Couple photographed at Colinton Tunnel, one of our favourite Edinburgh photography locations

Best Edinburgh Photography Locations: Exact Spots, Light & Timing

ByJonathon Fowler Updated

Claire and I have photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, including over 500 in Edinburgh, so we’ve spent years working out which Edinburgh photography locations look great in real conditions — not just on a perfectly quiet, sunny morning.

This guide covers the best photo locations in Edinburgh, including iconic Old Town viewpoints, quieter streets, dramatic skyline spots, parks, waterfront locations and useful covered options for wet weather.

For each location, we’ve included the exact spot we use, the best time and light, how to avoid the worst crowds, practical access advice and a backup plan when Edinburgh’s weather refuses to cooperate.

Whether you’re planning wedding or engagement photographs, a couples photoshoot, family pictures or simply looking for the best places to take photos in Edinburgh, the aim is to help you choose locations that actually work on the day rather than just look good on Instagram.

If you’re planning wedding photography in the city, you can also see more about our approach as an Edinburgh wedding photographer.

Ask Claire & Jonathon A Question

Quick Summary: Best Edinburgh Photography Locations

If you only want the shortlist, these are some of the best photography locations in Edinburgh based on the hundreds of weddings and portrait sessions we’ve photographed around the city.

Location

Best for

Best time

Good to know

The Vennel

Edinburgh Castle views

Golden hour / blue hour

Shoot between tour groups

Royal Mile & Closes

Historic Old Town atmosphere

Early morning

Closes give useful rain cover

Calton Hill

Skyline and panoramic views

Sunrise / golden hour

Step away from the main terrace for fewer people

Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park

Wild landscapes and city views

Sunrise / last light

Lower paths are better in strong winds

Circus Lane

Pretty Stockbridge streets

Early morning

Residential area — keep shoots quick and quiet

Dean Village

Stone architecture and riverside photographs

Morning / overcast light

Quieter at river level

Princes Street Gardens

Castle, greenery and Ross Fountain

Morning / golden hour

Quieter early morning or in the evening

Victoria Street

Colourful Old Town streets

Early morning

Shoot quickly between traffic and pedestrian waves

South Queensferry

Forth Bridge and waterfront

Sunset / blue hour

Check tide and weather

Cramond

Beach, causeway and coastal photographs

Sunrise; check tide times for the causeway

Check safe causeway crossing times

City Chambers Quadrangle

Historic architecture and rain cover

Daylight

Covered arches work well in rain

Old College Quad

Symmetry, columns and covered portraits

Late afternoon

Check access before relying on it

Map of Edinburgh Photography Locations

Edinburgh Photo Spots
View all locations on this map

Best Old Town Photography Locations

The Vennel: Edinburgh Castle Viewpoint

Exact spot: Top landing of the Vennel, looking north to the Castle.

Best time: Golden hour into blue hour. The lamps come on, the sky goes cobalt, and the castle glows.

How we shoot it: Start at the top, then step down 1–2 flights for a tighter frame, a wider environmental shot and a closer portrait.

Crowd hack: Arrive ~15 minutes before sunset; let tour groups pass, then shoot between waves.

Rain plan: Duck to Grassmarket arcades or West Bow closes. Reflections on wet cobbles look amazing.

Real wedding and portrait photos at The Vennel

  • A street sign reads "Vennel Leading to Brown’s Place," partially covered with various stickers and graffiti, mounted on a stone wall.
  • A couple stands outdoors in front of a historic stone building, holding hands and smiling at each other on a cloudy day.
  • A couple stands close together, holding hands and posing outdoors with a large historic castle on a hill in the background.
  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a kilt pose together on a stone path, with Edinburgh Castle visible in the background.
  • A bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other outdoors, with a castle on a hill in the background.
  • A bride and groom in wedding attire stand facing each other outdoors, with Edinburgh Castle visible in the background.
  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black jacket and green tartan kilt stand holding hands in front of a stone wall.
  • A bride and groom stand under a clear umbrella in the rain, smiling at each other outdoors on their wedding day.
  • A bride and groom stand closely under a clear umbrella in the rain, smiling, with historic stone buildings and greenery in the background.

Royal Mile & Edinburgh Old Town Closes

Exact spots: Advocates Close (New Town framed in the distance), Byre’s Close (meandering line), Milne’s Court (stone steps).

Best time: Early morning or after 7pm. Weekday evenings outside festival dates are usually much quieter.

How we shoot it: Classic “walking the cobbles” wide, intimate framed‑by‑arch portraits, plus candids set in a close.

Rain plan: The closes provide real cover. We lean into moody textures, umbrellas and puddle reflections.

This area is particularly spectacular for couples hosting an Edinburgh City Chambers micro wedding, as the architecture provides instant cinematic framing.

Real photos from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town closes

  • A couple stands facing each other in a narrow alleyway; the man wears a kilt and jacket, and the woman wears a white suit with a floral headpiece.
  • A couple stands facing each other under an archway labeled "Advocate's Close" as blurred pedestrians walk past on a rainy street.
  • A couple stands embracing under an archway labeled "Advocate's Close"; the man wears a kilt and the woman is dressed in a white suit.
  • A man in a kilt and a woman in a white suit stand holding hands under a stone archway labeled "Milne's Court" in an old alleyway.
  • An overhead view of a man kissing a smiling woman on the cheek as they embrace, standing on a stone surface.
  • A woman in a white coat and a man in traditional Scottish attire sit together on stone steps under an archway labeled "Milne's Court.

Edinburgh Skyline & Holyrood Park Photography Locations

Calton Hill: Edinburgh Skyline Views

Exact spots: Dugald Stewart Monument terrace, the Observatory path towards the City Observatory, and viewpoints looking towards Arthur’s Seat.

Best time: Sunrise to beat crowds, or golden hour for a warm skyline.

Wind note: It’s breezy. Choose fitted outfits or layers that move well.

Crowd hack: Step 10–20m off the monument terrace for the same skyline with fewer people.

Rain plan: The Scottish National Gallery portico or Waverley Arches are useful covered options back in the city centre.

Real photos from Calton Hill

  • Two people walk on a grassy hill beneath leafless trees with long shadows, under a clear blue sky. A column structure is partially visible on the right.
  • A bride and groom stand together on a grassy hill, with historic stone buildings and a clock tower in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • Two men stand between stone columns; one kisses the other on the temple while both face forward.
  • Three people sit on large stone steps, all wearing black tops and red tartan kilts; two adults flank a child in the middle. Trees are visible in the background.
  • Jake and Kelly - Marriage Proposal Calton Hill, Edinburgh
  • Two people sit on a black metal bench outdoors, one resting their head on the other's shoulder, facing away toward a blurred landscape of hills.

Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park

Exact spots: Salisbury Crags viewpoint for wide city views without the full climb to Arthur’s Seat, St Anthony’s Chapel ruins, and St Margaret’s Loch for open parkland and plenty of birdlife.

Best time: Sunrise or last light. Avoid high winds; the lower paths are often a better option when conditions are exposed.

Footwear: Wear grippy shoes, as the paths can be dusty or slick.

Rain plan: The Old Town closes are a more reliable covered option if the weather turns.

Real photos from Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park

  • Ginni and Henry at St Anthony's Chapel
  • A bride and groom stand in an embrace under the archway of a ruined stone tower, with a dramatic sky overhead.
  • A woman in a white wedding dress stands on a rocky hilltop overlooking a cityscape, her curly hair blowing in the wind.
  • Sonya and Kordell engagement photography at St Anthony's Chapel Holyrood Park
  • photographers-edinbugh-arthurs-seat
  • trash the dress photographer image of a bride and groom standing on a rocky hilltop with cityscape in the background, holding hands as the wind blows the bride’s dress and hair.
  • Arthurs Seat - Jon and Mandy
  • A bride and groom holding hands and smiling, standing outdoors with an old stone structure in the background and greenery in the foreground.

Stockbridge, Dean Village & New Town Photography Locations

Circus Lane, Stockbridge

Exact spot: The soft bend mid-lane with St Stephen’s spire in the background, or the reverse angle for a greener, more enclosed view along the lane.

Best time: Early morning. Respect residents: keep voices low, don’t block doorways, be swift.

How we shoot it: A wide establishing frame, then door‑detail portraits and a tighter telephoto towards the spire.

Rain plan: Covered doorways around Stockbridge and St Bernard’s Bridge at The Dene can shelter us without moving far from Circus Lane (see below).

Real photos from Circus Lane, Stockbridge

  • A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand down a cobblestone street lined with stone buildings and greenery.
  • A bride and groom walk arm in arm along a cobblestone path, the groom in a light gray suit and the bride in a white dress with a veil.
  • A couple stands and smiles at each other in an outdoor setting, both dressed formally; the man in a grey suit and the woman in a white dress. The background shows greenery and buildings.
  • A couple in wedding attire, with the groom in a kilt and the bride in a white dress, walk hand-in-hand on a cobblestone street lined with greenery.
  • A man kisses a smiling woman on the cheek as they embrace on a cobblestone street lined with greenery and houses.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt hold hands and stand on a cobblestone street lined with townhouses and greenery.

Dean Village & Water of Leith

Exact spots: Dean Bridge overlook (from The Dean Bridge Viewpoint), Damside by the weir, path under the bridge for shelter.

Best time: Morning or overcast light for even tones.

Crowd hack: Mid‑week mornings. Step off the bridge to quieter angles at river level.

Rain plan: Under Dean Bridge arch / St Bernard’s Well shelter, The Dene at St Bernard's Bridge.

Real photos from Dean Village and the Water of Leith

  • A couple stands facing each other under a stone archway in an outdoor setting with trees and a gate visible in the background.
  • Two men walking down stone steps outside, smiling with their arms around each other's shoulders.
  • A man and woman stand together by a black metal railing overlooking a river, with greenery in the background. The man is embracing the woman from behind and both are smiling.
  • A man and woman sit together on outdoor stone steps, posing closely for a photo. The steps are bordered by stone railings and surrounded by weathered stone walls.
  • A man and woman pose together on stone steps in front of a wooden door and stone wall; the man leans casually while the woman stands in front.
  • Two people stand closely together, smiling on a small bridge over a stream surrounded by greenery and trees in a park-like setting.
  • A couple stands together on a metal footbridge surrounded by greenery, with residential buildings visible in the background.
  • A couple stands on a bridge, embracing and looking into each other's eyes, with greenery and buildings in the background.
  • Two men stand side by side, smiling and walking across a green metal bridge, with trees and a building in the background.

Princes Street Gardens & Ross Fountain

Exact spots: Ross Fountain with the Castle stacked behind; east gardens near the Scott Monument.

Best time: Golden hour or calm mornings. Avoid lunchtime when it’s busiest.

Rain plan: The Scottish National Gallery portico is just 5 minutes away, or explore the Old Town arches and closes.

Real photos from Princes Street Gardens and Ross Fountain

  • Princes Street Gardens couple photos for Michelle and Jamie
  • Caledonian Edinburgh wedding photos of Keeley and Attilio in Princes Street Gardens.
  • A couple kisses in the rain with a blurred castle in the background.
  • A man kneels to propose to a woman in front of a decorative fountain, with a historic castle on a hill in the background.
  • A bride and groom dressed in wedding attire hold hands and walk outside, both smiling and looking at each other. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers. Stairs and trees are visible in the background.
  • Edinburgh City Chambers and The Scotsman Hotel wedding photographer: A man and woman holding hands, smiling at each other, standing outdoors with a historic building in the background.
  • A man and woman sitting on stairs with a stone building in the background.
  • Two men in traditional Scottish attire share an affectionate moment outdoors, with one wrapping his arm around the other. They stand close, smiling at each other. A historic building is in the background.
  • A couple embraces in a park near a Gothic-style monument and historic buildings. The woman wears a pink dress and the man is in a black suit.

Edinburgh Waterfront Photography Locations

South Queensferry & the Forth Bridge

South Queensferry is a short journey from central Edinburgh, so we’d normally plan it as a destination in its own right rather than try to squeeze it into an Old Town or New Town photography route. It’s particularly worthwhile when the Forth Bridge and waterfront are an important part of the look you want.

Exact spots: Hawes Pier facing the Forth Bridge; steps down to the waterline for reflections.

Best time: Sunset into blue hour.

Tide note: Check tide times for foreground rocks/reflections.

Rain plan: In lighter rain, we’d embrace the weather around the waterfront and beneath the Forth Bridge, using an umbrella and the darker skies to our advantage. If the rain becomes heavy or persistent, we’d switch to a more reliably covered location instead of relying on the coastal path for shelter.

Real photos from South Queensferry and the Forth Bridge

  • A man and woman sit on rocks with two dogs in front of a large railway bridge over water, under a blue sky with clouds.
  • A person gives another person a piggyback ride on a rocky outdoor path, both smiling and dressed in casual clothes and boots. Trees and rocks are in the background.
  • A couple stands on a rocky shore with two dogs, with a large red railway bridge spanning the water in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A couple stands closely together on grass by the water, with a large red steel bridge in the background.
  • A smiling couple stands on a stone pier by the water, with the Forth Bridge visible in the background under a blue sky.
  • A woman and man sit on rocks with a beagle dog in front of a large red bridge over water, under a cloudy sky.
  • A couple poses together outdoors in formal attire, with the Forth Bridge in the background. The person on the right is wearing a kilt.
  • A couple in wedding attire dances on a wet pavement near a large red steel bridge over a body of water on a cloudy day.
  • A couple stands close together by a stone wall outdoors; the woman in a white dress smiles at the man in a black suit.

Cramond Causeway & Beach

Exact spots: Along the promenade, sitting at the dock or walking along the causeway for leading lines.

Best time: Sunrise is calm, pastel and quiet even in summer.

Causeway safety: Cramond is strongly tide-dependent if you want to walk onto the causeway or towards Cramond Island. The RNLI advises checking the safe crossing times before setting off by texting CRAMOND to 81400 or checking the clearly displayed signage at the causeway. Don’t rely on low-tide times alone. The causeway and its distinctive pylons can still be photographed from the mainland at other states of the tide.

Wind note: Bring an extra layer. Cramond can be very exposed, but a bit of wind can also add natural movement to clothing and hair in photographs.

Rain plan: The River Almond path offers some tree cover, but we’re also happy to embrace the weather — an umbrella, wet paths and a bit of movement can make brilliant photographs. In heavier or persistent rain, we can switch to one of the covered city-centre locations instead.

Real photos from Cramond Beach and Causeway

  • A man and a woman pose together on a cloudy beach; the woman is seated on a rock while the man stands beside her, holding her hand.
  • A man and woman in jackets embrace and smile at the camera while standing outdoors near a river with trees in the background.
  • A newlywed couple stands on a stone pier by the water, the groom in a kilt and the bride in a white dress, facing each other under a blue sky.
  • A man and a woman stand against a mossy stone wall, holding hands and smiling at each other. Both wear winter jackets, jeans, and casual shoes.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt sit on a stone wall, holding hands, with greenery in the background.
  • A man gives a woman a piggyback ride on a sandy beach, both are smiling and dressed in casual winter clothing.
  • A bride and groom walk hand in hand beside a river with docked boats, the groom in a kilt and the bride holding a bouquet, with trees in the background.
  • Two people sit on a stone ledge outdoors, with a cloudy sky and distant landscape in the background. The man has his arm around the woman.
  • A man and a woman walk hand in hand along a stone path by the sea on a cloudy day.

Rainy-Day Photography Locations in Edinburgh

Edinburgh City Chambers Quadrangle

Exact spots: Under the arches and in the centre of the courtyard. The nearby Royal Mile closes are easy to combine with City Chambers if you want a little more variety.

Why it works: Beautiful light, classical stone, and covered arches that give you a reliable option when it rains — ideal for elopements and micro-weddings.

Real photos from Edinburgh City Chambers

  • A couple is walking hand in hand through a stone corridor. The man is wearing a light blue suit, and the woman is wearing a short white dress, holding a small bouquet of flowers.
  • A couple stands facing each other under the arches in front of the entrance to a stone building labeled "City Chambers." The area is paved with cobblestones, and bicycles are parked nearby.
  • A couple dressed in wedding attire embraces under the archways of a historic stone building.
  • A couple stands facing each other, embrace, and smile between two stone pillars in front of a wooden door. The man wears a suit, and the woman is dressed in a long white outfit.
  • A couple embracing and smiling outside the city chambers, with the bride in a white suit and the groom in a dark suit, standing next to a bouquet on the ground.
  • Bride and Groom looking at each other and laughing in front of wooden doors
  • A newlywed couple walks through a joyous crowd throwing confetti, with a historic building in the background.
  • newlyweds standing together at The Quadrant
  • A bride and groom holding hands and walking through a stone arcade with archways.

Old College Quadrangle, University of Edinburgh

Exact spots: The cloister walkways; the central quad for symmetry.

Note: Check access hours; be courteous to students/ceremonies.

Weather: The covered cloisters work well in rain, while the central quadrangle remains open to the weather.

Real photos from Old College Quadrangle

  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a kilt stand side by side on stone steps in front of a large building, posing for a wedding photo.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt and jacket walk hand in hand outside a stone building, looking at each other.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt hold hands and walk outside a historic stone building, smiling at each other.
  • A bride and groom stand together under a large stone archway, posing for a wedding photo in front of a historic building.
  • A bride and groom pose for a wedding photo in the courtyard of a grand historic building with a domed tower and stone architecture.
  • A bride in a white gown stands beside a groom in a suit and kilt, seated on stone steps in front of a large stone building.
  • A bride and groom stand facing each other under a large stone archway, holding hands, with the building’s stone facade visible behind them.
  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a kilt pose together on stone steps in front of a historic building with large arches and stone columns.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt walk together along a stone sidewalk beside a historic building.

Colinton Tunnel

Exact spot: Mid‑tunnel murals for punchy colour and full cover. Also, the arches under Colinton New Bridge Viaduct are nearby.

Light tip: Aim for midday for even ambient light.

Real photos from Colinton Tunnel

  • A couple stands face to face in the middle of a mural-covered tunnel with a rainbow and animal paintings on the brick walls under overhead lights.
  • A man and woman hold hands and stand in front of a colorful mural featuring houses, trees, ducks, and a "Welcome to Govilon" sign.
  • A couple stands embracing and facing each other in the center of a dimly lit tunnel with brick walls and graffiti.
  • A man and a woman stand facing each other on a stone path next to a river, with trees and large stone structures on either side.
  • A person stands under a large stone archway surrounded by trees, with sunlight streaming through the opening.
  • Couple photographed at Colinton Tunnel, one of our favourite Edinburgh photography locations

The portico outside the Scottish National Gallery is a useful central option when the weather turns, particularly if we’re already photographing around Princes Street Gardens, the Mound or the Old Town. The neoclassical columns give us clean architectural lines and some shelter from lighter rain, while still keeping you right in the heart of the city.

It works especially well as a short backup stop rather than somewhere we’d normally build an entire shoot around. From here, it’s easy to continue into Princes Street Gardens, the Old Town closes or towards the Royal Mile once the weather improves.

  • A woman with long light brown hair, wearing a grey coat and black scarf, stands beside large stone columns. She is slightly smiling and looking at the camera. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the beige columns and her relaxed posture.
  • A young man and woman stand holding hands between tall stone columns. Both wear jackets, jeans, and boots. They face the camera and smile slightly. The background shows an outdoor urban setting with blurred trees and buildings visible.
  • A woman with straight, light brown hair and a black scarf smiles whilst leaning against a stone wall. She wears a light grey coat and looks slightly to the right. The background is softly blurred, emphasising her face and friendly expression.

More Edinburgh Photo Spots

A few other locations can work well depending on the style of photographs you want and where you’re already planning to be:

  • Victoria Street — Colourful Old Town architecture and one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable curved streets. Early morning is usually the easiest time to photograph it.
  • St Bernard’s Well — A distinctive neoclassical landmark beside the Water of Leith, particularly useful when combining Stockbridge and Dean Village.
  • Portobello Beach — A completely different look from central Edinburgh, with open sand, sea views and plenty of space for relaxed portraits.
  • New College — Dramatic Gothic architecture just off the Royal Mile, although access and photography permissions should be checked before relying on it for a planned professional session.

These work best as additions to a route rather than destinations we’d normally cross the whole city to photograph on their own.

Permissions, Practicalities & Good Etiquette

  • Be kind to neighbours. Especially at Circus Lane and Dean Village — keep voices low, don’t block doorways, and skip super‑early noise on weekends.
  • Parks & outdoor spaces: Rules vary by location. Keep sessions small and unobtrusive, avoid blocking paths or setting up equipment that affects other visitors, and check current photography guidance for managed sites before relying on them for a professional shoot.
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Arrange wedding and professional photography sessions with the Garden in advance; fees apply. Availability and permitted areas can vary, so check the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh wedding photography guidance before planning your shoot.
  • Holyrood Park / Arthur’s Seat: Holyrood Park is managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Professional photography can require prior written permission, so check the current Historic Environment Scotland filming and photography guidance before arranging a professional shoot.
  • City-centre streets: Keep sessions small and unobtrusive, don’t block pavements or roads, and avoid setting up equipment at busy pinch-points. For planned professional photography on Council-managed streets or public spaces, check the current City of Edinburgh Council filming and photography guidance before your shoot.
  • University & interiors: Old College/National Museum/New College can have access restrictions and may require permission/fees for commercial shoots.
  • Tides & weather: For Cramond and South Queensferry, we always check tide tables and wind forecasts when scheduling.

Good-to-go kit list: umbrella, microfibre cloth, hair grips, hand warmers (winter), comfy shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh Photography Locations

What are the must-visit photo spots in Edinburgh?

These are the best photo locations in Edinburgh: Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park, The Vennel, Royal Mile closes (Advocates Close, Byre’s Close and Milne’s Court), Circus Lane, Dean Village, Princes Street Gardens (Ross Fountain), Old College cloisters, City Chambers arches, South Queensferry (Forth Bridge), Portobello Beach, Colinton Tunnel, and Cramond Causeway.

When is the best time of day for photos?

Sunrise is ideal for quieter streets and soft light, while golden hour and blue hour work beautifully for warmer light and city glow. Midday can still work well on overcast days or in covered locations and Old Town closes.

What’s the best season for photos in Edinburgh?

All year. Spring = blossom and softer crowds. Summer = longest golden hours (earlier starts help). Autumn = colour and drama. Winter = moody blue hours and quieter streets.

How do we avoid crowds at busy spots like Circus Lane or the Vennel?

Go early (sunrise) or later (after 7pm outside festival dates), shoot between tour waves, and step 10–20m off the obvious viewpoint for the same backdrop with fewer people.

What if it rains on the day?

We lean into it: reflections, umbrellas and covered spots. Instant backups include City Chambers arches, Old College cloisters, Royal Mile closes, the Scottish National Gallery portico, The Dene Stockbridge, and Colinton Tunnel.

Do we need permits anywhere?

It depends on the location and type of shoot. You can photograph many public streets and viewpoints unobtrusively, but some managed locations have specific rules for professional photography.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh requires wedding and professional photography to be arranged in advance, with fees and designated photography areas. Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat are managed by Historic Environment Scotland, where photography may require prior consent.
University buildings, private interiors and other managed venues can also have their own access or photography policies, so we always check the current rules when planning a professional route.

Which locations are tide/wind dependent?

Cramond is strongly tide-dependent if you want to walk onto the causeway or towards Cramond Island. The RNLI advises checking the safe crossing times before setting off by texting CRAMOND to 81400 or checking the clearly displayed signage at the causeway. Don’t rely on low-tide times alone. The causeway and its distinctive pylons can still be photographed from the mainland at other states of the tide.
At South Queensferry, tide and weather affect the look of the waterfront rather than access. Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park can also become very exposed in strong winds, so lower paths are often the better option when conditions are poor.

What should we wear/bring?

Layers, comfortable shoes with grip, an umbrella, hair grips and a microfibre cloth. In winter, add hand warmers. If you’re choosing outfits specifically for photographs, a mix of textures and tones can work really well against Edinburgh’s stone architecture.

Can we bring our dog?

Yes, we're dog lovers! Dogs are welcome at most outdoor locations, although we recommend keeping them on a lead in busy areas. Some interiors and cloisters may restrict pets, so ask us, and we’ll steer you towards dog-friendly options.

How long does a typical route take?

Around 90–120 minutes is more realistic for 2–3 nearby locations once you allow for walking, photographs and busy streets. Allow extra time if you’re travelling between different parts of the city.

Is everything step-free?

Not everywhere. The Vennel, some closes, and parts of Dean Village have stairs or cobbles. More accessible options include Princes Street Gardens paths, the Scottish National Gallery portico and many New Town streets — tell us your access needs and we’ll tailor a route.

90–120-Minute Edinburgh Old Town & Calton Hill Photography Route

Allow around 90 minutes if you’re moving efficiently, or closer to two hours if you want a more relaxed pace and plenty of time for photographs.

  1. Portraits at The Vennel
  2. Walk to the Royal Mile via Victoria Street, pop into Advocates Close, Byre's Close or Milne's Court
  3. Cityscapes from Calton Hill

90–120-Minute Dean Village, Stockbridge & New Town Photography Route

Allow around 90 minutes if you’re moving efficiently, or closer to two hours if you want a more relaxed pace and plenty of time for photographs.

  1. Start at Dean Village
  2. Wander to Circus Lane along the Water of Leith path
  3. Finish at Princes Street Gardens for Edinburgh Castle + Ross Fountain

What Couples Say About Working With Us

We’ve photographed hundreds of weddings and portrait sessions across Edinburgh, so rather than just tell you what it’s like to work with us, here’s what some of our couples have said about the experience.

  • wedding photographer at Dundas Castle: a couple wearing wedding attire gazes into each other's eyes and smiles, standing outdoors with a blurred natural background. The man wears a gray suit and green tie; the woman wears a white fur shoulder wrap.

    We had a great time and felt so comfortable!

    Jonathon and Claire are the loveliest couple... from our very first communication, they made us feel special and were so interested in who we are as people! They tailored everything just for us, and had they not radiated such beauty and kindness, we wouldn’t have even known they were there… and for two people like us who HATE getting photos taken, we had a great time and felt so comfortable!
    We got married on 31st December, and they gave up their own celebrations with their families to help us capture ours...
    We truly hit the jackpot, and wouldn’t ever trust anyone else to capture our special celebrations and moments!
    Please don’t pass up the opportunity on having these two look after your special day! Very trustworthy and fantastic value for money.
    Zoe and Billy
  • Signet Library wedding photographer portrait of Helen and Daniel in Edinburgh. A joyful couple in wedding attire sitting on a staircase, the man in a kilt and the woman in a white dress, both laughing.

    We absolutely love our wedding pictures

    Jonathon and Claire - we cannot thank you both enough for being the best - from start to finish, it has been a dream to work with you both! If you are reading this and considering booking - DO IT!!
    Thank you both SO MUCH for everything, we absolutely love our wedding pictures and how beautifully you have captured our day and the memories we’ll have forever - we are still so blown away by how perfectly everything turned out and on an absolute high!
    We also wanted to say how grateful we are to have had you both at our wedding. You were just such a joy to be around and put us both at ease.
    You got us and the vibe of the day so perfectly, and our family and friends have also said how brilliant you both were! Thank you so much!!! Helen & Daniel xxx
    Helen and Daniel

Planning Wedding or Couple Photos in Edinburgh?

If you’re planning a wedding, engagement shoot or couple session in Edinburgh, Claire and I can help you choose locations that suit the look you want, the time you have and the part of the city you’ll already be in.

Having photographed more than 500 weddings in Edinburgh, we know how different locations behave in changing light, busy periods and unpredictable weather. We can help you build a realistic photography route, allow enough time between locations and have sensible alternatives ready if conditions change.

If you’d like us to photograph your wedding or session, check our availability below.

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 & Co-Founder of Jonathon Fowler Photography

About Jonathon Fowler

Jonathon Fowler is an experienced Edinburgh wedding photographer and co-founder of Jonathon Fowler Photography. Together with his wife Claire, he has photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, including over 500 weddings in Edinburgh.

Jonathon's approach combines natural documentary photography with relaxed editorial portraits, creating vibrant, authentic images without turning your wedding day into a photoshoot. He's particularly experienced at helping couples who don't feel comfortable in front of the camera, offering just enough direction when it helps while keeping everything relaxed and natural.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, Jonathon 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 crowded city-centre streets to country estates, castles and intimate ceremonies, that experience helps couples spend less time worrying about photographs and more time enjoying their wedding.

Jonathon also creates many of the practical wedding and venue guides published on this website, sharing advice based on real weddings he and Claire have photographed rather than generic recommendations.

Meet Jonathon & Claire, Our Wedding Photography Team →