couple pose for photos at calton hill edinburgh elopement photographer
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WEDDING PLANNING: 5 Outdoor Wedding Venues Edinburgh

WEDDING PLANNING: 5 Outdoor Wedding Venues Edinburgh

dunspaie loch edinburgh elopemenr

Edinburgh is one of the most incredible cities to live in in the world. From the incredible elegant Georgian architecture and gardens of the New Town to the quirky closes and romance of the Royal Mile and old town… it is also a UNESCO world heritage site. I have lived in Edinburgh my whole life and I always find new inspiration living here.

Getting married outdoors in Edinburgh is an ideal option for couples who love the idea of a scenic wedding or elopement but don’t feel the highlands is right for them. If you want somewhere that is more accessible travel-wise than the area of the Scottish highlands such as Glencoe or the Isle of Skye, has plenty of fantastic accommodation options and the most stunning architecture I couldn’t think of anywhere more perfect.

As a wedding photographer, I have photographed over 300 weddings. I often get asked about places to get married outdoors in Edinburgh so here are a few of my faves!

1. Calton Hill

couple pose for photos at calton hill edinburgh elopement photographer

For couples looking for the most iconic view across the Edinburgh skyline, Calton Hill is a perfect choice. I would advise picking the area beside the Observatory House, on the upper level,  close to the Collective Gallery with the Dougald Stewart behind. As a bonus, you can also stay at Observatory House (which can sleep up to 14 if you book all 3 apartments) so you can be right beside your ceremony location!! You will need permission from Edinburgh Council to get married here, they can also give you permission to have wedding cars take you on the road to the top of the hill so your guests don’t need to climb!!

bride and groom have their wedding ceremony at calton hill overlooking the stunning edinburgh city scape bride and groom have their wedding ceremony at calton hill overlooking the stunning edinburgh city scape bride and groom have their wedding ceremony at calton hill overlooking the stunning edinburgh city scape

 

2. Dunsapie Loch

dunspaie loch edinburgh elopemenr

Dunsapie Loch is another of my favourite places for outdoor weddings or elopements in Edinburgh! It is located on the East side of Arthur’s seat and is lower than the main Athur’s seat peak meaning you get a mountain-style backdrop rather than a cityscape.  There is a car park, where with permission from the council you can bring a wedding car and have any guests dropped off or you can make a short 15 min walk from Holyrood Park to the loch. You can view more from this stunning elopement over on my blog HERE.

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3. St. Anthony’s Chapel

St Anthony'sChapel Edinburgh Elopement

The only building in the central area of Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park is St Anthony’s Chapel. It resembles more the ruins of an ancient castle than a church, making it a perfect backdrop for those wanting to get married surrounded by history. It stands on a hilltop of Arthur’s seat high above St Margaret’s Loch, with stunning views over North Edinburgh, Leith and the River Forth.

outdoor wedding venue Edinburgh a couple get married beside the ruins of st anthony's chapel outdoor wedding venue Edinburgh a couple get married beside the ruins of st anthony's chapel outdoor wedding venue Edinburgh a couple get married beside the ruins of st anthony's chapel

4. Dunbar’s Close
couple have their humanist wedding ceremony at dunbars close gardens

Dunbar’s Close gardens are hidden away behind the historical Royal Mile and I like to refer to it as a “secret garden” as it’s always quiet even during the busy summer months in Edinburgh. You hard down a cobbled close to a 17th Century style walled garden with stunning landscapes, flowers and hedges making it the most romantic location, especially during the summertime.

couple have their humanist wedding ceremony at dunbars close gardens couple have their humanist wedding ceremony at dunbars close gardens couple have their humanist wedding ceremony at dunbars close gardens ourdoor wedding venues edinburgh

5. The Royal Botanic Gardens

wedding ceremony under the redwoods at botanical gardens edinburgh
The Botanical Gardens have always been a special place to me, my great-grandparents lived on Inverleith Row and I spent a lot of time here growing up. The Botanical Gardens is the most magical place I could think of to get married in this city, from an outdoor ceremony under the famous redwood trees to being surrounded by the most incredible flowers.

My favourite space for an indoor ceremony and reception is the Victorian Caledonian Hall looking over the rock garden; whilst the John Hope Gateway is ideal for couples looking for a more modern feel. The location works perfectly for both a large wedding or an intimate mico wedding or elopement. You can view more images from this stunning wedding HERE.

bride and groom pose for photos in rock gardens at royal botanical gardens edinburgh wedding

 

What are your favourite venues? Drop a comment or email and let me know what you would add to the list.

Warmly,

Loraine x