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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
Useful Links
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. Calton Hill
Calton 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 :-)
Useful Links
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.
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.
What is the history of Barnbougle Castle?
There has been something on the Barnbougle site since the 13th century. The current castle was reconstructed in the 19th century for the 5th Earl of Roseberry - who served as Prime Minister from 1894 to 1895 - to work and entertain and then it was refurbished in 2019 to become a new venue for Roseberry Venues. The castle is owned by the Earls of Roseberry. Like most castle’s is has evolved over the years from the 13th century tower house to it’s present form.
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.
Hi from Ali
Thanks for visiting. For over 10 years I’ve explored and photographed amazing castles and wedding venues and Barnbougle Castle has to be one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and I’m very excited you are considering it.
I’d love to help you, so please drop me a wee email with your plans and I’ll send you a personal email with information personalised to you and your plans.
Scottish Castle Venue Guide
I love Barnbougle but if you like to know more about castle weddings, check out my Scottish castle guide for other castles around Edinburgh?
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.
About Wedding Photography At Barnbougle Castle
Would you like to know about my flexible packages, designed to be personalised to suit your day? Find out prices or more about my work?
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.
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.
The 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.
The Minstrels gallery
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.
How do I get to Barnbougle Castle?
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. There are beautiful walks in the Dalmeny Estate and you can view Dalmeny House and visit some beaches in the estate but you will need to request permission to drive in to walk in fenced off part of the estate where Barnbougle Castle is. The Dalmeny Estate entrance is just off the B924 road to South Queensferry. One of the best ways to view the castle and it’s situation on hound point, is from the river, on one of the Inchcolm Island boat trips.
Planning Your Own Barnbougle Castle Wedding?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
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.
Want to know more about my photography?
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
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.
Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding Guide | Pros, Cons & FAQs
Planning an Edinburgh City Chambers wedding? This guide covers everything from pros and cons to pricing, ceremony options, and stunning photo locations. Discover why this Royal Mile venue is perfect for small weddings and elopements.
If you would like a wedding in the heart of Edinburgh, surrounded by the cities amazing Old Town architecture, easily accessible for guests and you’re on a tighter budget. Edinburgh City Chambers may be the perfect choice for you. Nestled on the historic Royal Mile, it offers a simple yet elegant setting for couples who want an easy stress-free wedding. As a photographer who has captured many weddings here, I know exactly why couples love it but like all venues, I can also see why it is not perfect for everyone. Here’s a full guide to getting married at Edinburgh City Chambers, including its pros and cons, frequently asked questions, and top reasons why you might choose it for your wedding.
Hi, I’m Ali
Thanks for visiting. For over 10 years I’ve explored and photographed amazing weddings around Edinburgh. The City Chambers is such a great venues and it’s perfect for an Old Town adventure. I love planning out a wedding day with my clients, working out how we’ll get the best photographs for you of your day, which locations we’ll explore and discussing who are your wedding VIPs, who you’ll want an epic portrait of.
I’d love to help you, so please drop me a wee email with your plans and I’ll send you a personal email with information personalised to you and your plans.
Top 5 Reasons The Edinburgh City Chambers May Suit You
1 | A Central, Historic Location
Just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the iconic closes off the Royal Mile, the 1761 chambers building is perfectly placed for a relaxed day. It’s central location means your guests can easily find the venue and for out-of-town guests, a City Chambers Edinburgh wedding doubles as a mini tour of Old Town Edinburgh.
2 | Simplicity & Affordability
Weddings at City Chambers are managed by the Edinburgh registrars, making the process clear and straightforward. Compared to larger venues, it’s a cost-effective option, allowing you to focus your budget on other aspects of your day – whether that’s an epic meal with your guests, a stunning wedding outfit, or beautiful photography (please let me help with this part!). I’ve had a few couples who have pulled a wedding together at the City Chambers in 6 weeks or less!
Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding Prices
The price of your City Chambers wedding will depend on the day of the week, time of day and room choice. When I last checked, fees ranged from £315-750, please check with the Edinburgh Council website for the latest pricing details.
3 | The Ceremony Spaces
The City Chambers has several ceremony rooms, each with their own style.
- The Alexander Suite - an intimate modern space for up to 36 guests on the ground floor with a nice reception space where you can gather before and after the ceremony.
- The ‘Wee Neuk’ - a tiny modern space for just you and your witnesses.
- The European Room, on the seventh floor offers high ceilings, historic paintings, and space for up to 70 guests
- The Council Chamber can accommodate up to 110 guests and features a historic domed ceiling, balcony, grand fireplace, and epic views across Princes Street from its seventh-floor windows.
Most weddings at the City Chambers are held by the registrars in the Alexander Suite but for larger weddings it’s worth looking at the rooms upstairs which can also be hired for your reception, these rooms are full of history and the views are phenomenal. The larger weddings I have photographed at the city chambers have used the Council Chamber for the meal and the dancing and the European Room for the ceremony and drinks reception. There are additional chambers on the same floor which you can hire are all linked together by pretty corridors filled with stained glass windows and artifacts from the chambers’ history. The City Chambers are only 4 storeys tall on the Royal Mile side but from the Cockburn Street side it is 12 storeys’ 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’s dark history.
4 | Perfect for Small and Intimate Weddings
If a mahoosive wedding isn’t your style, the City Chambers could be perfect for you. The Alexandra suite is particularly popular with those opting for a low-key registry office wedding or elopement. The ambiance is relaxed and unfussy, perfect if you want a close-knit family gathering or a stress-free elopement.
Want to explore my wedding photography packages?
5 | Stunning Photo Opportunities on Your Doorstep
One of the best things about a City Chambers wedding is the easy access to some of Edinburgh’s most scenic locations for your wedding photos. Just outside the doors, the Royal Mile, Advocate’s Close, and the charming City Chambers courtyard provide plenty of stunning backdrops. If you want to venture a little further, Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, and Victoria Street are all just a short walk away. You can see some of my favourite Edinburgh photography spots here. Within the chambers building, I love the stair well (only accessible at weekends) and the arches, which are nice spots for a post ceremony photos especially if the weather isn’t great.
Check out my handy little map to plan locations you might like to explore near the City Chambers?
Pros and Cons of a City Chambers Wedding
Pros:
✔ Central location – Ideal for Edinburgh-based couples and easy for guests to find.
✔ Cost-effective – One of the most affordable and wedding venues in the city.
✔ Historic charm – Beautiful historic architecture and close proximity to the Royal Mile.
✔ Sheltered setting – Indoor spaces and sheltered arches for avoiding bad weather.
✔ Availability – With lots of slots per day, you have more chance of getting your desired date.
✔ Photo opportunities – It’s easily walkable to many of the best photo spots in the city.
Cons:
✘ Limited personalisation – As a registry office, the ceremony follows a set format**
✘ Be on time – With many weddings per day, you do need to make your allocated time slot and only get access 15 minutes before.**
✘ Unknown officiant – The first time you meet the registrar will be when you arrive for your ceremony.**
✘ Council Office – The chambers are a council office and employees may be coming and going, you also cannot access the upstairs chambers or staircase during the week.
** The upstairs rooms (the European and Council Chambers) can be hired for your reception or for a humanist wedding which allows for personalisation or to hire it as a reception space.
FAQs About Edinburgh City Chambers Weddings
Can I have my wedding reception at the City Chambers?
You can hire the upstairs Chambers rooms for private events, including receptions. For more details, visit City Chambers event rooms.
How do I book a wedding at City Chambers?
You’ll need to contact the Edinburgh City Registrar’s Office to check availability and submit your marriage notice forms. More details can be found on their official website.
Is parking available at Edinburgh City Chambers?
There is no dedicated parking at City Chambers, but nearby options include NCP Edinburgh Holyrood and St James Quarter Car Park. Guests may prefer to use public transport or taxis. The Chambers is just 5 minutes from Waverley Railway Station, 10 minutes from a tram stop and 15 minutes from Edinburgh’s main bus station.
Can we have confetti at City Chambers?
Confetti is not allowed inside the venue or courtyard but can be used outside on the Royal Mile.
Alternative Edinburgh Old Town Venues to Consider
Fallen in love with Edinburgh’s charm but still exploring options? The Old Town and city centre boast plenty of other fantastic wedding venues that might catch your eye, all within a stone’s throw of City Chambers. Here are a few worth checking out:
Riddle’s Court – A hidden gem just off the Royal Mile, with 16th-century architecture and a cozy courtyard. It’s perfect for intimate weddings, you can even stay in the King’s Chamber where the King once processed from the castle to banquest with friends. (Explore a real wedding on our blog here: Riddle’s Court Wedding.)
Dovecot Studios – An art-lover’s delight, this former Victorian bathhouse turned tapestry studio offers a bright, colourful contemporary space. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by art and high ceilings! (See more in our post about a Dovecot Studios wedding.)
Ghillie Dhu – If you fancy a touch of the dramatic, Ghillie Dhu’s candlelit converted church hall is atmospheric and so Scottish. Think fairy lights, high vaulted ceilings, and an epic space for ceilidh dancing.
The Scotsman Hotel – An elegant hotel – once the Scotsman Newspaper’s HQ - on North Bridge (just a few minutes from the Royal Mile) known for its grand historic features and Art Deco touches. The marble staircase and private cinema are great for your photos, and it’s super convenient for guests (right next to Waverley Station!).
The Signet Library – For book lovers or those dreaming of Regency-era grandeur, the Signet Library in Parliament Square is breathtaking. Tall Corinthian columns, thousands of books, and a plush library setting for your reception – it’s straight out of a period drama.
The Royal College of Physicians – If you prefer the New Town area, this venue offers you its grand hall, Victorian library and beautiful new town architecture. It’s location is great for photographs in circus lane or in the portrait gallery.
The Edinburgh Grand – A chic option in the New Town: formerly a bank headquarters, now a luxury art deco styled hotel with an atmospheric penthouse, grand staircase and cocktail bar. I’d also recommend the Hawksmoor Restaurant if you are a steak and seafood loving foodie.
Each of these venues has its own unique atmosphere and advantages, and I’ve had the joy of photographing weddings at many of them. Whether you’re drawn to the medieval magic of Riddle’s Court or the contemporary cool of Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh has a venue to suit every vision. (And yes, I’m always happy to share insights or show you galleries from any of these spots, just ask!)
Ready to Plan Your City Chambers Wedding?
If the idea of a City Chambers Edinburgh wedding has you excited (it certainly excites me!), I’d love to help you make it everything you imagine and more.
As an Edinburgh local and someone who’s photographed countless weddings here, I’m here not only to take gorgeous photos but to support you with planning tips, insider info, and a friendly face on the day. Feel free to reach out to me anytime to chat about your plans – whether you’ve set a date or just want to explore ideas. You can contact me directly through my website’s contact page or check out my wedding photography info and packages to see what I offer. Dates for this year are filling up, so it’s never too early to get in touch and secure your spot.
Ultimately, my goal is to give you an amazing experience and breath-taking images that let you relive your wedding day for years to come. If you choose Edinburgh City Chambers for your wedding, you’ll be getting an incredible backdrop – and if you choose Ali Jay Photography, you’ll be getting a passionate storyteller to capture it all.
Let’s create some magic together in Edinburgh’s Old Town!
Happy planning, and I can’t wait to hear all about your vision for the big day!
Where is Edinburgh City Chambers?
Edinburgh City Chambers is located opposite St. Giles Cathedral, on Edinburgh’s High Street, which is a section of the Royal Mile. The address is 253 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ
