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Traquair House | An Enchantingly Romantic Venue
Iāve loved visiting Traquair House over the years to photograph small weddings and elopements. As a nature-loving wedding photographer, Iām always searching for enchanting backdrops that donāt just look romantic but feel romantic. Traquair House is one of those rare places with genuinely magical spaces that are perfect for saying āI doā and exploring for photographs.
Hereās my guide to why Traquair House is such a wonderful choice for a Scottish micro wedding or elopement.
7 Reasons I Love Traquair
Traquair House is nestled in the heart of the Tweed Valley, just 15 minutes from the bustling market town of Peebles, one of the liveliest spots in the Scottish Borders. If your guests need extra accommodation, Peebles has plenty of options. But Traquair itself offers so much charm and comfort that you might not want to leave!
Incredible Photo Opportunities
My photography style is all about the experience, and Traquairās spaces are perfect for relaxed, genuine moments. Whether youāre wandering through the yew tree circle, enjoying a quiet moment by the river, or even sipping a pint in the Traquair Brewery, the photo opportunities are endless.Timeless Romance
With over 900 years of history, Traquair is packed with stories. Imagine walking in the footsteps of the Stuart family or picturing Mary Queen of Scots using the ancient crib thatās still kept within the house.Enchanting Grounds
If you love nature and a touch of whimsy, Traquairās grounds are a dream come true. Wander through the Walled Garden, discover the moss-covered Victorian tea house, take a riverside stroll, or lose yourself in Scotlandās largest hedged maze.The Private 17th-Century Wing
Staying at Traquair is like stepping back in time. Youāll have your own private wing of the house, complete with two beautifully adorned bedrooms and a living room filled with period details that feel straight out of a romance novel.Variety of Ceremony Spaces
Traquair offers an array of stunning locations to tie the knot. You can exchange vows in the cosy drawing room, the historic library (a book loverās haven!), or outdoors in Cupidās Garden or beneath the ancient yew trees by the river. Every space is brimming with character and charm.Plenty of Accommodation
Between the houseās three bedrooms and additional space at nearby Howford House, Traquair can accommodate up to 24 people. Six of you can stay right in the house, soaking up its magical atmosphere.Unique Experiences
Thereās nowhere quite like Traquair. From its historic brewery to the one-of-a-kind ceremony spaces, itās a venue that feels truly special and unlike any other.
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What makes my packages perfect for a Traquair wedding?
From tiny elopements to intimate micro weddings, my photography packages are designed to fit around you. Whether you need just a couple of hours or a full day of coverage, Iāll help you make the most of your time at Traquairārain or shine.
Flexible Coverage
Choose from 2-10 hours of photography with the option to extend if youāre having so much fun that you want more time to explore!Personal Planning Support
Iāll work closely with you and the Traquair team to ensure your day runs seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy every moment without stress.Next-Day Previews
I know how excited youāll be to share your memories, so Iāll send you a selection of photos asap.Head over to my weddings info page for all the details!
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Traquair House Accommodation
Traquair can host up to 24 people between its three on-site bedrooms and nearby Howford House, which is just a three-minute drive (or a scenic half-hour walk) away. The private wing of the house is especially lovely, with views of the courtyard that make it feel like your own little world.
For guests needing additional options, Innerleithen and Peebles are nearby and offer fantastic accommodation like the Traquair Arms Hotel and Peebles Hydro.
And if youāre staying a while, why not explore the local area? Traquair is perfectly situated for adventures, whether thatās mountain biking at Glentress, horse riding at Kailzie Equestrian, or indulging in a chocolate-making experience at Cocoa Black. For something more relaxing, take a peaceful walk at Dawyck Botanical Gardens or along the abandoned railway tunnelāor, for the bold, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river near Neidpath Castle.
Letās Chat About Your Wedding
If youāre planning your wedding at Traquair House, Iād love to hear all about your ideas. This is one of my favourite venues to work at, and Iād be thrilled to help you create stunning memories of your day.
Get in touch today, or visit my weddings info page to learn more about how I can help make your Traquair wedding unforgettable.
Traquair House Team
Gillian, Caroline and the rest of the team are fantastic, contact them at:-
Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW
Gothic Wedding Magic in Edinburgh | Sarah and Leeās Non-Traditional Day
A gothic wedding celebration at Edinburghās Prestonfield House filled with dark elegance and unique personal touches. From handfasting ceremony and mead-drinking ritual to an axe-wielding cake-cutting, Sarah & Leeās wedding defied tradition in the most memorable way. Prestonfield black cat even appear to compliment Prestonfieldās moody dĆ©cor 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 Yorkāan 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 āCorpse Brideā tattooāa 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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Leeās wore a custom waistcoat sourced from Whitby Goth Festival, adding a unique gothic touch that tied in with the dayās 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 mumās 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 mumās 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 Leeās wedding at Prestonfield House was a beautiful example of a Gothic wedding. So, what exactly makes a wedding āGothicā? 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
Sarahās 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 coupleās look.
Finding a Gothic Wedding Venue in Edinburgh
When searching for a Gothic wedding venue, itās 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 optionsāfrom castles to grand estatesāthat 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 Leeās wedding went beyond convention. Leeās 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
Brideās dress: Sophia Tolli at Hoops a Daisy
Brideās headdress: Hysteria Machine
Brideās shoes: Kurt Geiger, Michael Kors
Bridesmaid dress: JJās House
Cake: Liggyās Cakes
Florist: Liberty Blooms
Groomās trousers: Moss Bros
Candlelit Ghillie Dhu Wedding
The dramatic candlelit hall in the Ghillie Dhu looked beautifully romantic and the perfect place for Sarina & Liamās wedding
Itās lovely that two teachers who travel the world teaching and exploring so many placeās 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 Dhuās ornate chandeliers and candlelit mantlepiece. It really focussed everyoneās 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 Dhuās chefās 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 Princesā 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
