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Gothic Wedding Magic in Edinburgh : Sarah and Lee’s Non-Traditional Day
A gothic wedding celebration at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House filled with dark elegance and unique personal touches. From handfasting ceremony and mead-drinking ritual to an axe-wielding cake-cutting, Sarah & Lee’s wedding defied tradition in the most memorable way. Prestonfield black cat even appear to compliment Prestonfield’s moody décor and add the final bit of Gothic flair.
Sarah and Lee's Gothic Wedding at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh was a celebration steeped in Halloween inspiration and personal touches. First meeting working in the food industry, they bonded over their shared love of food, music, tattoos, and a creative, alternative lifestyle. After nearly a decade together, Sarah decided to take the lead and proposed to Lee on a holiday in New York—an unexpected yet perfect reflection of their unique connection.
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From the beginning, they envisioned a wedding with gothic charm, delicious food, and a relaxed yet deeply meaningful atmosphere. They found their ideal setting at Prestonfield House, with its delicious food, rich history, dramatic interiors, and gothic style. For their intimate gathering, Prestonfield provided them with small beautiful spaces which perfectly blended elegance and moody autumnal vibes.
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Sarah walked down the aisle in a dress that beautifully balanced traditional elegance with personal flair. Though she initially planned to wear black, she fell in love with the first gown she tried on, a glittering tulle-layered design with a flattering deep v-neckline and the perfect back to showcase her “Corpse Bride” tattoo—a subtle but fitting tribute to their shared love of the gothic. Completing her look was a custom headdress by Hysteria Machine, and her hand-painted leather jacket added a distinct edge.
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Lee’s wore a custom waistcoat sourced from Whitby Goth Festival, adding a unique gothic touch that tied in with the day’s theme. In a break from tradition, Lee chose his daughter as his best woman, a meaningful choice that reflected their close bond and added a personal touch to the ceremony.
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The ceremony itself was really tailored to them by the fabulous Tim Maguire, it blended pagan traditions such as a handfasting, drinking mead, and jumping over a broom. They walked down the aisle together as equals, they chose a soundtrack of music from Cradle of Filth, Ghost, and Type O Negative, reflecting their love of alternative styles. And Sarah and her mum’s beloved dog, Olly the Springer Spaniel, carried the rings up the aisle to them which brought a sense of warmth and playfulness to their gothic ceremony.
The ceremony itself was really tailored to them by the fabulous Tim Maguire, it blended pagan traditions such as a handfasting, drinking mead, and jumping over a broom. They walked down the aisle together as equals, they chose a soundtrack of music from Cradle of Filth, Ghost, and Type O Negative, reflecting their love of alternative styles. And Sarah and her mum’s beloved dog, Olly the Springer Spaniel, carried the rings up the aisle to them which brought a sense of warmth and playfulness to their gothic ceremony.
What is a Gothic Wedding?
Sarah and Lee’s wedding at Prestonfield House was a beautiful example of a Gothic wedding. So, what exactly makes a wedding “Gothic”? For Sarah and Lee, it meant embracing the moody elegance of autumn and the dark interiors of Prestonfield House along with personalised elements like a dramatic black wedding cake, and a custom handfasting ceremony. With deep colours, gothic decor, pumpkins and even a black cat, the day felt like something from a dark fairy tale.
What to Wear for a Gothic Wedding
Sarah’s wedding look showcased Gothic style with her custom crown, Corpse Bride tattoo, and a unique, traditional dress with a modern twist. She originally planned to wear black but fell in love with a dress that allowed her to express her love for Gothic elements, without giving up the classic feel of a wedding gown.
For guests attending a Gothic wedding, choosing attire in deep, jewel tones or even black can harmonize with the theme without overshadowing the couple’s look.
Finding a Gothic Wedding Venue in Edinburgh
When searching for a Gothic wedding venue, it’s all about finding a space with rich history and atmosphere. Sarah and Lee chose Prestonfield House in Edinburgh because it offered exactly that. The historic venue provided the perfect backdrop, with its dark, elegant rooms, dark jewel fabrics, gold features, chandeliers and antique charm.
For other couples considering a Gothic venue, Edinburgh has several options—from castles to grand estates—that capture the essence of Gothic romance.
Final Touches: Personal Details & Unique Traditions
With a ceremony complete with drinking mead, a handfasting, and even their dog delivering the rings, Sarah and Lee’s wedding went beyond convention. Lee’s daughter stood as his best person, adding a modern family twist to the traditional roles. These details made their Gothic wedding feel as unique and authentic as the couple themselves.
The Super Team
Photography: Ali Jay Photography
Celebrant: Tim Maguire of Celebrate People
Bride’s dress: Sophia Tolli at Hoops a Daisy
Bride’s headdress: Hysteria Machine
Bride’s shoes: Kurt Geiger, Michael Kors
Bridesmaid dress: JJ’s House
Cake: Liggy’s Cakes
Florist: Liberty Blooms
Groom’s trousers: Moss Bros
Exploring The Scottish Wilderness
When the sun shines, we grab the chance for an adventure into the Scottish wilderness. Pictures of Scotland's watery landscapes & a few fun wildlife stories from my canoe expeditions.
When the sun shines, we grab the chance for an adventure into the Scottish wilderness, to be refreshed by nature. We look for wildlife (my ultimate happy place), talking around the campfire, making up stories for the kids. In the morning we wake to geese flying up the loch and sometime have a little swim before we pack up & disappear without trace.
For years, I avoided bringing a camera on these trips, worried it might take me out of the moment. But after a seal hilariously photobombed a rare canoe selfie, I realised it was worth capturing the beauty of Scotland. So if you love Scotland & the wild, I’ve gathered together my favourite pictures & a few stories, enjoy!
Loch Sunart
Puffing Porpoise
As I retell this story, part of me wishes I’d had my camera, but I’m also glad I was fully in the moment. Back in 2012, while canoeing on Loch Sunnart, along the wild and ancient Ardnamurchan Peninsula, we heard four soft puffs, then a pause. Moments later, more puffs, and that’s when we realised we were canoeing alongside a little porpoise family. It was magical!
When we finally made it back to shore, we apologised to our friends for leaving them for so long and explained why. As it turned out, they didn’t mind—they’d been quietly watching an otter that had come up onto the shore right beside them.
Loch Baa
Boulders Ahoy!
Loch Baa is such a strange and captivating landscape, with giant boulders scattered everywhere. As we paddled along, I felt like I was on the Titanic, watching for massive boulders hidden just below the surface like icebergs. The loch lies on Rannoch Moor, a treeless expanse of bogland just below Glen Coe. But on the islands, we found trees growing around these massive boulders. The whole landscape is reminiscent of a Lord of The Rings type world.
Loch Ard
The River Forth
Sleeping Seals & Puffins
Have you ever seen a seal asleep in the sea? It lifts its nose into the air and just floats there, eyes shut. While kayaking off North Berwick, we paddled out to the little islands and found ourselves surrounded by tiny puffins and sleeping seals. The beauty of a kayak or canoe is in their stealthy silence, letting you feel so close to the water and the wildlife around you.
Loch Katrine
We Are Sailing
Loch Katrine was the first loch we ever explored, just us and our friends. We paddled up the loch and camped overnight. Knowing it would likely be windy the next day, we set off in the morning, paddling with the wind for a while. Then, we pulled up on the shore, tied our canoes together, rigged up a sail and a pirate flag, and sailed our way back. We waved to the visitors aboard the Sir Walter Scott Steamship as we passed by.
I hope you feel inspired to explore Scotland or take photos, if you’d like to know more about me and my wedding and family photography, spend some time and click about my site or just get in touch!
Ali.
15 Of The Best Photo Spots Edinburgh
Where are the best photo spots in Edinburgh for your city centre wedding? This handy little photo location guide to the top 15 photo spots in Edinburgh is here to help with photographs from real weddings as inspiration for your city centre adventure.
Where are the best photo spots in Edinburgh for your city centre wedding?
This handy little photo location guide is here to help with photographs from real weddings and a handy little map of city centre highlights. They are all close to the city centre & perfect to easily explore on your wedding day
Please let me know if you have a favourite place that you think should be added.
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City Centre Map
1. St. Giles Cathedral
2. Edinburgh City Chambers
3. The Royal Mile
4. The Edinburgh Festival
5. Writer’s Museum
6. Riddles Court
7. John Knox’s House
8. Edinburgh Castle
9. Victoria Street
10. The Vennel
11. The Mound
12. Prince’s Street Gardens
13. Carlton Hill
14. Holyrood Park
15. St. Anthony’s Chapel
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Let’s start at the heart…
St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles is literally in the heart of Edinburgh, the Heart of Midlothian is a mosaic on the ground outside St. Giles. Although this sounds like a romantic place to stand, beware, it is thought to be good luck to spit on it (apologies for spoiling the romance with a rather yucky start to this guide).
Let’s skip past that part… St. Giles is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings with it’s crown top a prominent part of Edinburgh’s skyline. I love exploring the pretty steps & doorways and I use it as a screen to take you away from the Royal Mile crowds into some of the quieter spaces behind.
2. Edinburgh City Chambers
Edinburgh’s City Chambers is a fantastically placed Registry Office, placed right outside St. Giles the chambers building is beautiful with its courtyard and sheltered arches (which have sheltered many weddings from Scotland’s weather over the years).
3. The Royal Mile
Talking about weather, around the city centre there are plenty more sheltered spots to explore around the royal mile, if the weather isn’t optimal. I have photographed in rain and fog around the city and it often just adds to the beauty.
When it rains the sandstone on the buildings darkens and the cobbled streets glisten and colours pop.
In the fog, everything looks old world-y and the diffuse light is beautifully flattering for portraits.
The Royal Mile links Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace and has the majority of the best photo spots in Edinburgh, especially as there are many popular wedding venues on the mile or within walking distance.
St. Giles and the Chambers are on the high street part of the mile which is the most photographed part but boogle down some of the Close’s and you’ll find hidden gem’s such as Advocate’s Close with it’s brilliant views of the Scott’s Monument or Riddles Court’s with is beautiful courtyard.
4. The Edinburgh Festival
In the festival Edinburgh fills up and the Royal Mile is packed with crowds, buskers & entertainers. The atmosphere is electric. Walking down the Royal Mile in a wedding dress will always get cheers of friendly congratulations but in the festival, you will be hidden amongst the many crazy outfits of the performers vying for your attention.
Jemma and Alasdair got married during the busiest week of the festival and loved getting amongst the crowds for their photos.
5. The Writer’s Museum
Continuing up the Royal Mile from the High Street you reach the Lawnmarket which leads up the final stretch to the castle.
Just off the Lawnmarket you find Lady Stair’s House. The 17th century Lady Stair’s House is home to the writer’s museum, I love exploring the peaceful courtyard and the cute lamposts.
6. Riddles Court
Riddles Court is one of my favourite Edinburgh buildings. I love the orange façade & pentice stair. I can imagine the king holding his banquet’s there in the 16th century. It’s tucked away off the lawn market. It’s so hidden, few tourist’s find it so it’s the perfect place for some quiet photos with some stunning unique architecture.
7. John Knox’s House
Further down the High Street, just before you enter the Cannongate part of the Royal Mile you get to John Knox’s House. Parts of the building date back to the 15th century building and it now houses the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
It’s a little off route and on a busy part of road on the Royal Mile but it is one the oldest buildings in Edinburgh and very picturesque.
8. Edinburgh Castle
The temptation is to go the castle for wedding photos but unfortunately if you have a wedding dress on, they won’t let you onto the castle esplanade (unless you are getting married there) but really the best spots are a wee walk away, venture to the Vennel or the Ross Fountain for the perfect castle pic.
9. Victoria Street
Victoria Street is famous as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. This cute little street has some brilliant little shops and links the Royal Mile to the historic Grassmarket where you can get a brilliant view of Edinburgh Castle.
10. The Vennel
Just off the Grassmarket you can climb up the Vennel Steps and get one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle. If you’re really lucky you might get a congratulations from the author Ian Rankin who was passing by during Maria & Rhys’s wedding, we’re waiting to see if they appear as characters in a Rebus novel.
11. The Mound
If you walk down from the Lawnmarket you will get to the Mound and enter into Edinburgh’s New Town.
The architecture completely changes as you enter the straight streets and Georgian architecture of the New Town and see the statement pillars of the galleries.
You’ll be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of shoppers on Princes’ Street. From here you can also explore Prince’s Street gardens and get some great views of Edinburgh Castle.
12. Prince’s Street Gardens & Ross’s Fountain
Prince’s Street gardens run along the whole length of Prince’s Street and have some amazing views of the city & the castle. At the east end of the garden’s, you’ll find the Ross Fountain area which is a great place for a pic with Edinburgh Castle.
13. Carlton Hill
Carlton Hill is the best place in Edinburgh to get panoramic views across the city or to enjoy sunrise or sunset. It’s a bit further away from the Old Town so you will need transport to get to there. If you chose to walk, it’s about a 15 minute walk (with a some steep hills) from the High Street on the Royal Mile.
You can see from the River Forth to Arthur’s Seat to Edinburgh Castle. It’s an amazing place to go when the sun is low but it is a good hike to get up to it. Olivia and Tom got a car up the hill and enjoyed the golden evening light at the top of the hill.
14. Holyrood Park
At the bottom of the Royal Mile you’ll find Holyrood Palace which is the King’s home when he visits Edinburgh.
The palace is next to Holyrood Park, if you want a real adventure with an amazing view you can walk up Arthurs Seat and get some photographs at St. Anthony’s Chapel
15. St. Anthony’s Chapel
St. Anthony’s Chapel is a ruined chapel on the hillside with stunning views over the city.
It takes about 20mins to get up to it and it is rough ground so you need good footwear but it is stunning.
Shauna and Frazer went here to exchange their vows after their wedding in the City Chambers.
Taxi Adventure
Edinburgh is compact but if you have high heels on a vehicle to get your around is a plan.
You can hire an Edinburgh cab to take you around some of the sights. It’s also a cute vehicle to have in your photos.
Red Bus Tours
If you want your guest’s to enjoy the city while you have a more intimate adventure you can hire a Red Bus to take your guests around the city. Companies such as the Red Bus Bistro will do a tour with afternoon tea for your guests.
Are you planning an Edinburgh wedding?
If you’d like to chat about your plans, check availability or pricing, please get in touch :-)
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Wedding At The Den, Culross
Jessica and Dan’s wedding at The Den in Culross was a beautiful celebration of two people from different parts of the world coming together.
Jessica and Dan’s wedding at The Den, Culross was a beautiful celebration of two people from different parts of the world coming together.
Dan is from Canada and travelled over just before the wedding. We met up the night before the wedding in the 17th century town of Culross for a few fun coupley photographs. The town’s cute streets and colourful palace are famous across the world thanks to Outlander.
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On the wedding day, we arrived at The Den which is a delightfully converted barn set amongst fields with views on the hills behind. Audrey, the owner has a brilliant eye for decor and I love how she has furnished the spaces in the Den’s multiple barns.
The sun was shining brightly as we headed in for the ceremony. Jessica and Dan’s friend conducted the ceremony for them which added a beautiful intimacy.
The speeches were proper tear jerkers, especially when Jessica’s proud granddad set everyone’s emotions going as he said how the wedding was bittersweet as the wedding would see her move to Canada and after living so close to her for so long he would miss her terribly.
After their meal, everyone cosied around the firepits with s’mores and then waved goodbye to Jessica and Dan as they walked through a wall of sparklers and then drove off into the sunset.
The Wedding Team
Caterers: Bespoke Caterers
Florist: Scottish Cut Flowers
Cake: Heather's cakes
Hair: Cheryl Doig
Makeup (Cruelty Free): Top Drawer Make up
Candlelit Ghillie Dhu Wedding
The dramatic candlelit hall in the Ghillie Dhu looked beautifully romantic and the perfect place for Sarina & Liam’s wedding
It’s lovely that two teachers who travel the world teaching and exploring so many place’s chose Edinburgh for their beautiful wedding. Liam is Scottish and Sarina is from Germany and they love the city.
The dramatic candlelit hall in the Ghillie Dhu looked beautifully romantic and the perfect place for their ceremony. The Ghillie Dhu has super thick curtains which they use to close off the ceremony space within the hall, it creates a moody gothic space which is just lit by the Ghillie Dhu’s ornate chandeliers and candlelit mantlepiece. It really focussed everyone’s attention on the aisle for Sarina to make a dramatic entrance.
The Ghilie Dhu has access to the private gardens in Rutland Square so the whole wedding party headed along for a drinks reception. The summer rain arrived in good Scottish style but their hardy guests happily stayed out in the gardens rather than returning to the cosy bar in the Ghilie Dhu, until it go very heavy and they conceded that heading inside would be a good idea.
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The Ghillie Dhu’s chef’s create wonderful Scottish cuisine with a modern twist which was the perfect Scottish experience for their many German guests. When the guests returned for their meal the venue felt completely transformed with the curtains pulled back, the light spilled in through the stained glass windows. When the sun got low in the sky and the rain stopped I popped out with Liam & Sarina to get some pictures in Princes’ Street Gardens and then they finished off the night by introducing their friends and family to the lively fun of a ceilidh.
The Wedding Team:
Venue: Ghillie Dhu
Caterer: Ghillie Dhu
Band: The Big Shoogle
Cake: Nice Times Bakery
Florist: Pretty Little Petals
Hair & Make-Up: Julie McGuire
Ceremony Officiant: Neil Johnston
Dress: opus61_brautmode
Stylist for bride and bridal party: Julie McGuire
Bride Preparations Venue: Waldorf Astoria Caledonian Edinburgh
Enchanting Megginch Castle Wedding
Megginch Castle is a superb new elegant wedding venue with a famous past. Nadia & Steven loved the beautiful courtyard and expansive grounds.
Megginch Castle may be a superb new elegant wedding venue but once upon a time, a long long time ago (well actually in the 90’s) the castle’s historic courtyard hosted movie stars, including Liam Neeson, for the filming of the 1995 movie Rob Roy.
The Wedding Ceremony
Nadia & Steven chose Megginch Castle for their wedding after COVID meant they re-evaluated their original plan to elope to Spain. They loved the beautiful courtyard and chose the light conservatory for their ceremony but they could have chose the chapel or the gardens.
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Places to Explore
The castle is a hidden gem, I love little adventures and Megginch had lots of great places to explore. The conservatory links the courtyard via the grand ballroom to the gardens with it’s 1000yr old yew trees, fun topiary, fountain and expansive lawns. There are also horses to go say hello to and a tiny chapel in the groups which can be used for religious ceremonies.
Surprise, Surprise!
Nadia and Steven’s guests were entertained with croquet and the big surprise of the night was when the waiter fell over and then got up and started singing. Nadia had told us that it would be happening so we were waiting in anticipation for him to fall. As a guest ran to help the poor fallen waiter, he jumped up and started singing and caused a lot of hilarity. Everyone loved the impromptu performance, guests were standing on the chairs, dancing, swinging their napkins around their heads. Danielle and I ran around the room having far too much fun capturing it on camera to make sure the fun was bottled up for Nadia & Steven to look back on and laugh.
The Magical wedding Team
Venue – Megginch Castle
Event Management: Jan Deegan Next Step Events
Officiant – Margery Bambrick
Photographer – Ali Jay Photography
Videographer - Danielle Watt
Hair stylist – Hair Ups
Make-up artist – Christina Grace
Nadia’s outfit – Pronovias - San Patrick
Cake – Celebration Stations
Are you Planning a wedding at Megginch Castle?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
The Pawfect Wedding At Balmule House
The heartwarming “tail” of Andrew & Emma’s “pawfect” wedding at Balmule House with their 5 month old retirever pup, Koda.
I’ve got to get this in here, this is a heartwarming tail of the pawfect wedding, sorry, cheesetastic!
Andrew and Emma embarked on a heartfelt journey to tie the knot in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, and they didn't do it alone—Koda, their beloved 5-month-old retriever puppy, played a significant role in their joyous celebration. Like Gavin and Stacey, they had met on holiday and then had a long distance relationship between Wales and Essex.
Choosing the pretty Balmule House, set in the countryside just outside Dunfermline, as the backdrop for their intimate ceremony, Andrew and Emma opted for an elopement surrounded by their closest family members and their furry companion, Koda.
Dressed in a fetching tartan bow tie, Koda was by Andrew's side, lending a paw in the preparations and eagerly observing the ceremony with genuine canine curiosity.
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But Koda's involvement didn't stop there. Thanks to Andrew's dedication to training, Koda had mastered a charming trick called 'middle,' where he skillfully maneuvered between Andrew's legs. This endearing trick became an unexpected highlight, adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness to their group photographs and is a definite training tip for anyone planning a wedding with their pup!
Koda proudly joined in the group photographs, effortlessly becoming a cherished member of the wedding party.
Puppies get tired and after all the excitement of the group photos, Koda crashed on the sofa during the drinks reception. We left Koda to nap and headed out for some golden wedding portraits around the lovely grounds at Balmule House. After a while, the groomsmen brought Koda out to join Andrew and Emma so they could enjoy some pictures with him. Koda's lively spirit added an extra layer of joy and warmth to moment.
"Dog-friendly" weddings are becoming more common, and for good reason. Our furry friends bring so much joy, love, and happiness into our lives, so why not include them in one of the most important days of our lives? Not only do they add an element of cuteness and fun, but they also serve as a reminder of the love that we have for our pets.
Here's to Andrew and Emma, their beautiful love story, and their pawfect wedding. May their marriage be filled with many more cherished moments with Koda by their side. And to all the pet lovers out there planning their own wedding, consider making it a dog-friendly affair. Trust me, it will be a day you'll never forget.
The PAwfect Team:
Venue: Franc and his wonderful team at Balmule House
Celebrant: John Tonner from Fuze Ceremonies
Modern Pipes: by Dean Saunders
Are you Planning a wedding at Balmule House?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Dovecot Studios Wedding - Lynsey & Mike
Lynsey and Mike’s colourful wedding at Dovecot Studios in the heart of Edinburgh
Lynsey & Mike love colour and music, they wanted a vibrant fun venue which was a bit different. They settled on the beautiful Dovecot galleries, a contemporary art hub and tapestry studio, originally built as a grand Victorian swimming bath where Lynsey’s mum used to swim.
Nestled right in the heart of Edinburgh the Dovecot Studios an easy central location for their friends and family to get to and just round the corner they had Edinburgh’s Old College which was the perfect place to explore for some of their photographs.
The Dovecot is a beautifully light place for a wedding and despite their wedding being in July they were conscious of Scotland’s unpredictable weather.
They knew they would have a great space even if it rained, which it did, a lot!
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Despite the weather, Lynsey and Michael ventured out to explore Old College and just as we got back in, we heard the heaven’s open and the loud patter of rain hit the roof of the Dovecot’s grand atrium.
Smugly and snugly inside, we got to explore the colourful weavers floor, which is where the old swimming pool was.
The weavers floor is a working space full of looms where you can see the tapestries taking shape.
The floor is only cleared for a very limited number of larger weddings each year and we had to be conscious of the artist’s work as we explored with Caitlin from Dovecot as our guide.
Lynsey & Michael aren’t a serious couple who want to gaze into each others eyes all the time and be all serious so we just had some fun exploring to get some photos of them together.
We enjoyed the beautiful architecture of Old College and the Dovecot, I wanted to capture lots of fun and laughter and the colour of the yarns and looms.
They finished the day with a ceilidh and band and a full dancefloor of their favourite people.
The Artistic Team
Venue: Dovecot Studios, coordinated by Caitlin
Dress: Gwenne's, Edinburgh
Kilt: Groom’s Own
Officiant: Kathleen Hood
Floristy: Save The Date Collective
Hair & Make Up: The Beauty Works
Band: Hot Date
Are you Planning a wedding at Dovecot Studios?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Romantic Getaway To Edinburgh
To celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, Amy & Andrew booked a romantic getaway to Edinburgh and booked in for a photoshoot to help them make the most of their adventure.
To celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, Amy & Andrew booked a romantic getaway to Edinburgh and booked in for a photoshoot to help them make the most of their adventure.
Amy told me how her and Andrew love the historic architecture of Edinburgh so we planned a walk around Edinburgh to take in the Vennel with its outstanding view of Edinburgh Castle, the colourful shops on Victoria Street, the Royal Mile and we made a plan to finish with the vistas of Carlton Hill at sunset.
Their visit was at the end of May. May is my favourite month in Scotland, we have super long days and it feels like the sunniest month, I’m not sure if it is but I have the most sunny memories from May adventures. It’s also a great time to visit Scotland as it is quieter and if you’re going to the Highlands, the midges haven’t taken over.
The evening shoot worked perfectly for Amy & Andrew, visiting for Ohio they were continuing onto London by sleeper that evening so after a lovely sunny evening walk they were ready to go and get their sleeper and have a relaxed journey to London.
“We absolutely LOVE these photos! Thank you for taking the time to create these memories for us to have forever.”
Amy & Andrew
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Georgia & Julian’s St. Andrews University Wedding at The Old Course Hotel
Check out Georgia & Julian's beautiful and relaxed wedding at St. Andrews University, held at the stunning Old Course Hotel. It was such a privilege to capture their special day.
St. Andrews University’s most famous couple may be William and Kate but Georgia and Julian also met at the university and not being royals they could have a super fun wedding with all their mates. They had their ceremony at the exclusive St Salvator’s Chapel followed by a fun filled reception at the Old Course Hotel.
To get married at St. Salvators you have to be affiliated to the university so as alumni Georgia and Julian got to use the chapel and the adjacent quad area for their photos.
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It’s a short distance to the Old Course Hotel which is one of my favourite venues with a brilliantly attentive team, stunning views, multiple beaches and a famous mini bridge to explore for photographs.
They loved their time in St. Andrews so when it came to choosing where to get married, they wanted to bring everyone back to the town to celebrate. For many of their friends, who they’d met at University it was also a chance to have a bit of a reunion and The Old Course Hotel was the perfect setting for a very good party and bouncing ceilidh.
St. Andrews has many famous landmarks but the little cute stone Swilcan Bridge is possibly the most famous so Georgia and Julian wanted to head there for photographs, especially as they could also get their university halls and the hotel in the background. The hotel organised a car to take us along but you can easily walk there if you fancy a wander. Georgia and Julian got a lift along to the bridge and they chose the pretty hotel garden and the university quad for pictures but I would also highly recommend a trip along to the beach if you have the time!
The Fantastic Team
Venue: The Old Course Hotel
Chapel: St. Salvator’s, St. Andrews University
Floristy: Stucio and Waow
Dress: La Novia
Hair: Sophie Butler
Make Up: Vintage Beauty Box
Ceilidh Band: Skyrie
Are you Planning a wedding at the Old Course Hotel?
Barnbougle Castle - A Unique Castle Wedding By The Sea
Barnbougle Castle is a beautiful picturesque exclusive use wedding venue near Edinburgh with panoramic views over the River Forth and an exclusive beach. Check out Louisa & Jonny’s wedding at the castle.
Barnbougle Castle
Louisa & Jonny chose the uniqueness of Barnbougle Castle for their wedding.
It is a relatively new venue which takes on a limited number of weddings each year.
You get exclusive use of the castle and it’s grounds which are tucked away within the beautiful Dalmeny Estate which sits on the Forth Estuary, just outside Edinburgh.
Castle With A View
There has been something on the Barnbougle site since the 13th century.
The current castle was reconstructed in the 19th century and refurbished very recently to become a new venue for Roseberry Venues.
It sits on a rocky terrace projecting it out slightly into the estuary.
Louisa and Jonny had a beautiful day for their wedding so chose to get married on the terrace.
The terrace wraps around the castle and has panoramic views over the river and the islands in the Forth.
Layout
The castle has such beautiful features including the grand stone spiral staircase which links the Scottish Library to the Banquetting Hall on the second floor and up to the third floor where there is a bedroom and access to the minstrel’s gallery above the hall.
The Scottish Library
If the weather is not so desirable you can hold your ceremony in the stunning Scottish Library on the bottom floor of the castle.
The library connects to the terraces and some smaller rooms which can be good if you need a quiet space.
Louisa and Jonny used this area for guests to enjoy drinks and to cut their cake.
Just along the corridor from the library there are some bookcases which hide the toilets and are a very fun feature.
Banqueting Hall
On the second floor the banqueting hall with it’s stunning barrel vaulted ceiling has to be one of the most fantastic reception space’s I have seen.
I noticed guests enjoying the view from the windows which looked out over the Forth River.
During the reception I was able to creep up into the Minstrels gallery on the third floor which gave me a brilliant view of the whole hall and all the guests enjoying the speeches.
You could even do a speech from the gallery if you wanted something a little different.
Getting Ready
On the top floor of the castle they have a beautiful room where you can get ready if you wish to.
Unfortunately you can’t stay there over night but it would be a lovely fun place to get ready and watch your guests below enjoying the terrace and views.
There are plenty hotels nearby such as Orocco Pier or Dakota. Louisa chose to get ready at her home.
Dakota is a beautiful hotel nearby with an excellent restaurant and cocktail bar but when I have photographed wedding prep there the bride has asked to use a lovely bar area near the entrance of the hotel for their hair and make up as the rooms are very very dark. This is always something worth thinking about as your hair and make up team will struggle in a dark environment.
Orocco Pier is located within the old village of South Queensferry and is a beautiful place to stay with fantastic staff, delicious food and great cocktails.
Linda Keys
I have a some favourite suppliers who I recommend to clients and Linda is fabulous, she’s a beautiful gentle kind celebrant who brings so much heart and feeling to her ceremonies.
She had built such a beautiful relationship with Louisa and Jonny and the ceremony was so personal to them. You can find her over at Agnostic Scotland.
Private Beach
There is a private beach a very short distance from the castle. We went down at sunset.
It was a beautiful private place for Louisa and Jonny to explore together and a great place to get some beautiful photos with the castle and the estuary behind.
Location
Barnbougle sits just to the north of Edinburgh between Cramond and South Queensferry within the Dalmeny Estate which is a popular place for a nice walk.
Are you planning a wedding at Barnbougle Castle?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Ellie & Dom - Wedderlie House Wedding Photos
Living in the land of Oz, but with Ellie's family residing near the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Ellie and Dom were on a quest to find the perfect location that could bring their entire family together. Enter Wedderlie House, a place that not only offered ample on-site accommodation but also a plethora of exciting activities. And the cherry on top? It was just a stone's throw away from the lively streets of Edinburgh!
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With a squad of sport-loving friends that could rival a whole hockey team, Ellie and Dom's guests were in for a treat. From the thrilling tennis court battles to the laughter-filled games room adventures, there was no shortage of amusement. And to kick off the wedding festivities, the guys even embarked on an exhilarating clay pigeon shooting adventure.
I first crossed paths with Ellie and Dom at Ellie's twin sister's wedding back in 2019. It was an absolute delight to reunite with her wonderful family and collaborate with familiar faces once again. Trust me when I say, this dream team is one you'd definitely want by your side on your special day.
Wedderlie, being a new venue, introduced me to the dynamic team of Jamie, Kamile & Chantel. The highlight for me was the quirky and charming 'Un-Stable' bar, nestled within the old stable block. And let's not forget the mischievous peacocks, strutting around, competing to be the best-dressed guests with their majestic feathery ensembles. Talk about a true spectacle!
Blessed with sunny weather, the wedding day was simply stunning. As the evening approached, I sneaked Ellie and Dom away to explore the enchanting woodland, where they could bask in each other's company. The melodies of Luke Combs filled the air as they took a moment to contemplate their first dance. And to end the night on a high note, we all got caught up in the infectious energy of an epic ceilidh dance. I must admit, I couldn't resist joining in on the fun!
So, if you're looking to create unforgettable memories on your big day, Wedderlie House and its incredible team are ready to make your wedding dreams come true. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Riddles Court Wedding - Duncan & Bex's Micro Wedding
Bex & Duncan's micro wedding at Riddles Court, a hidden gem of a wedding venue, right beside the castle. A wedding full of family moments.
Duncan & Bex had the sweetest micro wedding at Riddles Court surrounded by family. When I arrived, their house was full, with cats, dogs, kids & relatives. It was magically bustling and full of smiles :-)
When everyone was ready we all jumped in taxi’s and headed to Riddles Court.
It was my first time at Riddles Court but I’ve admired it for a while. I love the stunning 16th Century architecture and the colourful orange facade.
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History & Location
The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust Scottish (SHBT) finished renovating Riddles Court in 2017 and have preserved it’s heritage which dates back to King James VI. The building was used by important people close to the king. It even held a royal banquet in 1598. It’s has a pentice stair which leads from the first floor to the second, I love this quirky, beautiful feature. Duncan & Bex enjoyed exploring it for some photographs.
Riddles Court is just off the Lawnmarket, very close Edinburgh Castle. It’s a hidden hidden gem which you only discover when you walk up Riddles Close.
The Kids
Duncan & Bex love reportage photography and asked me to just capture the fun of the day. The kids were unknowingly entertaining everyone throughout the day so it was fun watching what they were going to do next and capturing all the little interactions between them and the other guests. From Bex’s son making face’s during the vows or asking his baby cousin for some shreddies or the girls dancing in the grand Geddes room. There was so much joy in watching them.
The Spaces
Duncan and Bex chose the smaller Seton room for their ceremony. With its ornate 17th century plasterwork and cosy window booths it is the perfect place to sign the register and then have a little snuggle whilst enjoying the magical views over Diagon Alley (or you could call it Victoria Street). Riddles Court has many spaces for events. The amazing painted ceiling & panelled walls of the grand Geddes Room got the flower girls in a spin, they danced around having a little ceilidh with each other. We didn’t explore the light airy library, but both the library and the Geddes room can seat 60 guests for your ceremony and 40 for a meal.
The Kings Chamber
Duncan and Bex weren’t staying overnight but you can hire the Kings Chamber if you’re feeling regal. The chamber is a special intimate space, once used for the king to hold a dinner party, it is now a beautiful apartment.
The Royal Mile
Riddles Court is so close to the registry office at the Edinburgh City Chambers that Bex popped in to drop off their wedding certificate on her way to their wedding lunch.
I walked with Duncan and his family down the Royal Mile and loved capturing his nieces enjoying a shoulder carry. It was a beautiful moment to finish the day.
If you love Old Town Edinburgh, hit the button below and have a look at Shra & Neil’s gorgeous wedding at the City Chambers, just down from Riddles Court.
The Wedding Team
Photography: Ali Jay Photography
Ceremony Officiant: Evelyn May Cowie
Dress: Nancy Mac
Suit: Grooms Own
Wedding Coordinator: Erin, Riddles Court
Venue: Riddles Court Weddings
Pratis Barns the Alternative Barn Wedding Venue
My 2024 wedding venue guide to Pratis Barns, near Cupar, Fife. What's it like? Where can you all stay? What might it look like on your wedding day?? Check out what past couples have done to make their wedding day magical at this amazing Fife wedding venue, guide by Ali Jay Photography.
Pratis Barns
Pratis Barns is a stunning barn venue with breathtaking views, it’s just outside Cupar in Fife .
I first worked at Pratis in 2015 not long after starting my business and I’ve watched it develop over the years and it’s a favourite.
I hope my little guide will help you visualise what your own wedding may look like in this amazing space.
Scroll down to read about all the spaces including the accommodation (on & off site), the dance floor & the fire-pits.
They have 6-barns over 30 acres so there is a so much space to make your own.
Since Nicola and Patrick took it over they have been making lots of improvements including the addition of accommodation at Pratis House, stunning vintage dancefloor lights and Patrick also brought his award winning catering on site so it’s far more inclusive than other barn venues.
The Ceremony Barn
The church-like ceremony barn is full of rustic charm and with the atmospheric lighting it has all the reminiscent feels of ’Ross & Emily’s’ iconic twinkly candle lit wedding in F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
The ceremony barn has been beautifully left as it would have looked when it was a working barn. The exposed beams & stonework and little storage spaces add lots of interest. It can also be heated which is a bonus!
Other barn venues such as the equally lovely but smaller ceremony barn at Guardwell Farm in Angus have a more cleaned up appearance with white walls.
The Layout
With 3 barns used for events, there is lots of space, so rooms don’t need to be re-dressed throughout the day.
The ceremony barn is across a courtyard from the two reception barns and it has two pretty barn doors into it, one at either end.
The back one is usually used for the bride to enter and the couple to leave together but the door at the front, when open, provides some beautiful natural light highlighting the bride & groom during the ceremony.
Low Light Wedding Photography
When you’re shooting in a dark space you could whack on an obtrusive flash and use it in every shot but I love the challenge of using the natural light at Pratis.
With the limited light, you have to plan the light in every shot to perfectly capture the atmosphere but the result is beautiful!
Exploring Together
Pratis has so many beautiful spots to explore, you can get away for a moment together, you can chat about your day and I’ll capture the moments.
The ceremony barn is a beautiful place to go back to for some photos, I also love using all the stone walls and barn doors as pretty backdrops.
Ross & Rachel had this sweet little moment enjoying a drink together at the barn. It’s completely them and that’s what I love about it!
Bride & Groom Photographs
As you leave the ceremony barn the texture of the stone, the red roofs, the pale green woodwork and the surrounding countryside provide a multitude of places to have photographs taken.
As you stand and look south you get panoramic views over the Forth Estuary over towards Edinburgh and if the weather is typically Scottish there are plenty places to shelter for photographs in the dry.
The field at the front of the building has both amazing views over the Forth or a nice back drop of the barn.
With 30 acres of land and Nicola & Patrick’s enthusiasm, I’m sure there are going to be more and more areas to explore as they develop the business.
The Day Barn
The day barn at Pratis looks out over the surrounding countryside and the river.
It boosts informal elegance with lovely rustic details and lots of areas for you to add personal touches.
Outside the entrance area there is seating and a fire pit to enjoy on a nice day.
Claire & Ross hired a campervan for their wedding and had a moment together to enjoy some wedding treats.
They said this was one of their favourite parts of the day.
Kids
I love kids at weddings and specialise in wedding photography for families, Pratis is a great venue for children.
Kids always seem happy at Pratis, they run around on the grass, climb hay bales or explore indoor play spaces.
They can have a lot of freedom compared to other venues. There is so much space, it really suits a family wedding.
DIY Wedding Props
Pratis has a ‘Wonder Room’ of items for you to use for your wedding. A treasure trove of props and accessories to make your wedding look fabulous!
If you love to create then this type of venue is magic. One bride, Lynsay really got creative, she even made her own jewellery and each bridesmaid had their own personalised denim jacket.
There are so many amazing ideas on Pinterest to inspire you to create a beautiful DIY wedding.
The Party Barn
The party barn and day barn link together. The day barn section is light and airy and perfect as a breakout space for when the dancing is on.
The party barn section to the back is dark and lit with up-lighters to highlight the beams on the ceiling.
This large space is used for the meal and the dancing.
The party barn is huge, an amazing celidh space.
For Claire & Sam’s first dance they used the space to the max with a massive Strip The Willow down the barn, with their entire wedding party.
IT WAS EPIC!
Also, it was an amazing way to get all your guests on the dancefloor and really start the party in style!
Scroll down and see how much fun they had!
I love all the little touches that have been created such as the bar in the larger room which is clad with old wine crates and the old pallets used to create signs and flower decorations.
Whether it’s dark or light outside the party barn has that night time atmosphere but for guests that don’t want to be in the noisy dancing area, they can chill in the quieter day barn or outside at the firepit area.
Pratis House
Pratis Barns now has Pratis house a stunning house, right next to the barn which accommodates 15 people across 7 rooms.
It’s full of beautiful modern features which compliment beautifully with the traditional features, like the stunning stairwell which allows a sneaky view out to the ceremony barn.
From the rooms you get amazing far reaching views out across the countryside, across the River Forth, all the way over to East Lothian.
They have built a lovely light sunroom on the front which is light and airy and perfect for hair & make-up.
Extra Accomodation
There is also Montrave House which is the closest place to Pratis Barns and sleeps 7 people in the house, plus they have 8 luxury 4 person wigwams, some with hot tubs ;-)
Montrave House was once a stables and has been converted to provide some beautiful characterful accommodation.
The large light rooms create a great setting for your bridal prep photography.
Although next door, both venues have long driveways so unfortunately it is not walking distance.
Dairsie Castle
Claire and her bridesmaids hired Dairsie Castle for their accommodation, 16 minutes drive from Pratis.
The 12th century castle was re-built in the 90’s and is full of character with carved totem pole style pillars mixed with the more traditional features in the castle.
The castle sleeps 14 people and has masses of space to explore & enjoy. You can even get married there.
Holiday cottages & hotels near Pratis
There are many other lovely places to stay including the Old Manor Hotel in Lundin Links, 10 minutes drive away or you could book a holiday cottage in one of the beautiful fishing villages on the East Neuk of Fife.
Get In Touch
Pratis Barns: Nicola, Patrick & Louise are fantastic, contact them at https://pratisbarns.com/weddings/
Duntarvie Castle Wedding - Crazy Fun Wedding
If you want a wedding full of fun, check out Laura and John’s crazy fun wedding at Duntarvie Castle, a venue with acres of space for bouncy assault courses, pinata’s in the trees, casinos and your dog :-)
Laura and John are fun & full of mischief. John is always cheekily winding Laura up and they are full of fun so their wedding had to reflect them and it had to allow them to bring along their cute pup, Wilson the spaniel.
Duntarvie Castle is a ruined castle and wedding venue near Winchburgh in West Lothian, a short distance from South Queensferry and few more miles from Edinburgh. Duntarvie was the perfect location to bring everyone together, with space for crazy bouncy castle antics, a casino extravaganza, firepits and of course Wilson.
Geoffrey Nicholsby, the current owner of Duntarvie has a famous kiltmaking business making alternative kilts which is a favourite with celebrities. They bought the castle over thirty years ago and have been working hard to restore it since. It’s been a slow job with a lot of conditions to meet and the event’s they hold at Duntarvie help fund the rebuild project.
The Castle Ruins
Going into a ruined castle on your wedding day added a little adventure to the day. Laura loved getting her photos taken, she whirled around singing ‘Gravity’ and channelling her inner Elphaba (from the musical Wicked).
Duntarvie Castle’s Event Space
It was a beautiful day but they chose to have their ceremony inside, just in case Wilson got excited by any passing pheasants. Duntarvie’s event space has some great touches which add a special feel to the space and make it so much nicer than a marquee. I love the wood flooring, the fabric canopy and the fairy lights. They all come together to add a cosy feel to the space.
DIY Wedding
A giant Loch Ness Monster bouncy assault course isn’t the normal activity in wedding attire but nearly everyone seemed to have a go. The DIY aspect of Duntarvie really appealed to Laura & John as they could make their wedding unique and bring in their own caterers so they could choose someone who would create a fantastic Coeliac friendly gluten free menu for Laura.
Pinata
I love it when couples break traditions! Opting for a cake table rather than a traditional single wedding cake meant they didn’t have a traditional cake cutting, instead they whacked a wedding cake pinata and released loads of sweets for their guests.
Chilled Day
With a pinata, a bouncy assault course, a casino and firepits everyone had a ball and loved just chilling out eating, drinking and even climbing trees. Tricia, from Duntarvie co-ordinated the day perfectly and Bespoke Catering did a fabulous job making sure everyone was well fed with amazing food.
Casino
The surprise casino was a really nice touch. They put out ‘Wilson Money’ on the wedding tables which lead to lots of conversions about why they had money with Wilson the dogs picture on. The casino was hugely popular. I love a good full wedding dancefloor but very often it’s empty as guests want to chat and socialise and this was the perfect option to add some great entertainment for the guests. They had a dancefloor as-well but a casino could be an alternative if you think your guests would prefer it. At the end of the night person with the most ‘Wilson Cash’ won a bottle of champagne.
Guardswell Farm – Scottish Barn Wedding
Guardswell farm near Perth is a beautiful barn wedding venue sitting up on the hills with views of the River Tay.
Hannah & Rory chose Guardswell Farm for their wedding as they loved the country views and versatility of the space. It was the perfect place for them to get all their friends and family together for a massive wedding feast extravaganza.
Guardswell Farm Weddings
Guardswell Farm is set in the Angus hills, near the village of Kinnaird between Perth and Dundee and includes 150 acres of stunning countryside, four Nordic eco-cabins, a farmhouse, a farm cottage, and the main byre building. This award winning agritecture development retains the character of the old byre but has created a stunning modern event space.
The building comprises of a tall church like room called the Granary, which connects into the large open Cattle Court party space. Set away from the main party area, there is a cosy snug with sofas and a log burner. Massive doors perfectly link the Cattle Court onto the large lawn area via a covered outdoor area where there are firepits and a festoon lit woodland walk.
The accommodation at Guardswell was fantastic for Hannah and Rory who had a big bridal party team to accommodate and who wanted to just have an amazing time with all their friends eating amazing food.
Hannah’s team took over the farmhouse and the Rory’s the cottage. Their humanist ceremony, held in the Granary Room was full of personal touches with their friend’s beautiful singing filling vaulted church like room with beautiful sound.
Fun And Games
When I met Rory and Hannah they told me about all the games they had planned and their wedding didn’t disappoint. They had Hammerschlagen, giant jenga and Kubb. The Hammerschlagen was definitely the favourite and the block of wood was constantly surrounded with people laughing and whacking a hammer trying to hit a nail. I had a little try but I was not a natural Hammerschlagen player. If you fancy trying it yourself, read on for instructions on how to play.
how to play Hammerschlagen
Get a big log of wood, a hammer, nails, a good drink and a load of friends.
The object of Hammerschlagen is to be the first person to get you nail flush with the wood surface.
Assign a nail to each player.
The player must rest the end of the hammer on the log next to their nail and then they take turns to have a single swing at their nail.
The player can only use one hand and the hammer must be swung in one continuous motion.
If the player bends their nail and can’t hit it any further into the wood then they can use their turn to try to hit it from the side to attempt to straighten the nail.
The Food
Food was very important to Hannah and Rory’s plans, they chose mezze style platters for their guests to enjoy during the speeches and later they had an foodies dream grazing table with fruit, cheeses and delicious dessert options.
Bahookie
To add to the fun they had a bouncy castle and the fantastic Bahookie who got everyone on the dance floor having an amazing time as they mixed ceilidh music with chart classics like ‘Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This’
The Wedding Team
Photography: Ali Jay Photography
Band: Bahookie
Caterers: Bespoke Catering
Flowers: Wild Rose Flowers, Kilmacolm
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Accessories: Britten Weddings
Wedding Venue: Guardswell Farm
Are you Planning a wedding at guardswell Farm?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Stunning Indian Wedding - In Edinburgh's City Centre
Shra and Neil’s Scottish Indian wedding was an epic celebration. They had a board game cake, took the whole wedding party out for a curry, they created a new clan and had an epic ceilidh to finish the day.
Like two Carcassonne meeples, Shra & Neil’s Scottish Indian Wedding brought them together in a magical medieval city where they built something new, a new clan, the clan Senpatrick!
They mixed their Scottish and Indian cultures together with their love of gaming and ceilidh dancing to create a truly unique day. Shra merged her name ‘Sen’, Neil’s, ‘Fitzpatrick’ to create a new clan name they could share.
Wearing their gamer colours (Shra always plays red, Neil always plays green) they married in the City Chambers and then took their entire wedding party out for a curry and then back to the City Chambers for an epic ceilidh. For their first dance they did a Gay Gordons with everyone.
As super fun gamer geeks they had a cake fit for the King…of Tokyo. The cake made by the phenomenal Sweet Unique Cake Boutique is the most impressive cake I’ve ever seen, you had to look very closely to see that it wasn’t actually a stack of games.
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It was important to Shra and Neil that the wedding was low waste so they didn’t have flowers and table arrangements and their favours were a cute meeple photo holder created by their fabulously talented friend Renae from the Yellow Door Studio.
Shra switched from her traditional red wedding sari in the evening and chose a floaty vintage white dress perfect for whirling around on the dance floor with her amazing group of friends who were all fantastic ceilidh dancers.
The Wedding Team
Venue – Edinburgh City Chambers
Officiant – Carol Swan
Photographer – Ali Jay Photography
Hair stylist – Natasha Dalziel
Make-up artist – Renu Singh
Shra’s outfit – Vintage wedding dress from Those Were The Days
Neil’s outfit – Kilt outfit from Kinloch Anderson
Cake – Sweet Unique Cake Boutique
Musicians – Mark Neal, Fruin Ceilidh Band (previously Heeliegoleerie ceilidh band)
Meeple Photo Holders: Yellow Door Studio
Are You Planning Your Own Amazing Wedding?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Balmule House - Country House Wedding Venue Fife
A wedding venue guide to Balmule House, the beautiful exclusive use country house boutique hotel wedding venue just outside Dunfermline.
Balmule House
Balmule House is a 500yr old mansion house which is now a country boutique hotel. It is tucked away in the beautiful countryside just 3 miles north of Dunfermline. It’s small size makes it perfect to book out for an exclusive wedding.
They offer an option to put a marquee in the garden for larger weddings (up to 500 guests) but having an intimate wedding in the house makes the most of the beautiful characterful spaces.
Country House Wedding
The house sits up on a hill surrounded by 30 acres of woodland and looks down over the countryside.
It has pretty spaces outside including a lawn, a long tree lined driveway, a walled garden and woodshed.
These spaces were brilliant to explore for photos but the inside spaces are equally as beautiful which would make it a brilliant venue for an autumn or winter wedding.
Relaxed Venue
Matt & Hannah hired the entire house for their wedding and everyone seemed so relaxed and really enjoyed just having fun all day.
It’s beautifully renovated with lots of period features which make the space feel homely.
I imagine in the winter it is super cosy as each room has a nice fireplace.
Beautiful Light Rooms
Matt & Hannah used 3 spaces within the house for their wedding.
The main reception room can accommodate up to 40 people for a wedding ceremony.
The dining room also accommodates 40 guests for a meal and the space hosts larger number for the evening reception.
For larger weddings there is the marquee option which can take up to 500 guests.
Dining Room
The south facing dining room overlooks the walled garden to the west and the fields to the south.
The bay window is a beautiful feature and brings in lots lovely light which is great for your photographs.
Normally this space is furnished with lovely sofas but it is very versatile and the management just seamlessly change the spaces to suit the required function.
I used this space for a family shoot a few years back so if you’d like to see it as a cosy seated area, click the button below.
Boutique Hotel
The house has 8 bedrooms which all have their own unique character which was a really fun feature of the hotel.
Hannah had this massive bridal suite to get ready in which was a fabulous space and had a vast impressive bathroom to match.
Pretty Spaces
I love the staircase in the house, it was a great place to capture some pictures of Hannah on her way to the ceremony.
Well Looked After!
What makes a brilliant wedding venue? It’s not just the location, space and the pretty features of the venue but the management.
Franc, the owner, seems to sincerely want the couples who choose Balmule to have an amazing time which is my main aim to.
The exclusive use means the management are just looking after you on the day and bride and grooms love this.
I’ve heard great things about how well they are treated and how lovely an experience it was.
I have seen plenty couples stressed on their wedding day because they are not so well looked after and I truly believe being able to trust your suppliers is essential. I always want my couples to feel completely comfortable and trust that I know exactly what they want and Balmule seem to be the same.
Main Hall
When you first enter the house you enter via an arched entrance porch which is a lovely place to have a welcome sign for the wedding party.
You then enter an entrance hallway which leads into the main hall. The comfy seating in the hall was a great waiting area for guests who arrived early for the ceremony, it then became a good place for mingling during the drinks reception and then Matt & Hannah used the area for their cake cutting and then dancing.
I really loved how versatile the spaces all were.
Walled Garden
The walled garden is full of cute pathways lined by box hedging. It’s a lovely place to go for a walk and enjoy a bit of time together and get some photos taken.
It’s also a nice space for your guests to enjoy or for some family photos.
The main car park sits behind the walled garden so guests can walk through the garden when they arrive which is a nice welcoming approach.
Golden Light
Matt & Hannah were married in May when the evenings are long and we went out during the golden hour to explore the grounds and get some photos as the sun was going down.
Whatever the time of year it is nice to get out the hour before sunset to catch some of the golden light.
In the winter the daylight hours are so short but when it is sunny you get low light much of the day and it is beautiful for photos.
Planning a wedding in Dunfermline?
I live in North Queensferry which is perfectly located for weddings in Fife & Edinburgh and it’s only 10 minutes from Dunfermline (I also cover weddings further afield).
If you’d like to know more, check out my weddings page and get in touch, I’m happy to answer any questions and help you with your wedding.
Find out more:-
- Wedding Information (to find out more)
- Pricing Brochure (if you’d like to get an idea of cost)
- Edinburgh Wedding Blog (for more wedding inspiration)
Read More?
I have some other guides for venues nearby, click the name if you’d like to read more:-
- The Old Course Hotel, St. Andrews
- Dunfermline Weddings & Photo Shoots
- South Queesferry Weddings
Wedding Venues Edinburgh - The City Chambers
Wedding photography highlights from one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Edinburgh, The City Chambers. A venue on the Royal Mile at the heart of the Edinburgh Old Town.
Wedding Venues Edinburgh - The City Chambers
Built in 1761 the city chambers sits in an amazing location, right next to St. Giles Cathedral, on the Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Castle is a 5 minute walk away and the area is full of beautiful backdrops and atmosphere.
What I love about the city chambers is that one minute you can be in the midst of the Edinburgh crowds capturing some atmospheric shots surrounded by people but then a moment later I can take you to a quiet area where you can have some more intimate photographs taken and you can enjoy some precious moments alone together. If you have guests who are not from Edinburgh you can even plan for them to go out for a half hour explore of the city as part of the day.
Our famously unpredictable weather can be frustrating on your wedding day but the city chamber has lots of lovely areas to explore under the cover of arches or closes or inside the beautiful chambers. Shra & Neil’s beautiful Indian-Scottish wedding definitely had more of the Scottish weather than the Indian but we still got out to explore the city.
The Modern or Historic Ceremony Rooms
The majority of weddings at the city chambers are held by the registry office in the suite on the bottom floor but you can also choose to hire out the grand European Room for a larger ceremony’s.
Attentive Staff - Registry Office Weddings
The city chambers is quite different from most wedding venues as it is a working council office during the week and the security is high especially if the provost is around. When I’ve photographed weddings in the registry office suite their is a lovely lady, dressed impeccably in a tuxedo who attentively welcomes your guests and takes them to a special welcome room. You get married in the suite and then you can have formal photos in the courtyard area after the ceremony.
The Historic Rooms - Large Weddings
For larger weddings you can hire the rooms upstairs, these rooms are full of history and the views are phenomenal. The weddings I have photographed at the city chambers have used the council chambers from the meal and the dancing. The European Room has been used for the ceremony or drinks reception and buffet and there are a number of other beautiful rooms which people use for various parts of the day. All the rooms are linked together by pretty corridors filled with stained glass windows and artifacts from the chambers’ history.
The city chambers is only 4 storeys tall on the Royal Mile side but from the Cockburn Street side it is 12 storey’s high. Underneath the chambers lies the labyrinth of Mary Queens Close, a close closed off when they built the chambers and now open to tourists who want to re-visit 17th century Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Vacation Family Photo Shoots
A photo journalistic tour of the city, no cheesy posing, just have fun, explore and it'll be captured for you to look back on. All inclusive photo shoots for all the family.
Book an Edinburgh vacation family photo shoot and create a photographic journal of your Edinburgh adventure.
Edinburgh has an unbelievable number of beautiful buildings and vistas, I love taking people around the city and telling them the things I’ve learnt about the city over the years. I capture the adventures as we go and create a journalistic record of the day.
I’m not a tour guide but I share the things I know as we go around and I usually finish a family shoot near an ice cream shop or a playpark. I keep things moving and fun.
The Castle
Did you know the famous castle sits on a volcanic plug and has secret tunnels running beneath it?
It looks down at the city from it’s very impressive defensive position and looks different from each side.
I know a number of places where you can get a great view. One is near a playpark and the other is near some great pubs. Both have ice cream nearby so it’s a great place to finish your shoot whether you’re family group or an adult group.
The Edinburgh Festival
During the Edinburgh festival nothing surprises me, it’s bonkers.
There are street entertainers everywhere, performances in every space across the city and the whole city is just buzzing.
It’s crammed with people so it’s not a good time to try and get pictures without people in but it’s very fun to capture kids enjoying the atmosphere and a great time to visit.
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile has some beautiful views up and down it and many of the most historic & famous buildings are on it or just off it.
At the top you have the castle and at the bottom you have the infamous Scottish Parliament which went hundred’s of millions over budget. It’s worth a visit, I think it’s like marmite, your either love it or hate it!
Beside the parliament you have Holyrood Palace, Dynamic Earth & you can trek up Arthur’s Seat to get some great views over the city.
St. Giles Cathedral
The crown of St. Giles is visible from much of Edinburgh.
If you stop to admire it, BEWARE!
There is a heart mosaic called the Hearth of Midlothian just outside and it’s traditional to spit on it for good luck. I’m not sure I get this tradition as it was actually a place people spat to show disdain for the executions that took place in the tollbooth which was demolished in 1817.
Unposed & All Inclusive
As you can probably tell I like people to have fun during my photo shoots, I don’t want it to feel like you’re being dragged around and made to pose.
I take lots of candid photos and encourage kids to explore and play.
My photo shoots are also all inclusive as I don’t like hidden costs so you get plenty time (2 hours), all the images as printable files and a voucher to buy prints if you wish.
For prices, click the link below.
I love to capture the city but I also want to capture you enjoying time together.
With Hiba & her family, we explored a park in the centre.
She was visiting from Dubai and she wanted some greenery in her photos to capture the greenery of Scotland. As a Scot I definitely take this for granted!
I’m open to your ideas so please get in touch if you have any questions, let me know what you would like to see and I can plan a route for you.
Edinburgh’s Spooky Graveyards
If you like Harry Potter, ghosts or stories of grave robbing you can explore some of Edinburgh’s many graveyards.
Greyfriars is the most famous and has many of the names from Harry Potter novels on the stones including; Tom Riddle, MacGonagall, Moody & Severus. This is also the site of the famous story of Greyfriars Bobby, the little Skye Terrier who guarded his owners grave for 14 years in the 1800’s.
My favourite is St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard which sits below the castle and is full of stories of warfare and body snatching. These days it’s a pretty wildlife haven within the city centre.
Family Heirlooms
You can print your images yourself but you’ll also get a voucher towards prints so why not ask me to create a special book of memories in a beautiful fine art album. I can organise overseas shipping for you and they’ll be much better quality that you get on the high street.
Get In Touch
If you’re interested in an Edinburgh Vacation Family Photo Shoot, fill in my wee form for more info :-)
