Kickstart your happily ever after at these 8 best wedding venues in Edinburgh!
Weddings always get me a little teary-eyed—not just because of the heartfelt vows but also because of how utterly stunning the ceremonies and receptions are. You can practically feel the bride’s dream come true in every detail.
And let’s be honest, a dreamy wedding venue is the star of the show. Edinburgh is packed with venues that range from quirky gems to magical gardens that practically whisper romance.
So, if you’re about to say “I do,” here are my top picks for unforgettable wedding venues in Edinburgh to kickstart your happily ever after!
The Royal Botanical Gardens
– Media from rbgedinburgh
Address: 20a Inverleith Row
Contact Details: +44 131 248 2909
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Type of Wedding: Garden wedding, whimsical wedding, outdoor wedding
Guest Capacity: 30 to 200 guests
The Royal Botanic Garden holds a special place in my heart—not just for its beauty but as the venue where I tied the knot. It’s a stunning wedding spot (and not just because I’m biased!) that deserves more attention from newly engaged couples.
Picture this: saying your vows while surrounded by lush greenery, majestic redwood trees, vibrant floral displays, and the serene charm of a rock garden.
What’s even better is that you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to ceremony spots, with a variety of enchanting settings throughout the gardens to make your day uniquely yours!
Tips:
- Most of the wedding venues they offer are outdoors, so prepare a backup location in case it rains on your wedding day. Other locations within the garden offer indoor venues, namely the Caledonian Hall, the John Hope Gateway, the Terrace, the Patrick Geddes Room, and the David Douglas Room. They all have different guest capacities and are subject to availability!
- There are two entrances to the garden, namely the West Gate on Arboretum and the East Gate on Inverleith Row. Make sure to inform your guests of which entrance to take on your wedding day so that they don’t have to walk too far to your chosen venue!
The Signet Library (The WS Society)
– Media from thesignetlibrary
Address: The Signet Library, Parliament Square
Contact Details: +44 131 220 3249
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Type of Wedding: Indoor wedding, classy wedding, elegant wedding
Guest Capacity: 50 to 220 guests
If you’re after a wedding venue right in the heart of the city, I can’t recommend The Signet Library enough. It’s been turning heads lately thanks to its timeless old-money aesthetic—and honestly, I’m all for it.
Think stunning architecture, soaring ceilings, and elegant decor that oozes class, all paired with top-notch Scottish hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you’ll genuinely feel like royalty on your special day.
What’s more, the history here is as rich as the surroundings, so you won’t need to go overboard with decorations; it’s already brimming with character and charm.
Tips:
- You can work with your chosen wedding designers for this venue, but the WS Society also has its own resident designers you can count on if you want to host your big day here. They’re all well-versed in designing the rooms according to the requirements of the management. You can learn more about them here.
- One thing to note is that the venue exclusively partners with Heritage Portfolio for catering. While this means you can’t bring in external caterers, it’s far from a drawback. Heritage Portfolio offers a customisable menu, ensuring your meal is tailored to your taste. You can even schedule a menu tasting with them, provided you give at least a month’s notice!
Edinburgh Castle
– Media from daniel.mainland.photography
Address: The Esplanade, Castlehill
Contact Details: +44 131 225 9846
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Wedding: Indoor wedding, castle wedding, fairytale wedding, traditional wedding
Guest Capacity: 20 to 170 guests
For a cracking wedding venue with amazing views, I recommend saying your vows at Edinburgh Castle. This wedding venue feels straight out of a fairytale because who doesn’t want to get married in a gorgeous castle?
The castle’s 900-year history already adds to its charm and grandeur. Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony in the historic chapel or a grand celebration for up to 120 guests, there’s a place for your dream wedding here.
Tips:
- Note that the castle management doesn’t allow weddings from June to the end of September. Make sure to mark your calendars and plan your wedding outside of these dates to avoid disappointment.
- If you’re planning to host a civil wedding, make sure to avoid St. Margaret’s Chapel. It’s a castle policy that only religious ceremonies can be hosted inside the chapel. In case you have any questions about which venues are suitable for your type of wedding, you can always contact the castle’s wedding team via email for assistance.
Prestonfield House
– Media from clairetennantphoto
Address: Priestfield Road
Contact Details: +44 131 225 7800
Operating Hours:
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 11:00 am
Type of Wedding: Intimate wedding, hotel wedding, traditional wedding
Guest Capacity: 50 to 120 guests
Prestonfield House is another solid venue if you love historical landmarks, elegance, and a proper countryside setting. The house is located right behind Arthur’s Seat, so you get great views but aren’t too far from the city centre.
If you’re after something small and intimate, the Italian and Leather Rooms are perfect. For a slightly bigger do, the bright and airy Garden Room fits up to 50 guests, and for the big celebrations, the grand Stables Ballroom is just the ticket.
Tips:
- For any guest driving electric vehicles, the venue offers EV chargers in its parking lot. Just make sure to inform the management how many EVs will be arriving. There are only a limited number of chargers available, so inform your guests and remind them to charge their vehicles before arriving to avoid a queue!
- You can actually rent the whole of Prestonfield House if you are planning an extra large wedding ceremony and reception. Exclusive use of the property requires months of reservation (better: a year!) in advance. While it is pricier, the fee already includes an overnight stay in their 18 rooms and 5 suites.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
– Media from rossalexanderphoto
Address: 1, India Buildings, Victoria St
Contact Details: +44 131 526 4810
Operating Hours:
Check In: 3:00 pm
Check Out: 12:00 pm
Type of Wedding: Intimate wedding, hotel wedding, traditional wedding
Guest Capacity: 50 to 120 guests
Set in the historic Victoria Street, near the Royal Mile, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is a stunning blend of Victorian charm and modern design. I visited recently, and it’s truly unforgettable.
The highlight is Greyfriars Hall—a former 19th-century church that seats up to 150 guests. With its Gothic Revival features and contemporary touches, it’s a magical space steeped in Old Town Edinburgh’s charm.
Tips:
- The hotel is actually pet-friendly! If you are planning a pet-friendly wedding (or are including your furry one in your entourage), coordinate with the management about their pet policy in their halls and venues. All pets of all breeds and sizes are welcome here so long as they fit inside the lifts. Just make sure to keep them on a leash at all times.
- If you have guests staying over after your wedding, you can have them store their luggage at the concierge at no extra charge. They’re also allowed to leave their bags with the staff after checkout in case they want to explore the city afterwards.
Mansfield Traquair
– Media from emilystevephoto
Address: 15 Mansfield Pl
Contact Details: +44 330 123 3885
Operating Hours: Enquire for specific operating hours and open days
Type of Wedding: Intimate wedding, church wedding, traditional wedding
Guest Capacity: 80 to 180 guests
The Mansfield Traquair is nothing short of magical with its breathtaking stained glass and ornate interiors. Once a Catholic church, it’s now a stunning events venue that perfectly balances history and elegance.
The Baldacchino is a favourite spot for ceremonies, while the beautifully kept gardens are ideal for receptions.
The grandeur of the space lends itself perfectly to traditional wedding themes, and it’s easy to see why so many couples choose it for their big day.
Tips:
- The venue exclusively partners with Heritage Portfolio for catering. Consider checking out their website for more information about their menu choices and rates to see if they fit your budget!
- The venue offers wheelchair-accessible parking spaces for your guests who require it. I highly recommend informing the management regarding accessibility concerns for your guests so that they can prepare the venue ahead of time.
- If you want to check out the venue before committing, you can book a free tour from the Mansfield Traquair Trust Centre. They open guided tours every second Sunday afternoon of each month!
Carlowrie Castle
– Media from jordanaevents
Address: Boathouse, Bridge Rd, Kirkliston
Contact Details: +44 131 335 3184
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Wedding: Intimate wedding, grand wedding, winter wedding
Guest Capacity: 25 to 1,000 guests
If you’re planning a wedding with a modern luxury concept, then I highly recommend hosting it at Carlowrie Castle. I’ve attended a celebration here, and let me tell you, it’s every bit as stunning in person as it looks in photos.
The stylish dark interiors are effortlessly chic, and the neutral tones mean your colour scheme will pop beautifully. Guests have plenty of space to mingle and enjoy themselves indoors, making it ideal for Scotland’s unpredictable climate.
Tips:
- The venue also offers lodging with their packages if you are hosting many friends and family after your wedding day. They usually offer discounted rates if you book between October and March, and these are only valid for weddings held on Mondays and Thursdays. Learn more about it here.
- The venue is also a popular spot for winter weddings. In fact, they have a separate brochure and package rates for solely winter weddings, starting at £11,550. Learn more about their winter weddings here.
Kirknewton House Stables
– Media from kirknewton_house_stables
Address: Kirknewton, West Lothian
Contact Details: +44 150 688 1235
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Wedding: Stable wedding, marquee wedding, outdoor wedding, rustic wedding
Guest Capacity: Between 50 to 250 guests
If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that blends rustic charm with a touch of elegance, Kirknewton Stables is a wee gem. Tucked away in the Scottish countryside, it offers sprawling outdoor spaces perfect for a romantic open-air ceremony.
It’s a blank canvas just waiting for your personal flair to bring it to life. The gardens are meticulously kept, and the natural light is simply stunning, which makes the venue so ideal for capturing those picture-perfect moments.
Tip:
- Since the venue lets you DIY your way to your dream wedding, the owners are very used to giving wedding prep advice to newly engaged couples. They’re well-acquainted with many wedding vendors in the city, so don’t be afraid to ask them for recommendations and insights.