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Weddings at The Witchery – Gothic Romance in the Heart of Edinburgh

Winter, weddings and the Witchery – what a trio! Imagine this: a crisp December evening in Edinburgh’s Old Town, flickering candlelight on 16th-century stone walls, the scent of mulled wine and centuries of history in the air. If your heart just did a little flutter, then a winter wedding at The Witchery by the Castle could be your dream come true.

This guide is here to show you exactly why the Witchery is a brilliant choice for your wedding accommodation or intimate reception – especially in the magical winter months. With its dramatic gothic decor, unbeatable location at the top of the Royal Mile, and nine incredibly photogenic suites, it’s got everything you need for a celebration that’s just a little bit extra.

Once you’ve looked through this post, also check out My Edinburgh Elopement Guide.

Gothic glamour like no other

The Witchery doesn’t do minimalism. It does drama. It does opulence. It does atmosphere.

Step inside and you’re instantly transported to another world – part medieval fantasy, part decadent hideaway. Rich tapestries, carved oak panels, velvet drapes, glittering chandeliers and, of course, a whole lot of candlelight. It’s a venue that embraces gothic romance with open arms.

It’s hard to overstate just how cinematic the space is. Every detail, from the antique furniture to the stained glass windows, creates a mood – a sense of place that’s deeply romantic and delightfully over the top. If you’re a couple who loves a bit of flair and character (or just appreciate the idea of getting married somewhere wildly unique), the Witchery delivers.

And let’s be honest – any Edinburgh wedding photographer would be absolutely thrilled to capture those rich interiors and moody lighting. You won’t find a setting like this anywhere else.

Exterior sign of The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh’s Old Town, with gothic spires and moody winter sky in the background.
Bride having hair and makeup done in a gothic suite at The Witchery, surrounded by warm candlelight and rich decor.
Gothic interior of The Witchery’s suite with red damask wallpaper, antlers, and vintage military portrait - the Witchery weddings in Edinburgh.
Mother helping bride into her wedding dress inside The Witchery’s richly decorated room, full of antique wood and warm light.
Triptych - bride adjusting pearl earrings, standing beside a vintage candelabra in a rich, baroque-style suite.
Bride standing in the centre of a richly decorated suite at The Witchery, surrounded by bold red wallpaper, candlelight, and gothic antiques.
Close-up portrait of the bride standing by the window at the Witchery in Edinburgh
Full-length portrait of the bride in an off-shoulder wedding gown with long veil, posing beside a dramatic gothic fireplace and gold-framed portrait.
Left image: Bride walking out of The Witchery onto the Royal Mile, greeted by a vintage wedding car on a rainy Edinburgh day. Right image: Close-up of the couple stepping into the car, with reflections of city lights in the puddles on the cobblestone street.
Black and white portrait of the bride seated inside a vintage wedding car, gazing softly through a rain-speckled window
View through a classic wedding car windscreen of a rainy Edinburgh street scene, featuring a black London taxi in front, a red phone box, and crowds crossing near St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile.
Left image: Bride’s parents assisting her out of a vintage mint green car on a rainy day, with umbrellas in hand and reflections on the wet pavement. Right image: Bride smiling as she steps out of the vintage car in her wedding dress, helped by family members holding clear umbrellas – a joyful, candid winter wedding moment.
Wedding ceremony inside the grand library at the Royal College of Physicians
Left image: Groom and groomsmen, including uniformed military members, standing at the altar before the ceremony begins in the historic library setting. Right image: Close-up of the groomsmen in suits and military dress uniforms, standing in front of antique bookshelves and warm lighting.
Detail shot of white roses, baby’s breath, and candlelight arranged in glass vases at the fireplace altar during an Edinburgh winter wedding ceremony.
Left image (black and white): Guests laughing and smiling during the ceremony, seated in rows within the Royal College of Physicians' library. Right image: Bride walking down the aisle with her father, holding a white and green bouquet, both smiling in a warmly lit room full of antique books.
Left image: Family members smiling and seated during the ceremony, dressed in navy suits and light silks, with wooden bookshelves in the background. Right image: Bride and groom facing each other, smiling and holding hands during the ceremony in the library's romantic candlelit setting.
Wide-angle view of the ceremony, with the bride and groom holding hands before a flower-adorned fireplace, surrounded by guests under ornate skylights and wood-panelled walls.
Bride placing wedding ring on groom’s finger as they smile at each other during a romantic candlelit ceremony in the Royal College of Physicians’ library.
Bride and groom share their first kiss in front of a mirror and fireplace adorned with fresh flowers and candles
Left image: Bride and groom walking back down the aisle, smiling and surrounded by guests clapping inside the historic library wedding venue. Right image: Guest laughing and chatting with the groom during drinks reception, holding a glass of wine in a warmly lit, book-filled setting.
Bride holding a bouquet of white anemones and roses, smiling in front of antique bookcases at the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh.
Bride and groom standing in a wood-panelled hallway, softly lit from a stained glass window, sharing an intimate moment during their Edinburgh winter wedding.
Left: Bride holding a black hip flask with military insignia, laughing beside a window with natural light falling on her white bouquet. Right: Close-up of the bride’s hand holding the flask, bouquet and wedding ring visible in soft focus.
Close-up of the bridal bouquet featuring white roses, anemones, and seasonal greenery, placed against a leaded glass window in a historic Edinburgh venue.
Left: Bride walking down a hallway in her flowing gown with cathedral-length veil trailing behind. Right: Bride and groom sharing a quiet kiss by the window, her bouquet in hand, with warm lighting and wood-panelled walls.
Close-up of antique books behind glass in the Royal College of Physicians library, including titles like “The Tartans of the Clans of Scotland.”
Bride and groom feeding each other wedding cake and laughing in front of a wall of vintage books, with a cake topped with custom wooden initials.
Groom lifting the bride in a dramatic embrace beneath a grand chandelier in the historic library, her dress and veil flowing across the polished wooden floor.
Bride and groom exiting the venue, surrounded by cheering guests tossing confetti, captured mid-celebration.
Bride and groom walking through a flurry of white confetti as guests celebrate outside the venue
Left: Bride and groom smiling outside the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh as confetti flies around them, surrounded by cheering guests. Right: Bride holding a clear umbrella and bouquet, looking up and smiling beside the groom in military dress as they embrace on a rainy winter day
Moody winter view of Edinburgh Castle rising above the city’s old stone buildings, shrouded in mist, captured from the Grassmarket area.
Bride and groom on a quiet cobbled street at Victoria Street, Edinburgh, with dramatic Old Town buildings rising behind them on a grey winter afternoon.
Left: Bride laughing and holding the groom close on Victoria Street, wrapped in a tartan shawl and wedding dress flowing behind her. Right: Groom kisses the bride on the forehead as they smile together during their romantic wedding photoshoot in Edinburgh Old Town.

The dreamiest rooms for getting ready

There are just nine suites at the Witchery, and each one is an experience in itself. With names like The Vestry and The Library, they’re all uniquely styled – full of personality, decadence, and romance. Think four-poster beds, roll-top baths, velvet everything, and hidden corners perfect for sipping champagne with your nearest and dearest.

These rooms are ideal for wedding morning preparations. There’s something inherently special about getting ready in a space that looks like it belongs in a gothic novel – it makes the whole experience feel that little bit more cinematic.

Plus, they’re a dream for photography. Whether it’s your dress hanging from an antique wardrobe or a quiet moment captured beside a flickering fire, the Witchery’s interiors offer a wealth of stunning backdrops. As an Edinburgh wedding photographer, I can tell you – these rooms do a lot of the work for you when it comes to creating breathtaking images.

Right in the heart of the Royal Mile

One of the best things about the Witchery is its location. Nestled just beside Edinburgh Castle at the very top of the Royal Mile, it’s perfectly positioned for a city centre wedding. Step out the door and you’re straight onto the cobbled streets of the Old Town, with centuries of history (and excellent photo spots) in every direction.

During winter, the Royal Mile transforms. Fairy lights, Christmas markets, a dusting of frost – it’s got serious storybook charm. And with everything so close by, your wedding day will feel wonderfully connected and effortless.

Moments from the city’s top wedding venues

If you’re planning to say your vows elsewhere, the Witchery makes a brilliant base – both for you and your guests. Some of Edinburgh’s most popular wedding venues are just a short stroll away:

  • Edinburgh City Chambers – just down the Mile, ideal for civil ceremonies and elopements. Many couples get ready at the Witchery and walk to the Chambers for their ceremony – a scenic (and stress-free) route.
  • Riddle’s Court – an enchanting 16th-century venue tucked just behind the Witchery. Full of character, with a lovely historic courtyard that makes a beautiful backdrop for photos.
  • Edinburgh Castle – yes, you can get married inside the castle! Even if your ceremony isn’t there, it’s a stunning photo location and just next door. Imagine wedding portraits with the castle as your backdrop, all without needing a car or coat.

The convenience of this location can’t be overstated – especially in the winter months when a short walk beats a long journey in the cold.

Why winter weddings at the Witchery just work

There’s something extra special about the Witchery in winter. The dark nights lend themselves beautifully to the candlelit interiors, and the cosy atmosphere becomes even more inviting.

Here’s why we love a winter wedding here:

  • Candlelit charm – the Witchery is already known for its soft, glowy lighting, and in the winter, it absolutely shines. Everything feels warm, intimate and incredibly romantic.
  • No need to worry about the weather – if it rains (and let’s be honest, it might), you’ll still be surrounded by beauty indoors. The spaces are so atmospheric that you won’t miss outdoor views at all.
  • Festive feels – if you’re getting married in December, the city is full of twinkling lights and festive magic. The Witchery adds to that with subtle seasonal decor that blends seamlessly with its gothic style.
  • Perfect for smaller celebrations – whether it’s a private dinner in their decadent restaurant or a quiet overnight stay, it lends itself to thoughtful, personal moments.

Real wedding moments: Sacha and Beth

Sacha and Beth’s winter wedding at the Royal College of Physicians was a true celebration of elegance, warmth and heartfelt moments. With a vibe of winter cosiness, it was a beautiful day from start to finish. But what really stood out was how effortlessly winter in Edinburgh can feel magical when you have just the right venues.

Pair a grand ceremony space like the Royal College with an intimate dinner or overnight stay at the Witchery, and you’ve got the best of both worlds – city splendour and gothic romance, all within walking distance.

Final thoughts: celebrate your ‘I dos’ at the Witchery

Whether you’re staying the night, getting ready in one of the suites, or planning a small reception dinner, the Witchery brings a special kind of drama to your wedding day. It’s romantic, it’s bold, and it’s full of character – the kind of place that will have your guests talking long after the last glass of champagne has been poured.

With its gothic interiors, unbeatable location, and luxurious suites, it’s a truly unique gem in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. So if you’re planning a winter wedding and want something a little different – a little darker, a little more dramatic – the Witchery could be exactly what you’re looking for. Feel free to consult their website directly.

And if you need someone to capture all that gorgeous candlelit magic, you know where to find your friendly Edinburgh wedding photographer – totally in love with Dark academia weddings in Scotland. So shoot me a message and let’s talk!

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