A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt walk hand in hand through a sunlit park with scattered leaves, smiling joyously.

100 Princes Street Wedding Photographer: Royal Over-Seas League Wedding

ByClaire Fowler Updated

100 Princes Street is now a five-star boutique hotel and intimate wedding venue in the heart of Edinburgh, directly opposite Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.

Our experience photographing a wedding in this building dates back to when it operated as the Royal Over-Seas League, before it was redeveloped into the current 100 Princes Street hotel. The photographs in this gallery therefore show the former venue rather than the hotel’s present-day interiors.

What remains directly relevant is the location. Princes Street Gardens is just across the road, Edinburgh Castle dominates the view from the front of the building, and the surrounding city centre gives couples a wide range of photography options within a short walk.

For couples searching for a 100 Princes Street wedding photographer, this page shares our first-hand experience photographing a wedding at this address, while clarifying how the venue has changed since then.

If you’re considering the hotel for your wedding today, you can also check the current 100 Princes Street website for its latest wedding, exclusive-use and accommodation information.

If you’re comparing venues across the city, see our first-hand guide to the best Edinburgh wedding venues.

Royal Over-Seas League

photographed first-hand

700+

weddings photographed since 2006

Jonathon & Claire

husband-and-wife photography team

Weddings at 100 Princes Street Today

100 Princes Street is a small boutique hotel with 29 rooms and suites, retaining the building’s private-club feel while overlooking Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.

Current wedding information lists the venue for intimate celebrations, with civil ceremonies, on-site accommodation and in-house catering available. Published capacities are up to 60 guests during the day and 80 for an evening reception, although couples should confirm current numbers and exclusive-use arrangements directly with the hotel when enquiring.

For photography, its biggest practical advantage remains the location. Princes Street Gardens is immediately across the road, while the New Town, Old Town and several very different city-centre backdrops are all within easy walking distance.

Royal Over-Seas League Wedding Photos

Here is a selection of photographs from Sarah and Gary’s wedding at the former Royal Over-Seas League at 100 Princes Street, showing the building as it appeared before its redevelopment into the current hotel.

  • Two wedding rings stacked beside a green and blue tartan bow tie on a white fabric background.
  • Engagement ring placed on a red dahlia with soft pink and white flowers in the background.
  • A white bridal gown with lace details hanging in front of a window, showcasing a scenic outdoor backdrop.
  • Close-up of a white lace fabric with intricate floral embroidery and small bead embellishments.
  • A pair of beige wedge heel shoes with "toms" labels, displayed on a wooden surface against a green wall.
  • A bouquet of mixed flowers including pink, white, and deep red blooms with green foliage, wrapped in white paper, resting on a wooden surface.
  • A bridal bouquet with a white satin ribbon handle decorated with pearl buttons, placed on a wooden surface.
  • Close-up of a floral arrangement featuring pale pink roses, deep red dahlias, purple asters, white blooms, and green foliage.
  • Boutonnieres with tags labeled "dads" and "ushers" laid out on a wooden surface.
  • A small floral arrangement with a white rose beside a place card labeled "gary" on a wooden table.
  • A decorative round box with floral prints, adorned with a light blue and gold brooch and a yellow flower on top, tied with a pale green ribbon.
  • A wedding day card and a bottle of cuvée rosé champagne on a table.
  • Two navy blue dresses hanging on wooden hangers against a pale yellow background.
  • Close-up of a blue garment with detailed pleats and textured fabric.
  • Two navy blue dresses with pleated designs hanging on white hangers against a cream-colored door.
  • Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with blonde hair styled in an updo, wearing a pink shirt, against a light background.
  • Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes, smiling subtly in a softly lit room.
  • Two women in pink t-shirts smiling at each other, one with "mrs. litt, 2016" written on hers, standing in a warmly lit room with a mirror in the background.
  • Two women wearing pink t-shirts with name tags, "nicola" and "claire," smiling and seated in front of a mirror.
  • Four women in matching pink t-shirts smiling and interacting in a room, with names on their shirts: jessica, cathy, beth, and taylor.
  • Four women stand facing away, wearing pink t-shirts labeled "bridesmaid" and "maid of honour," looking at a mirror reflection.
  • Six men in scottish kilts and formal jackets smiling indoors in front of large windows with a view of greenery.
  • Group of six men in traditional scottish kilts and formal jackets, laughing together by large windows in a bright room.
  • Seven men in traditional scottish kilts standing on a terrace with edinburgh castle in the background.
  • Six men in formal attire with boutonnieres seen from a low-angle, forming a circle with their heads leaning in, against a blue sky with clouds.
  • Man in traditional scottish attire, including a tartan kilt and sporran, smiling outdoors.
  • A man in a formal black suit and kilt standing in front of a historical cityscape with a castle in the background.
  • Man in traditional scottish attire including a kilt, sporran, and jacket, smiling on a balcony with buildings in the background.
  • A man in a kilt and black jacket smiling, standing on a balcony with large pots and a cityscape with monuments in the background.
  • Three men in traditional scottish kilts posing together with edinburgh castle in the background.
  • Two women smiling at a table in a restaurant, one wearing a white headpiece; a setting with elegant decor.
  • A family of three (man, woman, and toddler) smiling at a dining table decorated with drinks and snacks during a formal event.
  • Four women wearing formal dresses and colorful hats posing together in a sunlit room.
  • A man in a suit and a woman in a yellow dress smiling and sitting together at a formal event.
  • A woman in a lace wedding dress is being helped by another woman adjusting her dress in a warmly lit bedroom.
  • A woman in a blue dress is helping a bride, seen from behind, with the final buttoning of her detailed lace wedding gown in a softly lit room.
  • A woman in a bridal gown standing indoors, holding perfume and looking towards a window.
  • A bride in a white dress applying perfume in front of a mirror in a softly lit room adorned with elegant furniture.
  • A woman applying lipstick while looking at her reflection in a mirror.
  • A bald man in a kilt and women in formal dresses in a room, clutter visible on the floor and furniture.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt stand in a sunlit room with a countryside view through the window, having a moment before the ceremony.
  • Bride in a white dress presenting a gift to a man in a kilt and formal jacket indoors, with a picturesque view from the window.
  • A bride in a lace wedding gown and a groom in a traditional scottish kilt and sporran sharing a joyful moment indoors by a window.
  • A bride in a lace dress and a man in a black suit with a boutonniere share a joyful glance indoors by a window.
  • A woman in a white lace wedding dress stands holding a bouquet, with a window behind her casting natural light.
  • A woman with brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a white lace dress, smiles gently while looking to the side.
  • Four women in formal attire, three in navy dresses and one in a bridal gown, holding bouquets and standing in a room with a mirror behind them.
  • Four women in formal wear, one in a white wedding dress and three in navy dresses, holding bouquets and smiling indoors.
  • Four women in formal attire hold intricate flower bouquets towards the camera in a room with a yellow background.
  • Four women in formal attire, one in a white bridal dress and others in dark dresses, smiling and holding floral bouquets.
  • Three women in black dresses stand by an ornate wooden railing, looking down onto a lower floor, with one holding a bouquet.
  • A bride in a white lace dress descends a staircase holding a bouquet, looking towards the camera with a slight smile.
  • Two men wearing formal attire with tartan elements at an event, one in a kilt, standing in the forefront, with another man partially visible in the background.
  • A bride walks down the aisle holding a bouquet, accompanied by her father in a tartan kilt, surrounded by guests in formal attire, at a wedding ceremony.
  • A wedding ceremony with a bride and groom in a kilt surrounded by guests in formal attire, conveying a joyful atmosphere indoors.
  • Bride and groom holding hands during a wedding ceremony in a sunlit room, with guests and an officiant surrounding them.
  • A groom smiling at a speaker during a wedding ceremony, with a bride and groomsmen in background, all dressed formally.
  • Bride and groom holding hands at their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests, with one groomsmen wearing a kilt.
  • Close-up of a wedding ceremony with hands exchanging rings, officiant holding a book with text, and groom in kilt visible.
  • Bride and groom exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony, with the groom wearing a kilt. guests observe the moment.
  • Bride and groom exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony in a room filled with guests, the groom wearing a kilt.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil walks past seated guests, focusing on a man in the foreground looking reflective.
  • Bride and groom kissing at the altar, surrounded by guests, with a man in a kilt and a woman holding a floral bouquet visible.
  • A bride and groom exchanging wedding rings in a crowded room, groom wearing a kilt, with smiling guests looking on.
  • Bride and groom holding hands, the groom in a kilt and sporran, at a wedding ceremony.
  • A wedding ceremony with a smiling groom in a kilt and bride in a white dress, standing with guests in a well-lit room.
  • A bride and groom in wedding attire reading from a booklet alongside groomsmen in kilts and suits.
  • A couple reads a document together at a wedding, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
  • Bride and groom smiling and reading from a paper in a wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
  • A wedding ceremony indoors with guests seated on both sides watching as the bride and groom stand at the altar, surrounded by the wedding party.
  • A wedding reception in a bright room with guests in formal attire, some wearing kilts; a couple walks down the aisle, greeted warmly by attendees.
  • A bride and groom, both in traditional scottish attire, smiling as they walk through a crowded room of wedding guests.
  • A large group of people in formal attire posing for a photo at a wedding, with a historic castle in the background on a sunny day.
  • Wedding group photo with the bride, groom, and guests in formal attire, some in kilts, with edinburgh castle in the backdrop.
  • A bride in a white gown, a groom in a kilt, and an older woman in a cream dress posing together outdoors, with a backdrop of dense green shrubs.
  • A bride and groom in wedding attire affectionately kiss an older woman on her cheeks outside, with trees in the background. the groom wears a kilt.
  • A bride in a white lace gown and three men in traditional scottish kilts and jackets, posing together outdoors.
  • A bride in a white gown stands with three bridesmaids in navy dresses, holding bouquets, in a garden setting.
  • A wedding group with a bride, groom, and three others in traditional scottish attire, including kilts, posed outdoors with a backdrop of tall trees.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt stand smiling at each other, holding hands in a sunny park with a castle in the background.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt stand in a park with edinburgh castle in the background.
  • A smiling bride in a lace gown and veil, backlit by sunlight, with a blurred greenery background.
  • A bride and groom smiling outdoors, with the groom wearing a tartan kilt and the bride in a lace dress.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a traditional kilt posing outdoors, with a green background.
  • A bride and groom smiling at each other affectionately in a sunlit garden, dressed in wedding attire.
  • A bride and groom kissing, both dressed in traditional wedding attire, with a sunlit natural backdrop.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt walk hand in hand through a sunlit park with scattered leaves, smiling joyously.
  • Bride and groom walking hand in hand in a park, the bride in a white dress and the groom in a kilt, with sunlight filtering through trees.
  • A bride and groom holding hands, walking down a park path; the groom wears a kilt, and the bride is in a lace dress.
  • A bride and groom embracing in a park, the bride's long veil flowing in the breeze, with trees and grass around them.
  • A newlywed couple in wedding attire sitting on a park bench, smiling at the camera, surrounded by green grass.
  • A groom in a kilt kisses a bride on the cheek as they sit on a park bench, both smiling, dressed in wedding attire.
  • A bride and groom smiling and sitting closely on a park bench; the groom is wearing a kilt and the bride a white dress with a bouquet beside them.
  • Victorian building with ornate metal cresting on the roof and four dormer windows against a clear blue sky.
  • Group of adults in formal attire conversing and smiling at an outdoor event, with ambient focus and natural lighting.
  • Three smiling men in traditional scottish attire holding drinks at an outdoor event.
  • Four women in formal attire pose for a photo outdoors, with a castle in the background. the woman in a white bridal gown stands center, flanked by three others wearing colorful dresses.
  • A woman with red hair laughing and talking with two people at an outdoor gathering.
  • A smiling bride in a lace dress holding a champagne glass with a strawberry, standing outdoors with a blurred green background.
  • Group of seven people, some in kilts, holding drinks and smiling on a terrace with a cityscape background.
  • A bride in an elegant white dress stands by a window overlooking green hills, looking over her shoulder with a gentle smile.
  • A bride in a lace wedding dress smiling over her shoulder near an open door, with a blurred green background.
  • A man in a suit with a boutonniere smiles during a conversation at a lively indoor event with guests in the background. .
  • A bride in a white dress and a woman in a black dress smiling together at a wedding reception.
  • Elegant dining table set with white linen, tall napkins, silverware, and clear water bottles, in a room with a patterned wallpaper.
  • A bottle of kissing tree rosé wine positioned on a decorated dining table with menus and glasses.
  • Elegant dining room set for an event with white-covered tables, black chairs with white sashes, and large windows overlooking greenery.
  • Elegantly set wedding reception table with white linens, wine glasses, name cards, and menu cards in a brightly lit room.
  • Elegant dining room setup for an event, with a long table covered in white linen, chairs in black covers, and various table settings under large windows with a scenic view.
  • A bouquet of fresh flowers in a glass vase on a windowsill with a rainy landscape visible through the glass.
  • A bouquet of flowers and a lit candle on a tall black holder, placed on a windowsill with views of trees outside.
  • A bride and groom walking hand in hand through a room of guests, with the groom wearing a traditional kilt.
  • A groom in a tartan kilt smiling as he walks through a crowd of guests at a wedding reception, with attendees clapping and smiling.
  • A bride and groom walking through a clapping crowd at a wedding reception, with guests wearing scottish kilts.
  • Guests seated at tables during a wedding reception, chatting and dining in an elegantly decorated room with large windows.
  • A woman in a festive hat and pearl necklace looks surprised at a wedding reception, clapping her hands together with guests in background.
  • Man in a gray vest and bow tie laughing at a formal event, with blurred guests in the background.
  • A man in a formal suit smiling at a table during an event, with blurred people and glasses in the background.
  • A wedding reception scene inside a well-lit venue with large windows, showing guests seated at a table decorated with flowers, engaging in conversation.
  • A bald man in a formal uniform speaking and gesturing with a paper at a dinner table, with a focus on seated guests listening.
  • A man giving a speech at a wedding reception, holding a microphone, with guests seated at the table smiling and listening.
  • A man stands giving a speech at a wedding table surrounded by seated guests in a room with large windows.
  • A group of people at a dressed table during an event, conversing happily with a man standing and holding a sheet of paper.
  • A bride in a white dress with a red sash sits at a wedding reception surrounded by guests in formal attire.
  • A wedding reception in a large room with guests seated at round tables, listening to a speaker at the front.
  • Man in a suit smiling at a wedding table while another man laughs and covers his mouth with a napkin.
  • An elderly man reads from a paper at a wedding reception table, with guests seated around him looking attentive.
  • A bride and an older man raise their glasses for a toast at a wedding reception, observed by seated guests.
  • A groom in a kilt embraces an older man at a wedding reception, with guests looking on and smiling.
  • A man in a suit giving a speech at a wedding reception, holding a microphone in one hand and notes in the other, with guests listening around tables.
  • A man in a kilt and suit jacket giving a speech at a wedding reception, holding a note card, with guests seated around tables.
  • Man in a gray suit smiling at a wedding reception, surrounded by blurred guests in a room with elegant decor.
  • Guests at a wedding reception table, smiling and enjoying the event, with a focus on a blonde woman in the foreground. elegantly dressed with natural light streaming through windows.
  • Three men seated at a wedding reception table, laughing and gesturing with their hands, drinks and floral centerpiece on the table.
  • A man in a suit kisses a woman in a blue dress at a wedding reception, surrounded by seated guests and floral decorations.
  • A man in a suit giving a speech at a wedding reception, surrounded by guests at a table.
  • A groom in a kilt holding a microphone and speech notes at a wedding reception table, with a bride and other guests listening attentively.
  • Groom smiling and standing beside seated guests enjoying a toast at a wedding reception table.
  • A man in a formal vest and tie smiling and looking to the side at a blurry, busy event with people in the background.
  • A man in a dark suit laughing at a wedding reception table, with a woman in black laughing beside him. decorative floral centerpieces and elegant table settings visible.
  • Group of men in formal wear smiling and interacting during an event in a room with elegant wallpaper and natural light.
  • A man in a suit is giving a speech at a wedding reception, with guests seated at tables listening and smiling in a room with large windows.
  • Man in suit standing and speaking at wedding reception table, with seated guests listening attentively.
  • Groom standing and giving a speech at a wedding reception, with guests seated around tables listening.
  • A man in a kilt speaks animatedly at a wedding table, pointing forward, while a bride and three other guests listen attentively.
  • A man in a kilt speaks animatedly at a dinner event while guests around him listen and react, seated at tables adorned with festive decorations.
  • A bride and groom laughing at a wedding reception table, surrounded by joyful guests clapping and enjoying the evening.
  • A waiter serving guests at a formal dinner party in an elegantly decorated room with large windows.
  • Guests raising their glasses for a toast at a lively banquet hall during a formal event.
  • People at a wedding reception table, one man clapping and smiling, guests engaged in conversations.
  • A waiter presenting a menu to diners at an elegantly set table in a restaurant, engaging in discussion with a seated couple.
  • A man in a vest and tie gestures with arms wide open, speaking to seated guests at a warmly lit dinner event.
  • A man in a vest and tie gesturing while speaking at a dinner event, with guests seated at tables, some laughing and engaging with him.
  • A joyful wedding reception scene showing a smiling bride and groom chatting with guests at a decorated table.
  • A joyful wedding reception scene with guests smiling and interacting at a decorated table. one man gestures excitedly.
  • A waiter adjusting his tie while standing beside a table where a group of men sit, some laughing, during a dinner event in an elegant room.
  • A formal dinner event with elegantly dressed guests seated at a long table, engaged in conversation, in a room with large windows.
  • A couple embracing on a city street at night, with a blurred tram passing by and a lit-up castle on a hill in the background.
  • A couple embraces on a city street at night with a motion-blurred bus passing by and a lit castle in the background.
  • Night view of a couple holding hands on a street with a blurred bus passing by, and edinburgh castle illuminated in the background.
  • A couple embracing in front of a blurred city bus at night with an illuminated castle on a hill in the background.
  • A three-tiered wedding cake on a silver stand, set against a dark backdrop with sparkling lights and stage equipment.
  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a kilt walk hand-in-hand at a wedding reception, with guests looking on.
  • A bride and groom cutting their wedding cake together, smiling, with a dj in the background.
  • A bride and groom in a kilt cutting a wedding cake together at a reception.
  • A bride and groom share a dance at their wedding reception, guests watching in the background.
  • A bride and groom share a romantic dance, the groom in a tartan kilt and the bride in a white dress, in a ballroom with dim lighting and scattered white balloons.
  • A bride and groom share their first dance in a decorated hall with guests watching and white balloons on the floor.
  • A bride and groom share their first dance in a hall decorated with balloons, surrounded by seated guests watching them.
  • People in formal attire, including kilts, dancing at an indoor celebration with balloons and festive decor.
  • A couple in semi-formal attire, including kilts, dances joyfully among other guests at an indoor celebration.
  • A bride in a white dress dancing closely with a bald man in a dark jacket and kilt at a lively indoor wedding reception.
  • A man in a kilt and a woman with a corsage dancing and smiling at each other at a lively indoor celebration.
  • A couple dancing closely at an indoor event, with other guests and a man in a kilt visible in the background.
  • Two women in formal attire, one in a wedding dress, holding hands and smiling at each other at a dance floor with guests in background.
  • Three women, one in a white dress and two in evening gowns, chat on a dance floor at a festive event with seated guests around them.
  • Two women in formal dresses dancing and smiling, holding hands raised in a celebratory gesture at a wedding reception with seated guests in the background.
  • Three women dancing joyously at a wedding reception, two assisting the bride with her veil on the dance floor.

Photographing a Wedding at the Former Royal Over-Seas League

The Royal Over-Seas League had one particularly useful advantage for wedding photography: its position directly opposite Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.

During Sarah and Gary’s wedding, we were able to use the building’s rooftop for photographs with the castle behind them, then cross Princes Street for portraits in the gardens without taking the couple far from their guests.

That central location also gave us opportunities after dark. Later in the evening, we photographed Sarah and Gary on Princes Street with the illuminated castle in the background, using passing traffic as part of the photograph.

These images show the building and its spaces as they were when it operated as the Royal Over-Seas League. The current 100 Princes Street hotel has since been extensively redeveloped, so couples considering the hotel today should not treat this gallery as a guide to its present-day interiors.

Sarah & Gary’s Wedding at the Royal Over-Seas League

Sarah and Gary’s wedding wasn’t the first time I’d photographed them. We’d previously met for their pre-wedding photoshoot in Cramond, which turned out to be one of the wettest engagement sessions I’ve photographed. They laughed their way through it, so I already knew they were unlikely to let the weather or anything else get in the way of enjoying their wedding day.

Photography began with Sarah and the girls getting ready before Gary and the boys arrived at the Royal Over-Seas League around an hour before the ceremony.

Before the guests gathered, we headed up to the building’s rooftop. Its elevated position gave us a clear view across Princes Street towards Edinburgh Castle, and it was one of the venue’s most distinctive photo spots.

After Sarah and Gary’s ceremony, their family and friends gathered to congratulate them before we crossed Princes Street for a short set of group photographs and newlywed portraits in Princes Street Gardens.

Having the gardens directly opposite was particularly useful. Within a few minutes we could move from the indoor wedding celebrations to greenery, open space and views towards Edinburgh Castle without taking Sarah and Gary away from their guests for long.

Back inside the Royal Over-Seas League, the newlyweds were welcomed into their reception before the wedding breakfast and speeches.

Later, once darkness had fallen, we stepped back outside for a final set of photographs on Princes Street. With Edinburgh Castle illuminated behind Sarah and Gary, I used a slow shutter speed to capture a passing tram while keeping the couple sharp in the foreground.

It gave us a completely different photograph from the daytime portraits in the gardens and was a fitting way to finish their photography in central Edinburgh.

100 Princes Street wedding photographer image of a couple embracing on a city street at night with a motion-blurred bus passing by and a lit castle in the background.

Planning a Wedding at 100 Princes Street?

We’re Claire and Jonathon, a husband-and-wife photography team with more than 700 weddings of experience since 2006, including hundreds of weddings across Edinburgh.

We photographed this building at Sarah and Gary’s wedding, when it operated as the Royal Over-Seas League, before it became the current 100 Princes Street hotel.

If you’re planning a wedding at 100 Princes Street today and like our mix of natural documentary photography and relaxed editorial portraits, we’d love to hear what you’re planning.

Tell us a little about what you’re planning, and we’ll check our availability, answer any questions and help you work out what suits you best.There’s no pressure or obligation, and we usually reply within 24 hours.

Sometimes our reply gets shy and hides in your junk folder. Leave your number, and we’ll text to let you know we’ve replied—no calls, unless you request one!
Include your venue or location if you know it, anything you’ve planned so far, and any questions you’d like us to answer.

Related Reading

Edinburgh Wedding Photographer, Editor & Co-Founder of Jonathon Fowler Photography

About Claire Fowler

Claire Fowler is an experienced Edinburgh wedding photographer and one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Jonathon Fowler Photography. Together with Jonathon, she has photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, including over 500 weddings in Edinburgh.

Claire's relaxed, unobtrusive approach combines natural documentary photography with beautifully composed portraits. She's particularly experienced at helping camera-shy couples feel comfortable, organising family photographs without fuss and quietly adapting when weather, timings or wedding-day plans don't go quite as expected.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, Claire brings extensive first-hand experience of wedding venues, changing light, unpredictable weather, busy timelines and the practical realities of photographing weddings across Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. From city-centre celebrations to country estates, castles and intimate ceremonies, she knows how to keep the photography calm, efficient and enjoyable throughout the day.

Claire is also responsible for much of the meticulous editing behind our finished wedding galleries, helping ensure the photographs from each wedding feel consistent, polished and true to the day. Alongside Jonathon, she also helps couples plan their photography in advance so everything feels relaxed and straightforward before the wedding day arrives.

Meet Claire & Jonathon, Our Wedding Photography Team →