Edinburgh Elopement Wedding Planning Guide: Everything You Need to Know
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT TO EDINBURGH | EDINBURGH ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Want a wedding that’s all about you and your partner? No planning, finance or social stresses? Then eloping might just be the perfect option for you. Elopements are becoming extremely popular with many couples today as they realise that they want their day to be an intimate celebration that focuses hugely on the ceremony, the vows and having special memories together. Elopements are great if you’re wanting to celebrate just the two of you and nowadays with elopements, many couples choose to have a small guest list consisting of close family and friends.
The beauty of eloping is that you can elope to anywhere in the world. Remote islands, forests, tropical beaches and you have the choice of the world’s cities. As far as elopements go, Edinburgh is one of the most amazing cities to elope in. There are so many amazing spots to explore and food and drink to indulge in, it’s incredibly beautiful - it’s streets are full of character and charm and the people are some of the friendliest you’ll meet. So let’s take a look at how you can plan the perfect elopement in Edinburgh.
Best Elopement Locations in Edinburgh
Elopements are all about the location, and the feelings and atmosphere’s that come with that location, so here are some of the best in Edinburgh…
Legend has it that this site is named after King Arthur himself, with some claiming that it once could have been home to the mystical and magical Camelot. It really is a magical spot. It’s one of the most iconic viewpoints in Edinburgh, offering incredible views over the city and is actually the remains of an extinct volcano that erupted 350 million years ago.
Arthurs seat is the highest point you can climb to, it’s not a difficult climb either so if you’re not an avid hiker don’t be deterred - it’s a beautiful spot full of history and gorgeous scenery for an elopement adventure with your partner.
2. Royal Botanical Gardens:
This is a spectacular location for an elopement and you’re spoilt for choice on the exact spots that you can host your ceremony but John Muir and The Chinese Pavilion are especially beautiful. John Muir Grove - Enchanting, Grand, Beautiful. This is perfect for an outdoor ceremony surrounded by the giant redwood trees and sequoias. It’s almost like a cathedral carved out by nature. The Chinese Pavilion - Set at the foot of the hillside and overlooking the pond this is another stunning location to have your elopement ceremony and would be perfect on a sunny day.
3. Riddles Court:
Riddles Court brings with it so much character and atmosphere and it’s been voted as one of the top rated venues for weddings year on year. From the painted ceilings, grand rooms and romantic courtyards each location is intimate, romantic and picturesque. You’ll really feel like you’re part of Edinburgh’s history if you hold your ceremony here.
4. Calton Hill:
Panoramic views, views of all the major landmarks and home to the city observatory where astronomers used to observe the stars, this is an incredibly romantic spot. It’s incredibly beautiful at sunset so why not have your elopement ceremony then, it will make for some stunning photos with the Athenian Acropolis standing tall and mighty. Then wait for the stars to come out just as the astronomers would have done and toast to a lifetime of adventure together…
5. Royal College of Physicians:
Are you a lover of treasure troves, books, and a cosy warm atmosphere? The royal college of Physicians is located in the middle of Edinburgh new town and is perfect for elopements if you fancy yourself a bit of a bookworm or an academic. The Georgian New Library houses some beautiful furniture full of character, fireplaces and books galore. It’s like something from a fairytale - think beauty and the beast meets hogwarts library. It’s great for elopements and micro weddings should you want the company of a few family and friends.
General Wedding Venues in Edinburgh
If you’re searching for a general wedding venue in Edinburgh or somewhere to host an evening reception after your elopement, these venues are truly stunning…
The Caves: A true hidden gem. The Caves are a magical venue and if you’re looking for something unique and magical it really does bring the wow factor. It’s enchanting and magical. If you love yourself a tipple then it’s another bonus, there was once so much whiskey stored here that it became known as "Whiskey Row". The Caves caters for larger weddings of 70-150 guests and up to 450 evening guests.
Mansfield Traquair: This beautiful venue is in the heart of Edinburgh and is a place where fairy tales happen - it’s mighty, grand, beautiful - it’s the location of dreams and like something straight out of a rom-com happy ending. It’s even been dubbed ‘The Sistine Chapel’ of Edinburgh. Towering ceilings, a grand altar, regal, fairy lights, flowers - this is maximalist and it makes a statement and is incredibly romantic.
Carlowrie Castle: You can’t go wrong with a wedding in a castle - especially not a castle with a walled garden, a marquee and 32 stunning acres of land. This venue is truly luxurious and offers a range of spaces for your ceremony. The marquee has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the castle lawns, crystal chandeliers and colour lighting. This space can hold up to 300 guests dining and 450 at an evening reception.
The Orangery is serene and can be tailored to your vision. This is perfect for a more intimate wedding that hosts 110 guests for dining and has direct access to the lawn and grounds - perfect in the summertime.
Best AccommodationS in Edinburgh
And of course you need accommodation for your elopement stay, and maybe somewhere for your guests too. These are the best self catering spots and hotels you can treat yourself too in Edinburgh…
Self Catering Accommodation
The Pavilion at Lamb’s House: This little gem is a haven for anyone who loves history, architecture and interior design - it’s also part of the national trust. Lamb House houses up to six people and is the creation of award winning Architect, Nicholas Groves-Raines and Painter, Kristin Hannesdottir. The couple are known for injecting life into much of Scotland’s architectural heritage. The building is incredibly romantic, perfect for any eloping couple!
Cheval Old Town Chambers: Hidden away in the old town is the Cheval Old Town Chambers which are full of character. What was once historic and nearly derelict has been transformed into a beautiful stylish hybrid of mediaeval meets modern fantasy fairytale. The furnishings are bespoke and luxury and perfect for you and partner eloping together.
Castle View Guest House: Want stunning views of the castle? This one bedroom self catering flat is the perfect place and is in a central location, making it the perfect base to explore all that the city has to offer.
Pilrig House Apartments: If you’re looking for something slightly quieter then Pilrig Apartments is perfect, it’s wreathed in roses (how romantic) and surrounded by lovely gardens with a private gate opening out onto Pilrig Park and is beautifully equipped for a romantic stay.
Hotels in Edinburgh
The Balmoral: You can’t get much more luxurious than The Balmoral. It’s elegant and stylish and the design reflects the Scottish landscape bringing the country’s woodlands, heather-covered hills and lochs to the hotel’s walls. The rooms have different views with scenes looking out over Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Old Town. They also host weddings of up to 400 guests…
Waldorf Astoria: Combining modern luxury and Victorian style at once was a former railway station with magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle this hotel has it all. Views, a luxury spa, a world heritage sight and the royal mile and old town within a mile this is the perfect base for exploring if you want to be pampered left right and centre. Dining and drinks are a treat with some of the finest dining and over 100 whiskies in The Caley Bar! Cheers!
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel: Full of character and beautifully designed this hotel is perched on the edge of a picturesque private garden in the New Town. Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is a mix of traditional glamour with modern day Scotland. It’s home to a beautiful central courtyard always teeming with life as travellers unwind over gin & tonics, local professionals do business, and friends and family celebrate life moments. It creates a special feeling that you’ll most certainly take home with you.
Thank you for reading and we hope that you consider us to document your elopement in Edinburgh. If you’d like to find out more about us and the philosophy behind our work, please feel free to get in touch.
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Hey, I’m Aryan - your Edinburgh elopement photographer and filmmaker. I’m one of the few photographers in Edinburgh to offer an all inclusive photo and video package, saving you from the hassle of having to go through two different suppliers, contracts, invoices and meetings.
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