive-use weddings
- Guest capacity: Up to 150 guests
- Price: from £2950 (venue hire)
Leith Arches
Leith Arches brings together industrial character, exposed brickwork and a vibrant atmosphere for couples seeking an alternative wedding venue. Its flexible event spaces are ideal for modern celebrations with a creative edge. The last wedding I photographed here had a pizza tent from one of the local pizzerias set up outside to feed their guests.
- Location: Leith, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Contemporary weddings, relaxed celebrations, alternative weddings
- Guest capacity: Up to 180 guests
- Price: from £1000 (venue hire)
Riddle’s Court
Hidden within Edinburgh’s Old Town, Riddle’s Court is a beautifully restored 16th-century merchant’s house full of historic charm. Its intimate rooms and colourful painted ceilings create a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Such a unique venue tucked away from the Royal Mile and most people don’t even know it’s there.
- Location: Lawnmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Intimate weddings, historic venues, elopements
- Guest capacity: Up to 80 guests
- Price: available upon request
Dovecot Studios
Dovecot Studios combines contemporary design with Edinburgh’s rich artistic heritage. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian bathhouse, it is one of the city’s most unique wedding venues, with the famous tapestry studio providing an unforgettable backdrop. The combination of exposed brickwork, soaring ceilings and modern architecture creates a stylish yet characterful setting that feels both intimate and distinctive. If you’re looking for a venue that is a little different from Edinburgh’s grand hotels and historic buildings, Dovecot Studios is a wonderful choice. The Weaving Floor is only available for ten dates each year and includes the option for a tapestry of your choice to be hung for your wedding.
- Location: Old Town, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Creative couples, contemporary weddings, art lovers, intimate to medium-sized celebrations
- Guest capacity: Up to 180 guests (depending on the space and layout)
- Price: from £1200 (micro evening reception)
Mansfield Traquair
Often described as Edinburgh’s “Sistine Chapel,” Mansfield Traquair is celebrated for its soaring ceilings and magnificent murals. Few venues offer such a dramatic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. If you prefer a church wedding over a castle in Edinburgh or Scotland, but with a similar feel to it, then this is such a beautiful venue. I could admire the windows and wall paintings in here forever.
- Location: Broughton, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Grand weddings, historic venues, elegant celebrations
- Guest capacity: Up to 250 guests
- Price: available upon request
Royal Botanic Gardens
With beautiful gardens, glasshouses and seasonal floral displays, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh provides one of the city’s most picturesque wedding settings. It offers a tranquil escape while remaining close to the city centre. I usually go for my daily walk to the botanics and it’s a beautiful and peaceful location in any season, but perhaps particularly so in late spring and autumn.
- Location: Inverleith, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Garden weddings, outdoor ceremonies, nature lovers
- Guest capacity: Up to 250 guests
- Price: from £122 per person (wedding packages)
Timberyard
Timberyard combines industrial heritage with award-winning dining in a beautifully restored warehouse. Its minimalist interiors and courtyard create an intimate setting for relaxed, food-focused celebrations. A really interesting venue and if you are wanting fantastic food, this is definitely one to consider!
- Location: Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Intimate weddings, foodie couples, modern celebrations
- Guest capacity: Up to 120 guests
- Price: from £3000 (based on minimum spend and exclusive use, including lunch)
Carlowrie Castle
Just outside Edinburgh, Carlowrie Castle offers an exclusive use wedding venue of a magnificent Scottish castle surrounded by landscaped grounds. Combining historic grandeur with luxurious modern interiors, it provides a spectacular setting for a destination wedding.
- Location: Kirkliston, near Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Castle weddings, luxury celebrations, exclusive-use weddings
- Guest capacity: Up to 250 guests
- Price: from £5750 (castle hire)
Edinburgh’s City Chambers
For couples planning a legal ceremony in the heart of the capital, Edinburgh City Chambers is one of the city’s most popular registry office venues. Its historic rooms provide an elegant setting for everything from intimate ceremonies to larger civil weddings. For many smaller weddings I have gone for a photo walk with my couples and even stopping by the pub on the way.
- Location: High Street, Old Town, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Civil ceremonies, elopements, intimate weddings
- Guest capacity: Up to 120 guests (depending on ceremony room)
- Price: from £155 (ceremony)
Fingal
Once a working lighthouse tender, Fingal has been transformed into one of Edinburgh’s most unique luxury venues. Couples can enjoy elegant interiors, exceptional dining and an unforgettable waterfront setting aboard this beautifully restored ship.
- Location: Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh
- Recommended for: Intimate luxury weddings, destination weddings, unique celebrations
- Guest capacity: Up to 60 guests
- Price: available upon request
Meet the writer
Looking for a wedding photographer in Edinburgh?
I’m Moa — I live in Edinburgh, I got married here, and I photograph weddings across Scotland and beyond. My style is soft and romantic, and I like to stay a butterfly on the wall, catching the moments that happen on their own. If you’re planning a wedding or an elopement in Edinburgh, I’d love to hear about your day.
Enquire about your dateElopements
Edinburgh has become one of the UK’s most sought-after destinations for elopements, offering couples the chance to exchange their vows surrounded by centuries of history without sacrificing the atmosphere of a larger celebration. From the cobbled streets of the Old Town and the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town to the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and the city’s hidden gardens, there is no shortage of beautiful locations for an intimate wedding day.
Many couples choose to hold a small civil ceremony at Edinburgh City Chambers before exploring the city with their photographer, taking portraits at iconic locations such as the Royal Mile, Dean Village, Circus Lane or Calton Hill. Others opt for one of the city’s boutique hotels or historic venues like Edinburgh Castle that specialise in intimate weddings, allowing them to enjoy a private celebration with just a handful of guests.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding from overseas or simply prefer a more personal way to say “I do,” Edinburgh offers the perfect combination of historic charm, world-class hospitality and stunning scenery for an unforgettable elopement.
My favourite elopement ceremony locations
- St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins
- St Margarets Loch
- Calton Hill
- St Margarets Chapel at Edinburgh Castle
- Royal College of Physicians
FAQ – The best wedding venues in Edinburgh
A wedding in Edinburgh can cost anywhere from £155 to £20,000+ depending on if you are planning a small elopement or a grand castle wedding.
Yes, you can absolutely have an outdoor wedding ceremony in Edinburgh. Provided the location is safe and you have the permission of the landowner, Scotland is known for having really flexible wedding laws so it’s possible to get married outdoors nearly everywhere.
Carlowrie Castle and Edinburgh Castle are both venues that offer wedding packages for ceremonies and parties, and nearby Edinburgh you also have the gorgeous Gosford House as well as Neidpath Castle that I would recommend from my experience.
Spring and summer are both popular for weddings in Edinburgh as the weather tends to be better, but autumn, especially October and November, is the prime time for the moodiness and gothic vibes that the city is so loved for.
Yes, Americans can legally get married in Edinburgh as Scotland doesn’t require you to be a resident to get married here.
This is dependant on the venue but from personal experience I would recommend at least a year in advance as venues get fully booked quickly. Especially if you have a certain date in mind.
The benefit of getting married in the city centre is that there are plenty of options for guests to stay where it suits their budget, anywhere from The Hoxton and Eden Locke to The Balmoral or The Witchery.
There is no upper limit to how many guests you can have at an elopement, but you need at least two witnesses over 16 for the ceremony. Although if you book a photographer they can count as one of the witnesses if they are willing.
Need more inspiration for a trip to Edinburgh?
- The Best Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh, Scotland: Scones, Sandwiches & City Views
- The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
- The Best Hotels in Edinburgh: My 2026 Guide to the City’s Most Charming Stays
- Weekend trip to Edinburgh: the ultimate itinerary from a local
- Things to do in Edinburgh: insider recommendations from a local
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
