Small & Stylish Riddle’s Court Wedding in Edinburgh

Clare and Robert’s Riddle’s Court wedding was a celebration rooted deeply in place, season, and intention.

As lifelong Edinburgh locals, the Old Town holds a special place in their hearts. Its narrow closes, layered history and quiet beauty in autumn felt like the perfect backdrop for a wedding that was never about scale, but about meaning. At the end of October, surrounded only by their closest family, Clare and Robert chose to marry at one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric historic venues – Riddle’s Court.

An Intimate Autumn Wedding at Riddle’s Court

Late October brings a particular kind of magic to Edinburgh. The light softens, the city slows, and warm autumn tones sit beautifully against stone and wood. Clare and Robert leaned fully into this season, choosing a wedding date that reflected what they love most – autumn in the Old Town.

Their wedding was intentionally small, with only immediate family in attendance. This created a calm, deeply personal atmosphere where every moment felt unhurried and sincere. Riddle’s Court, tucked just off the Royal Mile, offered privacy and stillness while remaining right in the heart of the city.

From an Edinburgh wedding photographer’s perspective, this kind of intimate wedding allows the story to unfold naturally – quiet exchanges, subtle gestures, and genuine emotion taking centre stage. Such as holding your grandmother’s hand when she’s congratulating you, or sharing a heartwarming hug with your mum post-ceremony.

Diptych: View of Edinburgh Old Town rooftops seen through a window at Riddle’s Court; Autumn wedding florals in warm seasonal tones at Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh

Couple standing together during their intimate Riddle’s Court wedding ceremony in the Geddes Room

Why Riddle’s Court’s Geddes Room is Ideal for a Small Wedding in Edinburgh

Riddle’s Court is one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive venues for couples planning a small wedding with character.

Some of its strongest advantages include:

A cosy, historic atmosphere filled with old books, wood panelling, and candlelight
Stunning Old Town views that feel unmistakably Edinburgh
A central yet secluded location, just off the Royal Mile
Spaces that feel intimate without being restrictive

For Clare and Robert’s ceremony, the Geddes Room was the perfect choice. While it sits at a slightly higher price point, it is absolutely worth the investment. The layout allows for a natural ceremony flow and offers far more flexibility for positioning the couple and their guests — resulting in better light, clearer sightlines, and a more balanced visual experience overall.

The adjacent Seton Room, though beautiful, has a different setup and doesn’t always guarantee ideal lighting. Depending on how the ceremony is arranged, it can limit where the couple and guests can be positioned, which can affect both the atmosphere and the photographs. For couples who care deeply about imagery, the Geddes Room consistently offers the strongest option.

Wedding guests laughing and applauding the newlyweds outside of the venue

Diptych:
Bride laughing with guests in the courtyard after hthe ceremony;
Bride and groom smiling together as they greet guests in the Old Town courtyard

Seasonal Florals by Ochre Botanical Studios

Florals played a central role in shaping the look and feel of Clare and Robert’s wedding.

They chose to work with Ochre Botanical Studios, one of Edinburgh’s most talented florists, known for their refined, seasonal and sustainable approach and exceptional sense of colour. Their designs feel organic yet intentional – perfectly suited to historic spaces like Riddle’s Court.

The Importance of Florals in Wedding Design

Florals do far more than decorate a room. They:

Bring softness and depth to historic interiors
Add movement, texture, and visual interest to photographs
Help tie together outfits, venue, and season
Elevate the overall atmosphere of a wedding day

Clare and Robert selected a rich autumnal palette, with warm neutrals, deep reds, soft creams, and textured foliage. These tones complemented not only their outfits, but also the warm wood panelling and historic character of Riddle’s Court beautifully.

Choosing colours that reflect the season makes wedding photographs feel timeless and grounded. When florals are thoughtfully designed with both the venue and time of year in mind, they add a sense of quiet luxury and cohesion that carries through every image.

Diptych: Bride and groom holding hands on an Edinburgh rooftop during golden hour after their wedding;
Black and white portrait of the couple embracing with Victoria Street rooftops behind them

Intimate golden hour portrait of the bride and groom on Victoria Terrace

A Wedding Focused on Meaning, Not Scale

With only their families present, Clare and Robert’s wedding felt intimate and emotionally rich. The ceremony was filled with warmth and quiet laughter, and the day unfolded at a gentle pace – allowing space for connection and presence.

Portraits taken within Riddle’s Court and nearby in the Old Town captured the essence of the day: relaxed, elegant, and deeply personal.

This is where small weddings in Edinburgh truly shine – when historic surroundings, seasonal light, and thoughtful design come together effortlessly.

As Edinburgh wedding photographer, I always encourage my clients to lean on me when it comes to recommendations and advice on how to craft a beautiful, and meaningful celebration in this historic city.

Planning a Riddle’s Court Wedding?

If you’re planning a Riddle’s Court wedding and looking for a photographer who values natural storytelling, thoughtful composition, and the quiet beauty of intimate celebrations, I’d love to hear from you.

Riddle’s Court is an exceptional choice for couples who value history, atmosphere, and intention – and for those who want their wedding to feel personal, meaningful, and beautifully documented.

Don’t forget to browse My Edinburgh Elopement & Small Wedding Guide, too – it comes handy if you’re looking for ideas and inspiration!