Wedding Venues Edinburgh - The City Chambers

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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.

Old Course Hotel Wedding Guide | 10 Best Places to Explore

(And Why I’d Love to Be Your Photographer!)

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Hi, I’m Ali! I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings at The Old Course Hotel since 2018 - it’s a fantastic venue choice. From the iconic views to the incredible spaces, every wedding here feels grand and wonderful. If you’re planning your wedding there, here are 10 reasons why you’ll love it (and how I can make sure your photography is just as unforgettable).

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1. That Iconic Swilcan Bridge Shot

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Let’s start with a bang! The Swilcan Bridge on the famous Old Course is legendary, and it’s a must for your wedding photos. Whether it’s just the two of you soaking in the moment or a fun group shot with your bridal party, this is the kind of image that belongs on your wall forever.

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2. The Magical Conservatory

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The Conservatory is one of my absolute favourite spots at the hotel. It’s bright, airy, and has stunning panoramic views. Plus, it’s a dream to photograph—no awkward pillars or dark corners, just clean lines and natural light. Whether you go for elegant simplicity or full-on floral magic, this space always shines.

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3. A Romantic Beach Escape

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There are two beaches just a short walk or 2 minute drive from the hotel, and they are both breath-taking. Picture the two of you strolling hand-in-hand along the dunes at West Sands Beach, the waves crashing in the background—it’s pure romance. If it’s sunny the soft light here is incredible, and it’s perfect for those intimate, dreamy photos you’ll treasure forever. The beach is also a popular location for an engagement shoot.

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4. Stunning Suites for Morning Prep

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The suites at The Old Course Hotel are designed with weddings in mind. There’s tons of space for your bridal party (and all their stuff!), and the natural light is perfect for capturing those beautiful getting-ready moments. Oh, and the views over the golf course and beach? As you’re getting ready you can watch golfers try to shoot their ball over the replica railway sheds - which house the Hall Of Champions event space - into the famous 17th hole. The rooms I’ve been in have all been split into two spaces giving you different spaces for different functions during your prep.

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5. Escape to the Jigger Inn

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Need a breather during the day? The Jigger Inn (which was once the station master’s lodge for the station which once stood on the Old Course Hotel site) is a cosy pub steeped in history, and it’s right next to the hotel. It’s such a fun spot to sneak away for a quiet moment together, and it makes for some really unique, relaxed photos.

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6. Cheers with a View at The Road Hole Bar

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The Road Hole Bar is the ultimate spot for a celebratory toast. With panoramic views of the golf course, the sea, and St Andrews itself, it’s a showstopper. Plus, their whisky collection is incredible—perfect for adding a little Scottish flair to your day.

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7. Incredible Team to Make Your Day Stress-Free

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The team at The Old Course Hotel is amazing. They’re friendly, attentive, and always go the extra mile to make sure everything runs like clockwork. I work closely with them to slot your photography seamlessly into the day, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

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8. Spaces for Every Kind of Celebration

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From intimate dinners at Sands to epic parties in the Hall of Champions (accommodating up to 450ppl) or the popular Ballroom (sitting up to 130ppl), the hotel has a space to suit every wedding style. I love capturing the variety here—each spot has its own vibe, and together, they tell the story of your day perfectly.

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9. The Charm of St Andrews

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St Andrews is one of Scotland’s treasures. For centuries, people have traveled from across the world to visit—not just golfers, but pilgrims before them. Personally, I love exploring the town’s food, beaches, and its charming, photogenic landmarks. Aside from the beaches, my highlights are the pier, the cathedral, St Salvator’s Chapel, and the quaint cobbled streets. If you’re up for a little adventure on your wedding day, taking a moment to explore and soak it all in, I’d love to capture some magical moments around this gorgeous town.

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10. Golf (and Those Views!)

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If you’re not a golfer, you’ll still appreciate the views over the famous Old Course. Your guests will love watching the action on the greens, and the landscape makes for some truly epic photos. It’s a reminder that you’re celebrating somewhere really special.

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Ready to Chat About Your Old Course Hotel Wedding?

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If you’re planning your wedding at The Old Course Hotel or elsewhere, I’d love to hear all about it! My goal is to make sure your photography is as relaxed and fun as your day. Let’s capture the magic, the joy, and everything that makes your wedding uniquely yours.

Get in touch today—I can’t wait to hear from you! For prices and more info, click here to visit my wedding information page.

Forbes of Kingennie Wedding - A Vintage Style Wedding

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Vintage Vibes

What can I say about this stunning vintage themed, Forbes of Kingennie Wedding.

Well, it was super hot, fun and beautiful!

This was my first visit to Forbes of Kingennie which is set within a country resort with beautiful lakes and woodland and it was one to remember as the bride was an old friend.

Wedding Price List

Old Friends

I went to school with Kate so I had a lot of fun planning the photography with her and Sean.

6 weeks before the wedding we had a fun evening in St. Andrews, where we did an engagement shoot and had a fun time talking about life, weddings and our old school days.

On their wedding day I stayed up way too late so I could catch up with people I hadn’t seen for years.

Enquire

Forbes of Kingennie

Kate and Sean looked at lots of venues before settling for the lakes and woodland backdrop of Kingennie just outside Dundee.

As soon as I looked at it, I could see why they chose it; the fishing lakes, woodland and boathouse created the most beautiful backdrop and they could also accommodate lots of people on site in the beautiful woodland lodges.

Rescue The Speech

When I arrived in the morning, Kate was getting her makeup done and her mum and bridesmaid Hayley were drying out her dad’s speech which had accidentally been soaked.

Hayley was walking around holding pieces of paper like wings while her mum used the hair dryer to try to dry them out.

Kate’s Stella York Dress

You’ve got to love a pretty dress and this Stella York wedding dress is one of the prettiest I’ve seen. The detail and cut suited Kate perfectly. We had some laughs messing around with her veil, wrapping it around Sean and trying to get it to catch in the wind.

The Guys

Sean and the groomsmen were in a lodge 5 mins from Kate’s so when they were almost ready I popped along to get some pics of them.

Ribena or Whisky?

Once they were all ready Sean gave each groomsmen a hip flask but with Sean’s teenage nephew as one of the groomsmen they had some chuckles trying to distinguish which contained the Ribena.

Looking Across The Water

The girls were in the Glen Isla lodge which had a great view across the water.

They could watch the boys walking to the venue to meet the guests and the kids loved watching the fish jumping in the water.

Favourite Photo

My favourite photo from the wedding is Kate’s bridesmaid Hayley doing up the buttons on her dress.

At school they were always laughing together and Hayley’s attempts at doing up the tiny buttons on Kate’s dress caused a lot of entertainment.

This photos reminds me of the silly things we laughed at when we were at school. In the end she managed none of the buttons and the other bridesmaids stepped in.

Buddon Burn Ceremony Room

The ceremony room has a majestic vaulted ceiling and wide doors which back onto one of the fishing lakes.

It was a super hot, sunny day so the doors were swung open and the room was decorated with beautifully simple decorations giving the perfect summer wedding vibes.

Personal Moments

Sean’s dad had sadly passed away the year before so they had a traditional quaich ceremony to celebrate his 40 years working in the whisky industry.

One of their friends also read a poem they had written as surprise for Kate and Sean.

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Talented Friends & Partying

The reception was held in the Inglesmaldie events suite and was full of unusual and vintage style details.

They had a sweet geometric cake created by her bridesmaid (also called Kate) who runs Gorgeously Sweet Cake Emporium.

There were lace decorations created by our lovely mutual school friend and a previous Ali Jay bride Angela Clarke and whole load of other cute details.

Suppliers List

Photography: Ali Jay Photography

Bespoke lace decorations: Angela Clarke (check out her amazing decorations and interior design @the_upside_down_house on Instagram)

Cake: Gorgeously Sweet Cake Emporium

Dress: Stella York Dress

Venue: Forbes of Kingennie

Decor: Celebre Weddings and Events

Flowers: Forget Me Not, Dundee

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Find Out More

Are you having a wedding at Forbes of Kingennie? please get in touch if you’d like more information about my wedding photography.

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Read More:-

Read more about Kate and Sean’s Forbes of Kingennie wedding in ‘Tie The Knot Scotland’ magazine or check out couples photo shoots

ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOTS

Couples portfolio

Micro Wedding Edinburgh - A Beautifully Small Wedding

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June 2020

Remember when weddings were stopped and we had to hide away at home! It’s such a distant memory now.

When Drew & Diana originally got in touch they were planning a big wedding party but two days after the strict restrictions of spring 2020 were lifted for weddings, they wed in the tiniest ceremony, in a strangely silent Edinburgh with just 6 guests.

It was the weirdest wedding but so beautiful. The city chambers moved it’s registrar’s to a garden on the Royal Mile. I had to shoot from the garden next door but to be out and see a wedding was such a joy!

I remember how the chairs were meticulously spaced out for the ceremony and one of the guest’s left the garden so I could take a couple of pictures of them. Edinburgh was closed so we explored the silent streets and then they headed off and had a little picnic to celebrate.

Over the next year I watched the restrictions change, there were different rules at every wedding. Gradually people were allowed to get closer again and eventually they were allowed to dance and then I watched as people just started to forget about the virus and just get on with life as normal. Fingers crossed we don’t see anything like it again.

“Ali photographed our wedding beautifully. We were one of this few people to get married just after the Covid restrictions were lifted.

She took a tiny group of 8 people and directed us into the most perfect places and positions for the most fun, sweet, touching photos.

She was an absolute joy to have around and work with. She was particularly good with our 8 year old twins (who can be a bit of a handful).

I would recommend Ali without hesitation, an excellent photographer and a fantastic, fun person to have around.

Look no further. You've found the right person.”

- Drew & Diana Long

Family Photo Shoot Elie

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Elie

Elie is one of the many beautiful towns which make up the stunning East Neuk of Fife.

Elie has lots of lovely walks including the Elie chain walk to the west and this walk to the east.

It’s also worth a visit on a nice day as the beach is gloriously big and sandy and there are some lovely pubs too.

Dusk Light

Scott and Jaimie moved from Canada to Kirkcaldy when Scott got a contract with the Fife Flyers Ice Hockey team.

This was the second family photo shoot I’d done with them and for both shoots they wanted a photo shoot to capture the beautiful Scottish landscape.

It was the first time I’ve done a family shoot at dusk but it was really nice to capture the photos as the night started to draw in and they cosied in together.

Max

This was my second shoot with Max and we enjoyed messing around and he thought it was great fun playing silly games with me.

Jaimie’s Words

It turns out Max just thought I was his friend which was a lovely thing to hear :-)

“We can’t say enough good things about Ali. Not only is she an amazing photographer, but she is also a wonderful person who makes you feel at ease while having your photos taken. She takes the experience of having your photos taken and turns it into an adventure. Our children loved her, our three year old actually asked why she wasn’t in the photos with us We absolutely love our photos and will always cherish them.” - Jaimie Aarssen

The Tower

The path we took was from the east side of Elie.

We walked along the path to explore the little tower called ‘Lady Janet Anstruther's Tower’.

The tower was bulit in the 1770’s as a changing room for Lady Anstruther.

She would use the tower for for her sea swims. It’s basically an ancient beach hut!

Kid Fun & Cuddles

As we explored the tower Jaimie and Scott hugged and played with Gracie and Max.

The tower also made a great for pirate ship lookout.

As the night drew in, Gracie cuddled into her mum and Max carried on exploring the lighthouse and rockpools.

This was a beautiful shoot and one I hope they will treasure as the kids grow up.

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If you like this family photo shoot in Elie and you’re interested in your own shoot you can book one in or buy a gift voucher. All the information is over on my family page.

Dunfermline Photography

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Dunfermline

Dunfermline is such an under appreciated town, it was once the home of Kings.

I grew up with the story on King Malcolm III offering shipwrecked Margaret (Saint Margaret Of Scotland) shelter in Dunfermline. She created a new church which became Dunfermline Abbey which is where Robert The Bruce is buried and his name is round it’s spire.

I also loved the story of Andrew Carnegie sneaking into the gardens of Pittencrieff House to play and later returning as a rich tycoon to buy the house and grounds and gift them to the people of Dunfermline.

The colourful ancient buildings of Abbot House and Pittencrieff house are so fun for photos. Personally I wish every building was this colourful!

“The Glen” Pittencrieff Park

I love this park!

It’s my favourite place to photograph people enjoying themselves as there are so many brilliant places to explore.

Kids love to explore the paths, feed squirrels, follow the peacocks or play in the playparks.

It’s full of beautiful plants, historic buildings and a river which runs down the dark moody valley called Dunfermline Glen.

Dunfermline CITY CHambers Weddings

The Dunfermline City Chambers is the prettiest registry office I have photographed in. It’s a far cry from the boring office like rooms of many other registry offices.

The ceremony room has stunning vaulted ceilings, historic artworks a grand staircase to lead you up to it.

Outside the building has beautifully detailed turrets and an incredible clock tower with four faces which is prominent when you look at the Dunfermline skyline.

Dunfermline Abbey and the Dunfermline City Chambers are right next to the park.

There are also some other churches close by including St. Leonard’s Church and the Catholic St. Margaret’s Memorial Church.

The Glen Pavilion is within the park and is a popular place for Dunfermline Weddings. It has lots of different spaces you can book for an event.

If you want to find out more about my wedding photography, please click the button below.

Wedding Photography

Dunfermline Abbey

The abbey is the most prominent building on the Dunfermline skyline with it’s distinctive tower and spire.

It is one of Scotland’s most important cultural sites and in the grounds you can also see the ruins of Dunfermline Palace.

The abbey looks different depending on the angle you look at it from, so it is fun to capture in photographs from around Dunfermline

The abbey is Church of Scotland and maintained by Historic Scotland and you can find out more about getting married there by visiting their website.

Pittencrieff House

Pittencrieff House is bright orange and I love using it as a backdrop for photos especially in the autumn.

It has a massive lawn at the front perfect for babies to crawl on or for a picnic or for flying a kite.

Next to the house you’ll also find the hot houses, formal gardens and routes off to Dunfermline Glen.

Beautiful Paths To Explore

Pittencrieff park is always changing and the gardens around Pittencrieff house are full of seasonal planting which is brilliant to explore during shoots.

I think this is why I love it so much as with the house and the planting, I can guarantee to get some lovely colours in your photos, but I can also get some moody dark photos too if desired by exploring the more natural woodland areas.

Graduation Photographs Dunfermline

Rachel’s gran gifted Rachel a graduation shoot to celebrate her COVID affected graduation so we explored various parts of the park.

Rachel wanted photos to reflect her personality as-well as some more traditional photos.

Graduation Photography

Dogs Photo Shoots In Dunfermline

You can’t visit the park without seeing dogs and it’s a great place to explore for a dog photo shoot.

Often people ask if they can bring dogs along to family shoots and yes, you can, but you can also book a specific dog photo shoot if you really want some special dog photos.

Ask about pets?

Peacocks & Squirrels

When I was a child the park was filled with the distinctive noise of Peacocks and they are the symbol of the park with the Peacock Cafe named after them.

They have been absent for a long time but recently they have bred new birds and it’s lovely to see them parading around happily exploring the park.

The squirrels are also great fun and are very friendly and fun for kids to watch and feed.

The Moody Forest Maternity Photo Shoot

When Magda & Javier wanted a moody outdoor flamenco maternity photo shoot we chose the Glen and loved exploring the dark moody greens of the darker forest areas.

Visit my family page for more about maternity and baby photo shoots.

Family Portraits

Weddings by The Sea - A Secret Wedding in South Queensferry

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Nikki and Ian met at school when they were 5 years old and decades later they secretly eloped to South Queensferry for their wedding. From our initial conversation I could hear how passionate Nikki was to marry Ian and to have their wedding in South Queensferry, a place which she just loves.

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South Queensferry Registrars Office

Nikki and Ian eloped from South Shields to have their secret ceremony at the Registry Office in the beautiful coastal town which is dwarfed by the magnificent Forth Bridge. Nikki’s only photo request was to make sure I got the bridge in the background of the pictures as she loves how it dominates the views.

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The ceremony was so short and sweet and with no guests the second registrar and I stepped in to witness the marriage. Nikki says she’s loved Ian since she was 5 years old and they’ve been together for the last 14 years so they decided they just wanted to get married without much fuss. They kept their plans secret, even from their children and decided to just surprise them by sending a picture.

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After the ceremony we explored some of their favourite areas of the town to capture some photographs. I’ve spent a lot of time in South Queensferry and I’d never been down Harbour Lane before, this cute little lane was introduced to me by Nikki and I can see why she loves it.

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The Boathouse

After a lovely walk around South Queensferry we went to the Boathouse for a little mini wedding reception. I joined them for a wee celebratory drink before leaving them to enjoy the rest of their trip to Scotland and some fun in the Edinburgh Festival.

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Newborn Photo Shoot with Sunshine Yoga

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When a new baby arrives your life is suddenly turned upside down and you are bound to your babies every need. It’s a beautiful time to get a shoot so it can be documented and remembered, as moment by moment your baby changes.

When I arrived for Jasmina’s shoot, she was needing a little clean, so I captured her having a little bath. Matt delicately washed Jasmina as she kicked so happily in the water.

I spent an hour or so with Stephanie, Matt, Jasmina and her grannies and observed all their little interactions and activities.

At home shoots are great. You don’t have the stress of getting everything ready and getting out the door and you capture your baby’s first home, their nursery and their first toys. When you look back in years to come, you’ll see their favourite toy all fluffy and new before the years of love wear it down to a fabulously floppy, loved looking rag.

Stephanie is from the Netherlands so I was offered a lovely beschuit. Giving a beschuit is a tradition in the Netherlands to celebrate the birth of a child. They are sprinkled with pink and white muisjes when a girl is born, and with blue and white muisjes when a boy is born. Muisjes are seeds from the anise plant which are covered in a sugary coating.

“The pictures are absolutely beautiful and we feel so blessed that her 7 day birthday got captured in such a wonderful way.”

Graduation Photography

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Graduation photos don’t have to be dull and lifeless, with everyone standing stiffly in front of a white screen. Those pictures don’t really capture the joy of your university experience or the stunning beauty of Edinburgh, where you’ve spent these amazing years. I want to give you photos that celebrate your graduation day and tell the story of your time in this beautiful city.

As standard, I suggest a 2-hour shoot to give us plenty of time to explore the city and the university, capturing all those meaningful spots. But if you want to venture further afield, we can always add extra time. You could even book a full day to cover your entire graduation day, from getting ready to celebrating after the ceremony and exploring the city. Edinburgh is a unique, ancient city, full of character and history—definitely worth recording in all its glory.

Get In Touch

My graduation shoots are all about capturing the essence of your university life in Edinburgh. My graduation shoots are priced like my other portrait shoots so visit my vacations page to find out about my prices and what is included in my portrait packages. You can share the shoot with a few friends if you wish, or just get some lovely shots with your parents, just get in touch to find out more.

After your shoot, you’ll get a beautiful gallery with lots of storytelling images to download, share, and print. These aren’t just graduation photos—they’re a personal and meaningful record of this important part of your life. When they’re framed or in an album, your kids or grandkids will love hearing about your time in Scotland. You’ll be able to show them the castle, the mountains, your student accommodation, or even your favourite pub.

Portrait Pricing

We’ll chat before your shoot to make sure it’s personalized and includes the spots in Edinburgh that mean the most to you. For example, Li, an Edinburgh University graduate from Hong Kong, couldn’t make his graduation ceremony, so we did a candid shoot around the architecture teaching areas on Minto Street and the Edinburgh College of Art. Karina and her friends, also from Hong Kong, booked me on their graduation day for some beautiful shots in their robes around the library, McEwan Hall, Old College, and the Meadows. Zuhri and Nisah wanted iconic Scottish scenery, so we spent a day in Glen Coe, capturing beauty spots like Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle, and the Forth Rail Bridge.

For more info about pricing, check out my vacation portrait pages, or just get in touch at alijayphotography@gmail.com or 07885930579.

Let’s make your graduation photos a beautiful, personalised story of your time in Edinburgh and Scotland.