Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding Guide | Pros, Cons & FAQs
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