A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet smiles at a groom in a Scottish kilt and military uniform. They stand close together, leaning against a stone wall outside a historic stone building with large windows, during their Edinburgh Castle wedding.

Edinburgh Castle Wedding Photographer

ByJonathon Fowler Updated

20 Weddings at Edinburgh Castle — and Counting

Looking for an experienced Edinburgh Castle wedding photographer with genuine first-hand knowledge of getting married at one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks? We’ve photographed 20 weddings at Edinburgh Castle, including ceremonies in St Margaret’s Chapel, the Gatehouse Suite and Queen Anne Building, and celebrations throughout the castle.

Photographing a wedding here is very different from working at a conventional hotel or country-house venue. Edinburgh Castle remains one of the city’s busiest visitor attractions, the historic buildings offer very different lighting conditions, and the weather on Castle Rock can change quickly.

After photographing weddings here over many years, we know how to work around visitors, make the most of the castle’s architecture and views, and create portraits efficiently so you can enjoy the experience rather than spending your wedding touring the castle for photographs.

Our approach is relaxed and unobtrusive, combining genuine documentary moments with natural portraits that make the most of this extraordinary setting without turning your wedding day into a photoshoot.

20 Weddings

Photographed at Edinburgh Castle

20 Years

Photographing weddings since 2006

Last Updated

August 2026

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Edinburgh Castle Wedding Photos

Here are some of our favourite photographs from the 20 weddings we’ve photographed at Edinburgh Castle, including ceremonies in St Margaret’s Chapel, the Gatehouse Suite and Queen Anne Building, newlywed portraits around the castle and candid moments with family and guests. We’ve also included a few favourite images from a marriage proposal shoot at Edinburgh Castle, which show another side of the location and some of the dramatic views and backdrops available around the castle.

  • Edinburgh Castle St Margaret's Chapel exterior
  • Groom Matt standing in front of Mons Meg Cannon
  • Wedding car arrives at St Margaret's Chapel
  • bride and father inside their wedding car
  • wedding processional inside St Margaret's Chapel
  • accordion player during wedding ceremony in St Margaret's Chapel
  • bride and groom exchange marriage vows in St Margaret's Chapel
  • Edinburgh Castle wedding photos: bride places ring on groom's finger in St Margaret's Chapel
  • Edinburgh Castle wedding photos: bride and groom walking though the guard of honour outside St Margaret's Chapel
  • A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet smiles at a groom in a Scottish kilt and military uniform. They stand close together, leaning against a stone wall outside a historic stone building with large windows, during their Edinburgh Castle wedding.
  • bride and groom photographed by Edinburgh Castle wedding photographer
  • bride and groom raise a toast in the Officer's Mess at Edinburgh Castle
  • Edinburgh Castle wedding photos: bride and groom sitting in front of the fireplace in the Officer's Mess at Edinburgh Castle
  • A smiling couple embraces outdoors in front of a stone wall. The woman wears a navy lace dress, and the man wears a dark suit. A flag with a white X on blue flies in the background. The sky is bright with scattered clouds.
  • A smiling couple embraces in front of a stone wall with cannon openings. A Scottish flag flies above them against a partly cloudy sky. The man wears a dark jacket, and the woman wears a navy lace dress. Both look at the camera, with the woman’s hair blowing in the wind.
  • A smiling couple pose together outdoors, dressed formally. The man wears a black suit; the woman wears a navy lace dress. They embrace while standing on a stone terrace, with a cityscape and water in the blurred background under a cloudy sky.
  • A couple walks hand-in-hand on a cobbled path near a stone wall. The woman wears a dark dress and brown boots; the man wears a suit. In the background, people walk and an old cannon is visible. It’s a sunny day.
  • A woman with long red hair wearing a navy lace dress stands smiling with one hand on her hip in front of a textured stone wall.
  • A man in a dark blazer and blue shirt stands smiling against a stone wall. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the textured stones and his casual, confident pose. The lighting is soft, creating a professional yet approachable atmosphere.
  • A couple stands on cobblestones under a stone archway at a historic site, kissing and embracing. Sunlight highlights the scene, with old stone buildings and a blue sky in the background. A sign is visible on the right side of the archway.
  • A smiling couple pose closely outdoors by a stone building. The woman, with long red hair in a navy lace dress, wraps her arm around the man’s shoulder. The man, in a dark suit, hugs her waist. They both look at the camera, appearing happy and affectionate.
  • A smiling couple walk hand-in-hand on a cobbled path near an old stone castle. The man wears a dark suit; the woman wears a navy dress and tan boots. Other people are seen in the background under a clear blue sky.
  • A man in a suit kneels on one knee, proposing to a woman in a black dress and tan boots. They are indoors, near a window, with candles on the floor and a small table covered in black cloth nearby. The mood is romantic and intimate.
  • A man kneels and holds a woman’s hands in a proposal. She smiles, wearing a black dress and boots. The setting is an elegant, dimly lit room with red walls, wood panelling, and candles lining the floor.
  • A smiling couple stands in a carpeted corridor with red walls and dark wood panelling. The woman wears a black lace dress and tan shoes; the man wears a suit. Small candles line the floor, and a tall round table draped in black is on their right.
  • A smiling couple pose closely together on a balcony in a grand hall with red walls, chandeliers, arched windows, and dark wooden panelling. The man wears a suit and the woman wears a navy lace dress. The background shows people seated below.
  • A couple stand close together, smiling, by a stone wall in front of a historic stone building with many windows. The man wears a suit; the woman wears a navy dress and tan boots. The setting appears to be an old European castle or fortress.
  • A couple stands close in front of a stone building. The woman, in a dark blue dress, holds the man's face and smiles up at him. The man, in a dark suit, embraces her round the waist. Both appear happy and affectionate outdoors.
  • A smiling couple walk hand in hand on a sunny cobbled path near an old stone building, with other people and a cannon blurred in the background.
  • Five black cannons are lined up along a stone wall overlooking a distant cityscape and mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A person stands at the centre, looking out over the view. The foreground has cobblestone pavement.
  • A couple embraces under a stone archway with an iron gate above, standing on cobblestones. The woman lifts one leg playfully. Sunlight streams from the open end of the tunnel. Large studded doors frame the scene. A person is visible in the background.
  • A smiling couple stands together, posing between two classic red British phone boxes in front of a weathered stone wall. The woman wears a short dress and boots, hugging the man, who is dressed in a suit. Both doors of the boxes are open.
  • A couple embraces and kisses in the centre of a paved courtyard in front of a historic stone castle with towers and flags under a cloudy sky, sunlight shining behind the castle.
  • A smiling couple embrace in front of a castle entrance. The man wears a dark suit; the woman has long red hair and a navy lace dress. Stone statues and arches frame the background, with cobbled paving underfoot.
  • A man in a dark blazer twirls a smiling woman in a navy blue dress and tan boots on a cobbled street, with historic stone buildings and several people watching in the blurred background.
  • A man in a dark suit twirls a smiling woman in a short navy dress and tan boots in a cobbled square. She holds his hand, looking happy, with people walking and a large stone building visible in the background.
  • A man in a dark suit and a woman in a short blue dress smiling and holding hands, leaning backwards while facing each other, stand on a stone pavement in front of wide concrete steps on a sunny day.
  • A bride in a strapless white gown sits in the open doorway of a car, holding a bouquet of roses and smiling. The background features an historic stone building. The photo is black and white, and the bride’s shoes are visible on cobbled pavement.
  • A bride and groom stand at an altar with an officiant in a stone chapel. Guests in colourful attire sit on wooden pews, facing the couple. The arched doorway is ornately carved, and the stone walls are softly lit, creating a warm, intimate setting.
  • A bride and groom embrace and smile at the altar inside a stone chapel, surrounded by applauding guests. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a blue suit. An officiant stands behind them, and flowers decorate the background.
  • A smiling bride in a strapless gown holds a bouquet, walking down the aisle with a suited man. Guests in formal attire look on, some seated and some standing, in a church with decorated stone walls and arched windows.
  • A bride holding a bouquet smiles as guests greet and shake hands with a man in a suit, likely the groom, outside a stone castle. People stand and converse in the background on a sunny day.
  • A smiling older man in a suit warmly greets a woman in a dress with a jewelled hair clip. Others, including a cheerful woman with glasses and a fascinator, look on. They are outdoors near a stone building, in bright sunlight.
  • Two men in suits embrace warmly outside in sunlight, one facing the camera with eyes closed and a gentle smile. A stone building and people in the background suggest a formal or celebratory event, possibly a wedding.
  • A bride in a strapless white gown holding a bouquet and a groom in a suit walk hand-in-hand outdoors, both smiling. The background shows a stone wall, other people, and bright sunlight. The photo is in black and white.
  • A bride and groom walk together, smiling, on a cobbled path. The groom wears a suit; the bride holds a bouquet and wears a strapless dress. People and children are in the background, near steps and a signpost, on a sunny day.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress and veil holds a yellow and white bouquet, standing arm-in-arm with a bald groom in a black tuxedo outdoors, with an old stone building and people in the background on a cloudy day.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil smiles joyfully whilst being embraced and kissed on the cheek by a bald groom in a black suit on a cobbled street. She holds a bouquet of purple and yellow flowers.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil stands beside a groom in a black suit and striped tie. They pose by a silver vintage car decorated with white ribbons, on cobbled pavement. Stone buildings and green grass are visible in the background, beneath a cloudy sky.
  • A bearded man with short red hair, wearing a grey tweed suit, tie, and buttonhole stands indoors by a window with patterned curtains, looking pensively to the side. Light from the window illuminates his face.
  • Three people smile, standing arm-in-arm outdoors. A woman in a pale blue dress is in the centre, flanked by two men in Scottish attire with kilts and sporrans. Behind them is a stone wall, and a city landscape stretches out in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A group of people, many in kilts and formal attire, stand and chat on a large stone terrace overlooking a cityscape and distant hills under a cloudy sky. The mood appears sociable and relaxed, with small groups scattered across the terrace.
  • Crowds gather near a large stone castle wall, with people seen along the top and bottom. The architecture features tan bricks, small windows, and battlements. A statue and a large metal torch are visible in the lower right-hand corner.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress stands holding a bouquet beside a groom in a kilt. They pose in front of a white car with an “L1 TXY” number plate. People and historic buildings, including a church spire, are visible in the background.
  • Three women in formal dresses stand on a stone walkway in front of a castle. The woman in the centre wears white and holds a bouquet, while the others wear beige dresses and hold small bouquets. They are smiling at each other.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress walks down the aisle with a man in a kilt, surrounded by happy, well-dressed guests in a wood-panelled room. Some guests hold bouquets and take photos as they watch the bride approach.
  • A groom in a kilt stands beside an officiant in blue robes, smiling at a bride in white. Bridesmaids in blush dresses hold bouquets. Wedding guests watch, smiling, in a wood-panelled room with red carpet and large window letting in daylight.
  • A bride in a white dress stands with a bouquet, facing an older man in a kilt. Bridesmaids in pale dresses smile behind her, and guests in suits and kilts watch in a wood-panelled room with red carpet and tall windows.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a suit jacket and tartan kilt hold hands, facing each other, as an officiant in a blue robe stands behind them in a wood-panelled room. A table with papers and green chairs are visible nearby.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a grey jacket and kilt exchange rings, smiling at each other, while an officiant in blue and black robes stands behind them in a wood-panelled room.
  • A bride and groom kiss whilst holding hands at their wedding, standing indoors. The bride wears a white, lace dress, and the groom wears a grey jacket with a checked kilt. An officiant in ceremonial robes stands behind them.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a grey jacket and tartan kilt hold hands and smile at an indoor wedding ceremony. A minister in blue and white robes stands behind them, holding a book. The room has wood-panelled walls and a fireplace.
  • A person in a suit plays a wooden harp on a cushioned bench near a radiator in a wood-panelled room. Sheet music rests on a stand beside them. The player’s face is partly hidden by the harp, and a window is in the background.
  • A smiling man in a grey suit with a tartan kilt stands beside a seated woman in a white lace wedding dress. Both appear happy, posing in front of a grey fireplace, with the man’s arm resting on the chair.
  • A bride in a white gown and glasses walks arm-in-arm with a groom in a kilt and tweed jacket down an aisle, smiling. Guests in formal attire, some in kilts, watch and take photos in a wood-panelled room with red carpet and a fireplace.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress holds a bouquet as a waiter hands champagne to a groom in a kilt. They stand in a wood-panelled room with a mirror, reflecting guests and adding depth to the celebratory wedding moment.
  • Two men in tweed embrace joyfully outside a stone building. One man holds a bouquet. A woman in a white lace dress stands with her back to the camera. Several people watch in the background. It appears to be a wedding celebration.
  • A smiling bride in glasses hugs a guest holding a bouquet of white and purple flowers. Two other guests, one in a kilt and another in a floral dress, stand nearby, smiling. The scene is outdoors beside a stone wall.
  • A woman in a light dress laughs while holding a drink, surrounded by people in formal attire at an outdoor event. The background is blurred, suggesting an elevated, scenic location. The mood is joyful and sociable.
  • A man in a suit sits on a green chair outdoors, playing a large wooden harp beside a stone wall. The sky is overcast, and the ground is paved with grey tiles.
  • Eight people pose on a rooftop. Four men and a boy wear kilts. A bride in a white dress stands centre beside a man in a red tartan kilt. Two women in light blue dresses hold clutch bags. Everyone smiles at the camera. A hilly landscape appears in the background.
  • Four people pose on a rooftop: a man in a kilt holds a drink, flanked by three women in light dresses holding bouquets. The woman next to him wears a long white gown, holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers. A cityscape and hills are visible behind them.
  • Seven people pose outdoors on a stone terrace. Three men wear kilts and jackets, two women wear light dresses and hold bouquets, the bride wears a white gown and glasses, and the groom stands beside her. Hills and cloudy sky are in the background.
  • A woman in a light beige dress laughs joyfully, holding a mobile, a bouquet of lavender, and a drink. She has her hair styled up and is wearing earrings. The background is blurred, with another person partially visible in the foreground.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt walk hand-in-hand on a cobbled street. People in casual clothes walk around them. The bride holds a bouquet, and the couple appear happy and relaxed in a lively outdoor setting.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in Scottish attire with a kilt stand on either side of a large black cannon at a stone fort. The bride holds a bouquet; both smile at each other. Cityscape is visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a kilt stand smiling beside a decorated white taxi outside a historic stone castle on a cloudy day. The car is adorned with ribbons, and the castle features flags and battlements in the background.
  • A white directional sign reading “St Margarets Chapel” points to the right. In the blurred background is a stone building with a British flag flying on top, and the sky is partly cloudy.
  • A black cannon points over a stone wall towards a cityscape under a partly cloudy sky. The foreground is dominated by the cannon, whilst buildings, greenery, and distant hills are visible in the background.
  • A large black historic cannon with wooden wheels is displayed on a stone platform outdoors. Several people stand nearby, and three large cannonballs are beside it. Cloudy sky and distant buildings are visible in the background. A red informational sign stands by the cannon.
  • A woman in a white dress and shawl steps out of a vintage white car onto cobblestones, assisted by a chauffeur in a grey uniform holding flowers. The setting is outside an old stone building on a cloudy day, with people and greenery in the background.
  • Bride in a white dress and groom in Scottish attire stand facing each other, holding hands during a wedding ceremony. An officiant reads from a book. Onlookers, including an elderly woman, watch in a stone-walled room.
  • A bride holds a bouquet, standing between an older man in a kilt and a priest reading from a book. They are at an altar in a stone chapel, with ornate pillars framing the scene and a stained glass window behind them. Seated guests watch the ceremony.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress walks down a stone church aisle, holding a bouquet. Guests wearing formal and traditional attire clap, smile, and take photos. Light streams in from a window at the front of the church.
  • Six people pose happily outdoors at a wedding; two men in kilts, a bride in a white dress holding flowers, two women in colourful dresses and fascinators, a boy in a kilt, and a girl in a white dress. They stand on grass in front of a stone wall.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a traditional Scottish kilt walk hand in hand on a cobbled path by an old stone wall, smiling at each other. The bride holds a bouquet, and both look joyful and relaxed.
  • An older couple dance on cobblestones in front of a historic stone castle at dusk. The woman wears a long green skirt that flows outward, and the man wears a kilt. The castle’s flags are at half-mast, and soft evening light creates dramatic shadows.
  • Stone fortress entrance with arched gateway, statues on either side, and a crest above. A stone bridge leads up to it, and a guard post sits to the left. The sky is partly cloudy. Several people are visible near the entrance.
  • A wood-panelled room with arched ceiling, blue carpet, and rows of blue chairs facing a fireplace and table. A modern chandelier hangs above. Sunlight streams through tall windows with dark curtains.
  • Two men in suits stand on a stone terrace overlooking a cityscape. The man in front leans on the railing, wearing glasses and a blue checked suit. The man behind him, smiling, has a yellow buttonhole. The background is blurred with cloudy skies.
  • A bearded man in a dark checked suit, yellow tie, and yellow rose buttonhole stands outdoors, leaning against a stone wall, looking right and smiling. The background shows a cloudy sky and distant landscape.
  • A bride in a white dress holds yellow flowers as two bridesmaids in blue dresses adjust her train outside on a sunny day, near a stone wall and green trees.
  • Three men dressed formally in suits and yellow ties stand indoors, smiling and chatting. They are in a wood-panelled room with blue radiators. Sunlight softly illuminates them from the left, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
  • A woman in a navy dress and a child holding her hand walk down an aisle in a wood-panelled room, both holding yellow bouquets. People sit and stand nearby, smiling and looking on. Shelves of books and wood panelling are visible in the background.
  • A bride in a white dress and groom in a checked suit smile at a woman in a pink jacket and hat during a wedding ceremony. Guests in formal attire sit and stand among wooden-panelled walls and bookshelves, creating a warm, joyful atmosphere.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil faces a groom in a dark suit as they hold hands during a wedding ceremony. An officiant stands behind them with an open book. They are indoors, in front of a fireplace and wood-panelled wall, smiling at each other.
  • A bride in a white dress places a ring on her partner’s finger during a wedding ceremony. The groom wears a dark suit. Both hands are visible in the foreground, whilst a person holding a book or script is slightly blurred in the background.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil kisses a groom in a blue suit. Both stand in a wood-panelled room. In the background, a woman in a blue dress holding an open folder smiles as she watches the couple share their moment.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil sits beside a groom in a dark suit with a yellow buttonhole. They smile at the camera while seated at a white table, signing a document. Warm-toned wooden and stone walls are in the background. A bouquet is in the foreground.
  • A bride with a jewelled hairpiece and veil hugs a man in a blue suit outside, both smiling. People in colourful outfits stand blurred in the background under sunlight. The scene conveys warmth and celebration at a wedding.
  • A wedding group poses outdoors on a sunny day. The bride in a white dress stands centre, flanked by the groom and guests in formal attire. Two children, a girl in blue and a boy in a suit, stand in front. Mountains and a blue sky fill the background.
  • Twelve people stand on a rooftop, dressed in formal wedding attire. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet; the groom stands beside her. Four children and others in colourful dresses and suits smile in daylight, with hills and sky in the background.
  • A bride and groom embrace and smile at each other outdoors, with the bride in a white dress and veil and the groom in a dark suit. A stone wall and blurred cityscape with hills are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A bride in a white gown and a groom in a dark suit embrace and smile by a stone fireplace in a wood-panelled room. The bride’s train flows onto the green carpet. Two blue chairs and a bouquet are on the right. A crest hangs above the fireplace.
  • A bride in a strapless white gown and a groom in a dark suit embrace and smile in front of a carved stone fireplace with wood-panelled walls. The bride faces forward, whilst the groom hugs her from behind, both appearing joyful and relaxed.
  • A bride in a strapless white gown and a groom in a dark checked suit stand holding hands, smiling at each other, in front of a fireplace with a crest and wood-panelled walls in a formal room.
  • A bride in a white strapless dress and a groom in a dark suit embrace, smiling at the camera. They stand indoors by a dark, panelled wooden wall, with soft light illuminating them from the left.
  • A bride in a white gown sits on a window seat beside a smiling groom in a suit. Soft daylight streams through the window behind them. They gaze lovingly at each other in a warmly lit, wood-panelled room at The Gatehouse, created by their Edinburgh Castle wedding photographer.
  • A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit walk hand in hand on a cobbled street, surrounded by stone walls. Onlookers stand nearby, some taking photos, as the couple smile at each other. The scene has a historic, festive atmosphere.
  • A bride in a white dress and groom in a dark suit stand together on a stone patio between two old cannons, with a stone wall behind them. City buildings and water are visible in the distant background under a pale sky.
  • A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand in front of a historic stone castle on a sunny day. The bride wears a white gown; the groom has a suit. Tourists and visitors walk nearby. Green grass and cobblestone pavement are visible in the scene.
  • A bride and groom clink glasses and smile at each other at a wedding reception table, whilst a young girl with blonde hair sits beside them, drawing. Elegant decor, flowers, and mirrors are visible in the background.
  • A smiling bride in a white gown sits on the floor against a blue wall, holding hands with two playful young girls—one in a navy dress and cardigan, the other in a colourful floral dress. All appear joyful and engaged in fun together.
  • A bride in a white dress sits smiling on the floor, hugging two young girls. One girl wears a navy dress with a white jacket, the other a colourful floral dress. They pose closely together in front of a wooden wall with a blue backdrop and a window.
  • A man in a suit holds a smiling young girl in a blue dress. They stand indoors, surrounded by round mirrors on a grey wall and flower arrangements in gold vases. The mood is joyful and warm.
  • Visitors walk near a historic stone building with small arched windows, surrounded by trimmed bushes and a cobbled path. A signpost stands nearby. The sky is partly cloudy, and several people are seen exploring the area.
  • A bride and groom stand on a stone balcony in wedding attire, with the bride in a white dress holding a bouquet. They are smiling, surrounded by a stone wall and cloudy sky above. The scene is outdoors, evoking a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.
  • The Scottish flag, a blue field with a white diagonal cross, flies on a flagpole against a cloudy sky. Part of a stone building with a chimney is visible on the left side of the image.
  • A sign at St Margaret’s Chapel reads: “Closed temporarily for wedding.” Below, a plaque notes it’s the oldest building in the castle, built by King David I and dedicated to his mother, with “11” displayed at the bottom. Lush greenery frames the sign.
  • A white vintage Jaguar Mark 2 car with registration plate DBK 280C is parked on cobblestones near a stone building. Three people stand in the background, two taking photos. The sky is overcast and greenery is visible on the left.
  • A bagpiper in traditional Scottish attire leads a bride in a white dress along a stone path. Behind them, guests stand near a white vintage car parked by an old stone building. The setting is outdoors, and the sky appears cloudy.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil stands indoors, holding a bouquet of yellow, purple, and white flowers. The background features stone walls and pillars, with soft lighting. She appears to be smiling and is partially turned towards someone out of frame.
  • A bride in a white dress and veil and a groom in a black suit and striped tie stand smiling together, holding hands and a bouquet of yellow and white flowers, in front of a large black cannon and a building with a flag.
  • A stained glass window set in a stone wall depicts a robed figure in purple holding a staff, standing beside a kneeling figure. The scene includes a shield and coat of arms at the bottom, surrounded by intricate coloured glass details.
  • A man in a black dinner jacket stands beside a bagpiper in full traditional Scottish attire, including a feathered hat, red tartan kilt, and sporran, on a ramp by a stone building. Both are smiling and posing for the photo outdoors.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress and veil sits in a vintage car’s open door, smiling and holding a bouquet of yellow, white, and purple flowers. A historic stone building with arched windows is visible in the background.
  • A bride in a white dress walks with a woman in blue on a cobbled path, surrounded by onlookers. Children and adults watch; a bagpiper in traditional Scottish dress plays nearby. The scene is outdoors near historic stone buildings.
  • A bride in a white gown and veil stands arm-in-arm with a man in a black suit, striped trousers, and a tie. He holds a bouquet of yellow and purple flowers. They smile, standing on a bridge with a stone wall in the background.
  • A bride in a white gown and veil holds yellow and blue flowers, standing arm-in-arm with a groom in a black jacket, striped trousers, and yellow buttonhole outside a stone building, with people and a cloudy sky in the background.

Why Edinburgh Castle Works So Well for Weddings

Edinburgh Castle is unlike almost any other wedding venue in the city. You’re getting married inside one of Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks, with historic buildings, cobbled courtyards and panoramic views across Edinburgh all within the same site.

The different ceremony spaces also give weddings here distinct character. St Margaret’s Chapel is exceptionally intimate, the Gatehouse Suite feels private and tucked away near the castle entrance, while the Queen Anne Building works for much larger ceremonies and celebrations.

From a photography point of view, that variety is one of the things we enjoy most. Within a relatively small area, we can use ancient stonework, Castle Rock, courtyards, ramparts, and wide city views, so there’s no need to go elsewhere in Edinburgh to create a varied set of photographs.

Daytime weddings also take place while the castle remains open to visitors, although your ceremony itself remains private. Having photographed 20 weddings here, we’re very used to working around visitors and choosing locations quickly rather than waiting for the castle to become empty — because it generally won’t.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Spaces at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers several very different spaces for weddings, ranging from one of the smallest and most historic chapels in the city to larger rooms for ceremonies, dinners and evening receptions.

A white directional sign reading “St Margarets Chapel” points to the right. In the blurred background is a stone building with a British flag flying on top, and the sky is partly cloudy.

St Margaret’s Chapel

St Margaret’s Chapel is Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building and the most intimate wedding ceremony space at the castle.

The current wedding information lists it for ceremonies of up to 25 people. Only religious wedding ceremonies can be held in the chapel, so couples planning a civil or humanist ceremony need to use one of the castle’s other spaces.

Having photographed ceremonies here, we know just how compact it is. That intimacy is part of its character, but it also means we work quietly and carefully rather than moving around extensively during the ceremony.

A bride in a white strapless dress and a groom in a dark suit embrace, smiling at the camera. They stand indoors in The Gatehouse Suite at Edinburgh Castle, by a dark, panelled wooden wall, with soft light illuminating them from the left.

The Gatehouse Suite

The Gatehouse Suite is located near the entrance to Edinburgh Castle and is a very different setting from St Margaret’s Chapel.

It can host ceremonies and receptions for up to 40 people, making it a good option for smaller weddings. The wood-panelled rooms feel more intimate, and you can also arrange access to a private terrace overlooking Edinburgh.

We’ve photographed wedding ceremonies here too, so we’re familiar with both the room itself and how its location near the castle entrance affects the flow of the day.

A man in a suit holds a smiling young girl in a blue dress. They stand in The Queen Anne Building at Edinburgh Castle, surrounded by round mirrors on a grey wall and flower arrangements in gold vases. The mood is joyful and warm.

The Queen Anne Building

For larger weddings, the Queen Anne Building can host ceremonies for up to 120 people and receptions for up to 170.

The Queen Anne Room is considerably brighter and more spacious than the castle’s smaller ceremony venues, with an adjoining indoor courtyard that can be used for drinks and canapés.

We’ve also photographed ceremonies here, giving us first-hand experience of how differently it works compared with St Margaret’s Chapel and the Gatehouse Suite.

The Jacobite Room

The Jacobite Room is used for evening weddings and reception celebrations outside normal castle opening hours.

Current wedding information lists it for dinners of up to 100 guests and evening receptions of up to 150, with views towards Princes Street and the Firth of Forth. The adjoining Redcoat Room can also be used for pre-dinner drinks.

This gives couples the option to move from the historic surroundings elsewhere in the castle into a larger dedicated space for dinner and evening celebrations.

Best Wedding Photo Locations at Edinburgh Castle

After photographing 20 weddings at Edinburgh Castle, we’ve learned that you don’t need to cover huge distances to create a varied set of photographs. The key is knowing which parts of the castle work best at different times of day and how busy they are likely to be.

A couple walks hand-in-hand on a cobbled path at St Margaret’s Chapel and Crown Square. The woman wears a dark dress and brown boots; the man wears a suit. In the background, people walk and an old cannon is visible. It’s a sunny day.

St Margaret’s Chapel and Crown Square

The area around St Margaret’s Chapel and Crown Square gives us some of the strongest photographs that immediately feel like Edinburgh Castle.

The historic stonework, cobbles and surrounding buildings create plenty of variety within a relatively small area, which is particularly useful after a ceremony when couples usually want to spend time with their guests rather than disappear for a long portrait session.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in Scottish attire with a kilt stand on either side of a large black cannon at The Castle Ramparts at Edinburgh Castle. The bride holds a bouquet; both smile at each other. Edinburgh's cityscape is visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

The Castle Ramparts and City Views

The elevated viewpoints around the castle offer spectacular views across Edinburgh, from the Old Town and Princes Street to the wider city and the Firth of Forth.

Which viewpoint we use depends on the weather, light and how busy the castle is at the time.

bride and groom at Edinburgh Castle in a courtyard.

The Castle Architecture and Courtyards

Some of our favourite photographs are often the simplest, using the castle’s stone walls, archways, doorways and cobbled courtyards rather than trying to fit the entire landmark into every image.

These locations also give us useful shelter and alternatives when the light is harsh or the weather changes.

A man in a dark blazer twirls a smiling woman in a navy blue dress and tan boots on a cobbled street, The Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle, with historic stone buildings and several people watching in the blurred background.

The Esplanade

The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade can create dramatic wider portraits with the castle behind you and views towards the city.

It can also be extremely busy, particularly during peak tourist periods and around the Edinburgh Festival, so we treat it as an option rather than something every couple must use.

A bride and groom embrace and smile at each other outdoors, with the bride in a white dress and veil and the groom in a dark suit. A stone wall and blurred cityscape with hills are visible in the background, standing at the Gatehouse at Edinburgh Castle on the outdoor terraced area, under a cloudy sky.

Around the Gatehouse

The area close to the Gatehouse is particularly useful for couples marrying in the Gatehouse Suite because we can create several different photographs without taking you far from your guests.

It also gives us a strong sense of place immediately, with the entrance, historic stonework and views towards central Edinburgh all close together.

What We’ve Learned From Photographing 20 Weddings at Edinburgh Castle

After photographing 20 weddings at Edinburgh Castle, we’ve learned a few practical things that make a noticeable difference to how relaxed the photography feels on the day.

A bride in a white dress walks with a woman in blue on a cobbled path, surrounded by onlookers. Children and adults watch; a bagpiper in traditional Scottish dress plays nearby. The scene is outdoors near historic stone buildings.

You Have to Work With the Visitors

Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s busiest attractions, so waiting for completely empty courtyards or viewpoints usually isn’t realistic.

We work around people rather than letting photography become a waiting game. Often, a small change in position, angle, or timing is enough to create a photograph that feels much quieter than the location actually was.

Bride in a white dress and groom in Scottish attire stand facing each other, holding hands during a wedding ceremony. An officiant reads from a book. Onlookers, including an elderly woman, watch in a stone-walled room at St Margaret’s Chapel at Edinburgh Castle..

Different Ceremony Spaces Need Different Approaches

St Margaret’s Chapel, the Gatehouse Suite and Queen Anne Building are completely different environments to photograph.

The chapel is particularly intimate, so we work very discreetly during the ceremony, while the larger spaces give us more freedom to change position and capture different perspectives.

The Scottish flag, a blue field with a white diagonal cross, flies on a flagpole against a cloudy sky. Part of a stone building with a chimney is visible on the left side of the image.

The Weather Can Change Very Quickly

Being high on Castle Rock means conditions can feel quite different from the streets below.

Wind, rain and changing light can arrive quickly, so we don’t build the photography around one fixed outdoor plan. We choose locations based on what’s working on the day.

A smiling couple embrace in front of a castle entrance. The man wears a dark suit; the woman has long red hair and a navy lace dress. Stone statues and arches frame the background, with cobbled paving underfoot, looking towards their Edinburgh Castle wedding photographer.

You Don’t Need a Long Portrait Session

Strong photography locations are close to the ceremony spaces, so we can usually create plenty of variety in relatively short bursts.

We prefer to photograph for a little while, return you to your guests, and use another short opportunity later if the light or weather improves.

A smiling bride in glasses hugs a guest holding a bouquet of white and purple flowers. Two other guests, one in a kilt and another in a floral dress, stand nearby, smiling. The scene is outdoors beside a stone wall.

Let the Congratulations Happen

One of the things we particularly enjoy about weddings at Edinburgh Castle is the reaction from visitors when a newly married couple appears.

Couples are regularly congratulated, waved at and cheered as they move through the castle. Rather than immediately pulling you away for portraits, we prefer to let those spontaneous moments happen — they often become some of the most memorable photographs of the day.

Practical Things to Know When Planning an Edinburgh Castle Wedding

Getting married at Edinburgh Castle involves a few practical considerations that differ from booking a hotel or dedicated wedding venue.

Wedding Dates Are Limited

Edinburgh Castle currently offers weddings from October to May, with selected availability in June and September.

The Queen Anne Building is also unavailable during the Edinburgh Military Tattoo period in August, so couples considering the castle should check potential dates with the venue team early.

The Castle Remains Open to Visitors

For daytime weddings, Edinburgh Castle continues operating as a visitor attraction while your wedding is taking place.

Your ceremony remains private, and visitors aren’t given access to it, but elsewhere around the castle you should expect tourists to be part of the environment.

This sounds more challenging than it usually is. After 20 weddings here, we’re accustomed to choosing angles, timings and locations that minimise distractions without making you stand around waiting for an empty castle.

Getting Guests to the Castle

The castle is in the centre of Edinburgh and is accessible by public transport, with Waverley Station nearby.

Historic Environment Scotland also provides accessibility support for guests who need help reaching the event spaces, although it’s worth discussing individual requirements with the castle team in advance.

Accessibility Depends on the Wedding Space

Most of the castle’s event spaces are accessible, but they don’t all work in exactly the same way.

For example, St Margaret’s Chapel and the Queen Anne Building are wheelchair accessible, while the Gatehouse Suite is reached by a spiral staircase. If any guests have mobility requirements, confirm the most suitable arrangements with the Edinburgh Castle events team before booking your ceremony space.

What One of Our Edinburgh Castle Couples Said

After photographing 20 weddings at Edinburgh Castle, we’ve received some lovely feedback from couples whose ceremonies we photographed here. Here’s what Ashleigh and Matt said after their Edinburgh Castle wedding.

  • bride sitting on the piano at the foot of the staircase in the Balmoral Hotel

    You helped make our wedding day and have enabled us to capture many fantastic memories.

    Thank you for your work and professionalism. We are truly grateful. You have an incredible eye for detail and covered absolutely everything that I had in my mind for the day. You helped make our wedding day and have enabled us to capture many fantastic memories. I will certainly be recommending you in the future!
    Ashleigh and Matt

Edinburgh Castle Wedding Photographer FAQs

Can you get married inside Edinburgh Castle?

Yes. Edinburgh Castle currently offers several wedding spaces, including St Margaret’s Chapel, the Gatehouse Suite and the Queen Anne Building. Each has a very different atmosphere and guest capacity.

How many guests can attend an Edinburgh Castle wedding?

It depends on the space you choose. St Margaret’s Chapel is the most intimate, while the Queen Anne Building can host much larger ceremonies and receptions. For exact numbers and layouts, check the latest options with the Edinburgh Castle events team.

Can you take wedding photos around Edinburgh Castle?

Yes. We regularly photograph couples around the castle after their ceremony, using locations such as Crown Square, the ramparts, courtyards, the Gatehouse area and viewpoints across Edinburgh.
Because the castle remains busy with visitors, we choose locations based on the light, weather, and how crowded each area is at the time.

What happens if it rains on our Edinburgh Castle wedding day?

We adapt the photography around the conditions rather than relying on one fixed plan.
Edinburgh Castle has sheltered areas, archways and historic interiors, and the weather on Castle Rock can change quickly enough that a short wait can sometimes make a big difference.

Do we need to leave Edinburgh Castle for our wedding photographs?

No. There is already plenty of variety within the castle itself.
We normally prefer to create portraits in short bursts around the venue so you can spend more time with your guests rather than turning the wedding into a long photoshoot.

Planning Your Wedding at Edinburgh Castle?

Having photographed 20 weddings at Edinburgh Castle, we know the venue, its different ceremony spaces and the practical realities of photographing around one of Edinburgh’s busiest visitor attractions.

Tell us your wedding date, which part of the castle you’re considering and a little about your plans below, and we’ll check our availability.

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.

Edinburgh Castle Wedding Enquiries

For current wedding availability, ceremony options, guest capacities and venue information, contact the Historic Environment Scotland weddings team directly.

Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill
Edinburgh
EH1 2NG

General enquiries: +44 (0)131 668 8600

Make an Edinburgh Castle wedding enquiry

Visit the official Edinburgh Castle weddings page

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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 →