Edinburgh Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Edinburgh

This guide covers Edinburgh elopement venues, legal requirements, practical planning advice and local photography tips to help you plan an elopement in the city.

Planning an Edinburgh Elopement

This Edinburgh elopement guide covers the practical things that matter most if you’re planning to elope in the city: where you can get married, the best Edinburgh elopement venues and outdoor locations, legal requirements, suppliers, transport, photography locations and how to plan the day without making it more complicated than it needs to be.

Claire and I have photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, including over 500 weddings in Edinburgh, and we’ve worked at many of the city’s best-known venues as well as smaller ceremonies and intimate weddings across the Old Town, New Town and surrounding areas.

Edinburgh works particularly well for elopements because you can combine a legal ceremony with historic architecture, dramatic viewpoints, gardens, cobbled streets and excellent restaurants without spending half the day travelling between locations.

Whether you’re planning a just-the-two-of-you elopement, a small wedding with a handful of guests, or travelling to Edinburgh from elsewhere in the UK or overseas, the aim of this guide is to help you make sensible decisions based on how the city actually works.

We’ll cover how to elope in Edinburgh, where to hold your ceremony, what paperwork you need, which locations work best for photographs, and the practical details that can make the day much easier.

Edinburgh Elopement Photographer Testimonials

We’ve photographed many intimate weddings and elopements in Edinburgh, so rather than just tell you what the experience is like, here’s what some of our couples have said about working with us.

How to Elope in Edinburgh: A Simple Planning Checklist

Planning an Edinburgh elopement doesn’t need to be complicated. In practical terms, most couples can break the process down into these steps:

1. Choose roughly when you want to marry — consider daylight, weather, crowds and accommodation prices as well as the season you like visually.
2. Decide on your ceremony style — civil ceremony with an Edinburgh registrar, or a legal religious or belief ceremony with an authorised celebrant.
3. Choose your Edinburgh elopement venue or outdoor location — and check whether you need separate permission.
4. Submit your marriage paperwork — both of you need to complete the required M10 marriage notice process within the correct timescale.
5. Arrange two witnesses — they must be aged 16 or over for a legal marriage in Scotland.
6. Book the suppliers that matter most — usually your celebrant or registrar, photographer, accommodation and then any flowers, hair and makeup or other extras.
7. Plan a realistic photography route — choose a small number of locations that work with your ceremony time rather than trying to visit every Edinburgh landmark.
8. Have a weather Plan B — particularly if your ceremony or portraits depend heavily on an outdoor location.
9. Leave space to enjoy the day — build in time for a drink, lunch, dinner or simply wandering around Edinburgh together rather than filling every minute.

The rest of this Edinburgh elopement guide covers each of those steps in more detail, including Edinburgh elopement venues, legal requirements, suppliers, accommodation, transport, photography locations and elopement photography packages.

Why Choose Edinburgh for Your Elopement?

Edinburgh is one of the easiest places in Scotland to combine a legal wedding ceremony, beautiful photography locations, great food and a memorable city break in a relatively compact area.

For couples travelling from elsewhere in the UK or overseas, that makes planning an Edinburgh elopement much simpler than choosing a remote location where every part of the day involves driving.

Historic Edinburgh Elopement Locations

The Old Town, New Town, and city centre offer an enormous variety of backdrops within a short distance of one another: historic closes, Georgian streets, castle views, hidden gardens, dramatic architecture, and cobbled lanes.

You can hold your ceremony somewhere intimate, then walk or take a short journey to several completely different locations for photographs without losing hours of your wedding day to travel.

Indoor and Outdoor Wedding Options

Edinburgh works particularly well if you want flexibility.

You can choose an indoor ceremony at a venue such as Edinburgh City Chambers, Riddle’s Court or the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, or explore outdoor options around places such as Calton Hill and Holyrood Park, subject to the relevant permissions.

That gives you a useful Plan B if the Scottish weather changes — something we always recommend considering when planning an outdoor Edinburgh elopement.

Ideal for Small Weddings and Just-the-Two-of-You Elopements

Edinburgh suits everything from a just-us-two wedding to an intimate celebration with a small group of family and friends.

You don’t need a large traditional venue to make the day feel special. A ceremony, a few hours exploring the city for photographs and a fantastic meal afterwards can make a complete wedding day without unnecessary complexity.

Easy to Turn Into a Destination Elopement

If you’re travelling to Scotland to get married, Edinburgh also works brilliantly as a destination elopement because accommodation, restaurants, transport and ceremony locations are all close together.

You can arrive a few days early, explore the city, get married, then continue into the Highlands or elsewhere in Scotland for your honeymoon.

That combination of history, scenery, convenience and flexibility is one of the main reasons Edinburgh is such a strong choice for couples planning an intimate wedding.

More Freedom to Plan the Day Your Way

One of the biggest advantages of an Edinburgh elopement is the freedom to build the day around the two of you rather than a large guest list or a traditional wedding timetable.

You might write your own vows, include a Scottish handfasting, marry outdoors with the appropriate permissions, explore the city for photographs, stop for a drink or lunch, or head somewhere scenic afterwards.

With fewer people and fewer fixed formalities, it’s also much easier to adapt if the weather changes or you decide to spend longer somewhere you’re enjoying.

That flexibility is particularly useful in Edinburgh, where historic ceremony venues, outdoor locations, restaurants and photography spots can all be relatively close together.

Best Edinburgh Elopement Venues and Small Wedding Venues

Choosing the right Edinburgh elopement venue depends on the kind of day you want: a simple legal ceremony in the city centre, an intimate historic room, a private hotel setting or an outdoor ceremony with dramatic views.

One of Edinburgh’s biggest advantages is the variety. You can marry inside a beautiful historic venue and still be minutes from the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, or other photo spots.

Below are some of the best places to elope in Edinburgh that we know from photographing real weddings, split into indoor and outdoor options. For outdoor ceremonies, always check whether you need permission and have a sensible weather backup.

Indoor Elopement Venues in Edinburgh

Want a bit of shelter from Scotland’s famously unpredictable weather? These indoor venues are full of character and perfect for intimate ceremonies:

Riddle’s Court

Tucked just off the Royal Mile, Riddle’s Court is like stepping into a romantic time capsule. Think candlelit rooms, ornate ceilings, and warm, intimate vibes. It’s ideal for couples who want something historic but cosy. And yes – the photo opportunities here are dreamy.

Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

Fancy a bit of grandeur? A Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh elopement offers soaring ceilings, dramatic staircases, and a breathtaking library that feels like something out of a movie. If you love architecture, history, and a touch of opulence, this one’s for you.

City Chambers

Located right on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh City Chambers is one of the most popular Edinburgh elopement venues – and for good reason. It’s convenient, elegant, and the courtyard outside is a fab place for a wee celebratory kiss and some lovely photos. We’re also honoured to be one of the venue’s recommended photographers.

View our guide to a winter wedding in The Alexander Suite at City Chambers and a beautiful European Room winter elopement.

Prestonfield House

As photographers at Prestonfield House, we’re thrilled to share some of our favourite newlywed photos and a little about this stunning Edinburgh elopement venue.

View Megan and Tyler’s intimate summer wedding at Prestonfield House.

The Edinburgh Grand

The Edinburgh Grand is a strong option for couples who want an intimate city-centre elopement with elegant interiors and excellent access to Edinburgh’s best photography locations. Its central location makes it easy to combine the ceremony or celebration with portraits around the New Town, Old Town and nearby viewpoints.

Outdoor Elopement Locations in Edinburgh

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor Edinburgh elopement, the city offers everything from panoramic hilltop views to hidden gardens and dramatic historic ruins.

Remember that a beautiful public location isn’t automatically available for a legal wedding ceremony. Depending on the location and the type of ceremony you choose, you may need permission from the landowner, the City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Environment Scotland or another venue operator.

Some couples choose to hold the legal ceremony indoors and use these locations afterwards for portraits, while others arrange a fully legal outdoor ceremony with the appropriate permissions.

Here are some of our favourite Edinburgh elopement locations for couples who want a more adventurous or outdoor feel.

Calton Hill

One of the most iconic Edinburgh elopement and marriage proposal spots. Calton Hill offers panoramic city views, ancient monuments, and gorgeous light for those golden-hour shots. It’s a top choice for couples who want dramatic scenery without hiking boots. A busy setting with many tourists, but we’ll help you choose the perfect spot so your photos don’t have tourists in the background! To get married at Calton Hill, you would need to obtain permission from the Edinburgh Council.

St Anthony’s Chapel, Holyrood Park

St Anthony’s Chapel is a favourite location for couples wanting an Edinburgh elopement, situated in Holyrood Park, adjacent to the Royal Palace of Holyrood House. This area provides a natural, wild backdrop with the city skyline below. To be married at Holyrood Park, you must obtain permission from Historic Environment Scotland wedding and event permissions.

Arthur’s Seat

Also within Holyrood Park, you could hike up Arthur’s Seat (the very top) for a sunrise ceremony. The payoff is a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and beyond – utterly breathtaking and worth the early wake-up. However, this is for fit and adventurous couples only; the hike is steep and takes about 30-45 minutes. Also, to avoid crowds up there, sunrise is really the only time you’d get some privacy (and even then, you might have a few friendly hikers cheering you on!). If you’re up for it, it’s truly an unforgettable spot to say your vows as the city awakens below.

Dunbar’s Close Garden

Tucked away behind a stone archway, this charming 17th-century-style garden is one of Edinburgh’s Old Town’s best-kept secrets. It’s peaceful, green, and downright magical—perfect for couples dreaming of a quiet, nature-filled Edinburgh elopement without leaving the city’s heart. The moment you enter, the noise fades, the birds are singing, and everything else melts away. It’s like the city has pressed pause just for you!

The Vennel

This hidden alleyway near the Grassmarket is one of our secret favourites. With great views of Edinburgh Castle and a charming old-world feel, it’s perfect for an Edinburgh elopement that blends city grit and fairytale magic.

Princes Street Gardens

Right in the heart of the city, Princes Street Gardens offer lush greenery, dramatic backdrops beneath Edinburgh Castle, and a feeling of calm amidst the bustle. If you want a central location with loads of charm, this is it.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the strongest outdoor wedding options in the city if you want greenery without leaving central Edinburgh.

We’ve photographed weddings beneath the giant redwoods in John Muir Grove, which the Botanics currently offers for civil and humanist wedding ceremonies. Check the official Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh wedding information for current availability, capacities and booking details.

The John Muir Grove ceremony page confirms it is suitable for civil and humanist ceremonies.

Ready to Choose Your Edinburgh Elopement Location?

Choosing where to elope in Edinburgh usually comes down to three things: the kind of ceremony you want, how much privacy matters to you, and how flexible you’re willing to be with the weather.

If you want a legally straightforward indoor ceremony, places such as Edinburgh City Chambers, Riddle’s Court and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh are excellent options.

If you prefer an outdoor ceremony or want to combine your wedding with photos around the city, locations such as Calton Hill, Holyrood Park and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh give you a very different experience — just make sure you check permissions and have a sensible Plan B.

You can also explore our guide to the best Edinburgh wedding venues or get in touch with us if you’d like help choosing a location that suits the kind of elopement you’re planning.

How to Legally Elope in Edinburgh

Planning a legal Edinburgh elopement is relatively straightforward, but you need to complete a few important steps before the ceremony.

For marriages taking place in Edinburgh, both of you must submit an M10 Marriage Notice Form to the City of Edinburgh Council registration service. The council currently recommends submitting your paperwork six to eight weeks before your ceremony. The legal minimum notice period is 29 days, and you should not submit it more than three months in advance. Couples subject to immigration control are advised to allow around three months.

You can check the latest requirements and download the relevant forms through the City of Edinburgh Council marriage requirements page and National Records of Scotland.

What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in Edinburgh?

Along with your M10 forms, the registrar may require documents including:

• your birth certificates;
• passports where applicable;
• recent proof of address;
• divorce, annulment or death certificates if either of you has previously been married;
• additional documentation if you are not a British national.

Documents not written in English must normally be accompanied by a certified translation, and international couples may also need immigration-related paperwork or a Certificate of No Impediment depending on their circumstances. Because individual requirements vary, always check directly with Edinburgh Registration Service before sending your documents.

Registrar, Humanist or Religious Celebrant?

In Edinburgh, you can have a civil ceremony conducted by a registrar, or a religious or belief ceremony conducted by someone legally authorised to solemnise marriages in Scotland.

Humanist ceremonies are particularly popular for elopements because they can be highly personal and can take place outdoors. However, make sure your chosen celebrant is legally authorised to conduct the marriage — not everyone using the title “celebrant” is. Humanist Society Scotland confirms that its registered celebrants are permanently authorised to conduct legal humanist marriages in Scotland.

You can find authorised humanist celebrants through Humanist Society Scotland.

For a civil ceremony, Edinburgh registrars can also conduct weddings at approved locations around the city, including some outdoor venues, subject to agreement and any site-specific permissions.

Do You Need Witnesses to Elope in Edinburgh?

Yes. You need two witnesses aged 16 or over for a legal marriage in Scotland.

If you are eloping without guests, this is usually easy to solve. Claire and I have acted as witnesses for couples before, and your celebrant or registrar may also be able to advise on suitable arrangements.

Don’t Forget the Marriage Schedule

The marriage schedule is the official legal document used to record your marriage in Scotland. It contains details of the couple, the ceremony and the witnesses, and it must be completed correctly for the marriage to be registered.

For a civil ceremony, the registrar normally brings the marriage schedule to the ceremony and handles it afterwards.

For a religious or belief ceremony, including a humanist wedding, one of you usually needs to collect the marriage schedule from the registrar before the wedding. It must be present at the ceremony, signed by both of you, your celebrant and your two witnesses, then returned to the registrar within three days.

Edinburgh Elopement Legal Checklist

• Submit an M10 form for each of you.
• Aim to lodge the paperwork 6–8 weeks before the ceremony.
• Gather the required identity and supporting documents.
• Check additional requirements if either of you is coming from overseas.
• Choose a registrar or legally authorised celebrant.
• Arrange two witnesses aged 16 or over.
• Confirm any permission needed for an outdoor ceremony.
• Make sure the marriage schedule is handled correctly.

Edinburgh Elopement Suppliers: Celebrants, Florists, Hair & Makeup and Cakes

Planning an Edinburgh elopement usually means hiring fewer suppliers than you would for a large traditional wedding, but the people you do choose can make a big difference to how smoothly the day runs.

Depending on your plans, you may want an Edinburgh celebrant or registrar, elopement photographer, florist, hair and makeup artist, piper or small wedding cake supplier.

We’ve worked alongside many wedding suppliers across Edinburgh over the years, so the recommendations below are based on people and businesses we’ve encountered through real weddings rather than a generic directory.

For legal ceremonies, start with your registrar or authorised celebrant, then build the rest of your small team around the ceremony time and location.

Humanist and Belief Celebrants for Edinburgh Elopements

A good celebrant can make an intimate ceremony feel incredibly personal. These are celebrants we’ve encountered through weddings and would happily recommend to couples planning an Edinburgh elopement:

• Niki Smith — an experienced legal marriage officer with Fulcrum Celebrants, known for ceremonies that combine warmth, humour and genuine emotion.
• Allan Kidd — a Fuze celebrant based in West Lothian who covers Edinburgh and the Lothians, with a relaxed and inclusive approach to personalised ceremonies.
• Kathryn Ross — a registered Humanist Society Scotland celebrant who conducts weddings across the central belt and further afield.
• TJ Thomson — a legal marriage officer with Fulcrum Celebrants who offers weddings and elopements throughout Scotland.
• Simon Houston — a Fuze humanist celebrant covering Edinburgh, the Lothians and much of Scotland.

For more options, check the official Humanist Society Scotland website.

Florists for Edinburgh Elopements

For a small wedding or elopement, you may only need a bouquet, buttonhole or a few carefully chosen arrangements rather than full venue florals. These are Edinburgh and East Lothian florists whose work we’ve encountered through weddings and would happily recommend:

• Lottie Longman Floral Design — based in East Lothian and creating naturally styled, seasonally inspired flowers for everything from intimate weddings to larger celebrations. Lottie also grows much of her own flowers and foliage.
• Rose & Ammi Flowers — an Edinburgh wedding florist now based in Leith, specialising in relaxed, romantic and naturally styled wedding flowers. They specifically cater for weddings and elopements.
• Garlands Florist — a long-established Edinburgh florist on Elm Row with a dedicated wedding-flower service.
• Pollination — an independent Edinburgh florist creating seasonal flowers as well as bespoke wedding and event floristry.
• Harvest & Green — based in Morningside and offering wedding flowers for both larger celebrations and intimate weddings.

Edinburgh Wedding Hair and Makeup Artists

For an elopement or small wedding, having someone who can come to your hotel, apartment or venue makes the morning much easier. These are hair and makeup artists we’ve worked alongside and would happily recommend:

• Lyn McKenzie Make Up — a freelance hair and makeup artist based in Midlothian who travels throughout Scotland for weddings. Lyn offers bridal hair and makeup and is highly experienced in creating natural, long-lasting looks that still feel like you.
• The Madeup Team — Edinburgh-based Sharon Irving and Monica George specialise in bridal hair and makeup and provide a mobile service across Edinburgh and Scotland. They also have direct experience with intimate weddings and elopements, including couples travelling to Scotland from overseas.

Wedding Cakes for Edinburgh Elopements

For a small wedding or elopement, you may not want a large traditional tiered cake. A smaller bespoke cake, cupcakes or something simple to share after the ceremony can work perfectly.

These are Edinburgh cake suppliers we’ve encountered through weddings and would happily recommend:

• Liggy’s Cake Company — a long-established Edinburgh cake company with a dedicated wedding collection, bespoke designs, tastings and smaller ready-to-buy wedding cakes as well as larger centrepieces.
• Zara’s Cakery — specialises in bespoke wedding and celebration cakes, creating designs around the couple’s style, theme and preferred flavours.
• Licks Cake Design — an Edinburgh cake designer based on Henderson Row, offering bespoke wedding cakes, cupcakes and dietary options including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan cakes.

How to Book Your Edinburgh Elopement Suppliers

For a small wedding, you usually don’t need a huge supplier team. I’d book the people who shape the day first, then add the details afterwards.

1. Registrar or celebrant — confirm who will conduct the ceremony and whether they’re available for your date and location.
2. Photographer — once your ceremony time is fixed, choose the coverage that suits the length and shape of your day. You can see our Edinburgh wedding photography prices and packages here.
3. Hair and makeup — especially important if you want someone to travel to your hotel or accommodation on the morning.
4. Flowers — for many elopements, a bouquet and buttonhole may be all you need.
5. Cake or treats — completely optional, but a small cake can be a lovely addition if you’re celebrating with dinner afterwards.

If you’re planning your Edinburgh elopement from elsewhere in the UK or overseas, ask suppliers for local recommendations. We’re always happy to suggest people we’ve worked alongside and help you work out realistic timings between your ceremony, photographs and celebration.

Getting Around Edinburgh on Your Elopement Day

Edinburgh is a relatively compact city, which makes it ideal for an elopement. You can often combine a ceremony, several photography locations, and lunch or dinner without spending hours travelling between them.

The important thing is to plan your route realistically. Edinburgh is very walkable, but it’s also hilly, cobbled and considerably busier at certain times of year.

Walking Between Edinburgh Elopement Locations

For city-centre elopements, walking is often the easiest option.

From Edinburgh City Chambers, for example, you already have the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Parliament Square and numerous Old Town closes within easy reach. Princes Street Gardens, the Vennel and parts of the New Town can also be worked into a photography route without needing a car.

Walking also gives us opportunities for natural photographs between locations rather than treating every stop as a separate photoshoot.

If you’re wearing heels or formal shoes, bring a comfortable pair for longer walks. Edinburgh’s cobbles, steps and steep streets are much easier when you’re not worrying about your footwear.

Explore more options in our guide to the best photography locations in Edinburgh.

Taxis and Private Drivers

If you want to include locations further apart — perhaps your hotel, ceremony venue, Calton Hill, Dean Village and somewhere for dinner — a taxi or private driver can make the day considerably easier.

Edinburgh city-centre parking is controlled and can be limited, so we generally wouldn’t recommend spending your wedding day driving yourselves between locations. The City of Edinburgh Council operates a Controlled Parking Zone across the city centre.

For shorter journeys, Edinburgh’s licensed black cabs are useful and can be pre-booked. City Cabs Edinburgh allows advance bookings through its app, website or by phone.

If you’re planning several stops over a few hours, hiring a private driver for the whole period can be even easier, as the vehicle stays available rather than requiring a new taxi at each stop.

Arriving in Edinburgh by Tram

For couples travelling from overseas, the tram is one of the simplest ways to get from Edinburgh Airport into the city.

The Edinburgh Trams route runs from the airport through the city centre and on towards Leith and Newhaven, with stops including Haymarket, West End and St Andrew Square. The airport-to-city journey takes under 35 minutes.

You probably won’t use the tram extensively during the wedding itself, but it can make arriving in Edinburgh — particularly if you’re staying centrally — very straightforward.

Allow Extra Time During Edinburgh’s Festival Season

If you’re planning an Edinburgh elopement in August, allow more time than usual for moving around the city.

The summer festivals bring very large numbers of visitors into Edinburgh, and temporary traffic restrictions and road closures are regularly introduced around parts of the Old Town and city centre. Temporary restrictions can affect the High Street, Parliament Square, Cockburn Street, and other central streets during the festival period, so always check the council’s current information before finalising your route.

Check the City of Edinburgh Council’s current summer travel information when planning an August wedding, as the exact closures change from year to year.

Keep Your Elopement Route Simple

We usually prefer to choose a small number of great locations rather than racing around Edinburgh trying to photograph everywhere.

A ceremony followed by a relaxed walk through the Old Town, one viewpoint and somewhere for a celebratory drink will often produce a better experience — and better photographs — than trying to squeeze six or seven locations into a couple of hours.

We can help you build a photography route around your ceremony venue, the time of year, likely crowds and the amount of photography coverage you’ve booked.

Where to Stay for an Edinburgh Elopement

Choosing the right accommodation can make a surprisingly big difference to your elopement day, especially if you’re having your morning preparations photographed.

For Edinburgh elopement photography, we usually recommend somewhere with plenty of natural light, enough space to get ready without feeling cramped, and a location that works sensibly with your ceremony and photography route.

If you’re both getting ready separately, having two rooms or a larger suite can also make the morning much easier.

The Edinburgh Grand

The Edinburgh Grand is one of our favourite city-centre options for couples who want elegant interiors and a very central location.

Its position near St Andrew Square makes it easy to reach the Old Town, New Town, Calton Hill and many of our favourite photography locations without spending too much of the day travelling.

Prestonfield House

Prestonfield House works particularly well if you want somewhere quieter and more secluded while still being only a short journey from central Edinburgh.

The bedrooms, public rooms and grounds also give you plenty of photography options before you’ve even left the hotel.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh sits in the heart of the Old Town beside Victoria Street, making it particularly convenient for couples planning a city-centre elopement.

It’s within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the Vennel and many Old Town photography locations. The hotel also actively promotes weddings and elopements, making it a particularly relevant option for couples planning an intimate celebration in the Old Town.

You can also view the official Virgin Hotels Edinburgh website for current rooms and availability.

What to Look for in Elopement Accommodation

When comparing places to stay, think about:

• Natural light — large windows make a huge difference for morning photographs.
• Space — avoid very small rooms if you’ll have outfits, flowers, hair and makeup and photography happening at the same time.
• Location — staying close to your ceremony can save a surprising amount of travel time.
• Separate getting-ready spaces — useful if you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony.
• Character — if preparations are being photographed, the room becomes part of your wedding gallery.

For couples travelling to Edinburgh from overseas, staying centrally also makes it much easier to enjoy the city without hiring a car.

Things to Do After Your Edinburgh Elopement Ceremony

One of the advantages of eloping is that your wedding doesn’t need to follow a traditional timetable. Once the ceremony is over, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Edinburgh, stopping for food or drinks and enjoying the city together.

We often encourage couples to think of their Edinburgh elopement as an experience, not just a ceremony followed by photographs. A few relaxed stops throughout the day usually create better memories — and more natural photographs — than rushing between a long list of locations.

Stop for a Celebratory Drink

If you’re marrying in the Old Town, George IV Bar is an easy place to stop for a celebratory drink before continuing towards Victoria Street, the Grassmarket or the Vennel. It’s right on George IV Bridge, making it particularly convenient for couples exploring the Old Town on foot.

For whisky lovers, SCOTCH at The Balmoral is a more special option. The bar currently has a collection of more than 500 Scottish whiskies and also runs whisky tastings and masterclasses.

Explore Edinburgh Together

You don’t need to race around the city trying to photograph every landmark.

A relaxed walk through the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, the Vennel, Princes Street Gardens or the New Town can become part of the wedding itself, giving you time together while we photograph the natural moments between the more deliberate portraits.

Our guide to the best photography locations in Edinburgh has more ideas, including Old Town streets, city viewpoints, Georgian architecture and quieter locations away from the busiest tourist routes.

Take a Quiet Indoor Break

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street can be a lovely place to pause, particularly if the weather has turned against you.

The gallery is free to enter, and its Great Hall features stained glass, Victorian decoration, frescoes, and a distinctive astrological ceiling. It is also very centrally located near St Andrew Square.

I can’t promise we can always do a professional portrait session inside. Photography policies can change, and certain spaces or exhibitions may have restrictions. Treat it primarily as an interesting indoor stop, and check current permissions if you specifically want to photograph there.

Add Some Scottish Music to the Evening

A small elopement doesn’t mean you have to miss out on an evening celebration.

Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh’s West End is a converted church that now operates as a Scottish bar, restaurant and wedding venue. It currently has live music every night, so it can be a fun place to continue celebrating without organising a traditional wedding reception.

If you’d prefer somewhere in the Old Town, Whistle Binkies is an Edinburgh institution beneath South Bridge with live music seven days a week.

Finish With an Edinburgh Elopement Dinner

A memorable meal is one of the easiest ways to turn a short ceremony into a complete wedding day.

A few options I’d happily point couples towards are:

• The Witchery by the Castle — an extremely atmospheric option beside Edinburgh Castle, with historic, candlelit dining rooms that suit couples celebrating in the Old Town.
• The Kitchin — Michelin-starred contemporary Scottish dining on the Leith waterfront for couples who want to make dinner one of the main experiences of the day.
• Rhubarb at Prestonfield House — especially convenient if you’re marrying or staying at Prestonfield House, serving seasonal Scottish food in one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive hotels.
• Howies Victoria Street — a more relaxed central option serving Scottish food right in the Old Town, particularly convenient if your photography route includes Victoria Street, the Grassmarket or the Royal Mile.
• The Dome — a strong option if you want impressive Georgian surroundings in the New Town. Its Green Room also offers private dining for up to 20 guests, making it a good fit for an intimate Edinburgh wedding with a small group rather than only a just-the-two-of-you elopement.

Wherever you finish the day, the goal isn’t to cram in as much as possible. A ceremony, time exploring Edinburgh together and somewhere you genuinely want to eat or celebrate can make a wonderfully complete elopement without following a traditional wedding schedule.

Best Photography Locations in Edinburgh for Elopements

One of the biggest advantages of an Edinburgh elopement is the variety of photography locations you can reach within a relatively small area.

Depending on your ceremony location and the time available, we might combine historic Old Town streets, Georgian architecture, gardens or one of Edinburgh’s viewpoints without turning the day into a long photoshoot.

Some of our most frequently used locations include:

• Calton Hill — panoramic views across Edinburgh and a strong option when you want a dramatic city backdrop.
• The Vennel — one of the best-known views of Edinburgh Castle, particularly useful for couples already exploring the Old Town.
• Victoria Street and the Royal Mile — colourful architecture, closes and cobbled streets within easy walking distance of many central ceremony venues.
• Princes Street Gardens — greenery, Edinburgh Castle views and easy access from both the Old Town and New Town.
• Circus Lane and Dean Village — quieter, more residential locations with a completely different feel from the historic centre.
• Holyrood Park — a more natural, adventurous option if you want hills, open space and views across the city.

Which locations work best depends on light, weather, crowds, footwear, ceremony timing and how long you want to spend away from your celebration. We’d much rather choose two or three locations that work brilliantly on the day than rush through a checklist of landmarks.

For a much more detailed look at the city, including practical advice and a map, see our Photographer’s Guide to the Best Photography Locations in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Elopement Photography Packages

Our Edinburgh elopement photography packages are designed for smaller weddings where you may only need a few hours of coverage rather than a full traditional wedding day.

Coverage currently starts at £695 for two hours with one photographer, which can work well for a ceremony followed by portraits around Edinburgh. Longer coverage is available if you’d like morning preparations, several locations, drinks or dinner included as part of the story.

For many Edinburgh elopements, two to four hours is enough to cover:

• the ceremony;
• congratulations and confetti;
• a few family photographs if you have guests;
• relaxed newlywed portraits;
• one or two Edinburgh photography locations;
• and some natural documentary coverage as you explore or celebrate afterwards.

The right amount of coverage depends on your ceremony location, how far you want to travel and whether you’d like photography before or after the ceremony.

You can see the current options on our Edinburgh Wedding Photography Prices & Packages page, or tell us what you’re planning and we can recommend the amount of coverage that makes sense.

Planning an Edinburgh Elopement? Let’s Talk

If you’re planning an Edinburgh elopement and like the idea of natural documentary photography combined with relaxed, polished portraits, Claire and I would be delighted to photograph your day.

We’ve photographed more than 700 weddings since 2006, including over 500 weddings in Edinburgh, so we can also help with practical questions about ceremony locations, photography routes, timings, weather plans and how much coverage you’re likely to need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in Edinburgh

These are some of the questions couples most often ask when using our Edinburgh elopement guide to plan their wedding.

Related Reading

• Edinburgh City Chambers Weddings — one of the most popular options for a small legal wedding or elopement in the heart of the Old Town.
• Edinburgh City Chambers Micro Weddings — a closer look at planning an intimate ceremony at City Chambers.
• Best Edinburgh Wedding Venues — our first-hand guide to venues we’ve photographed across the city.
• Best Photography Locations in Edinburgh — ideas for Old Town streets, viewpoints, gardens and quieter locations for elopement portraits.
• Edinburgh Wedding Photography Prices & Packages — current coverage options, including shorter photography packages suitable for elopements and intimate weddings.