Elegant black tie Bonham Hotel Wedding in Edinburgh

Let me introduce you to a story of Ruth and Ricky’s Bonham Hotel wedding.

Picture this: twinkling fairy lights, crisp winter air, and the unmistakable charm of Christmas in Edinburgh. Now add a dapper couple, their adorable sausage dog, Bailie, and a black-tie dress code, and you’ve got Ruth & Ricky’s utterly chic winter wedding.

Their Edinburgh wedding day was a delightful mix of elegance, laughter, and some seriously stunning locations – starting with the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and ending with a cosy, intimate reception at The Bonham Hotel.

Getting ready at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh

Kicking off the day in the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, Ruth and Ricky couldn’t have picked a more stunning spot for their wedding prep. With huge windows flooding the suites with natural light, this hotel is a dream for bridal portraits (trust us, the camera LOVES it). And let’s not forget its prime location—just a stone’s throw from some of Edinburgh’s most iconic photo spots.

Oh, and did we mention it’s dog-friendly? That meant their much-loved dachshund, Bailie, was right there in the thick of it, adding an extra dose of cuteness to the morning’s festivities.

View of Edinburgh Castle framed by window bars, with autumn trees and a clear blue sky in the background
Black and white bridal preparation photos - one of the bride having lipstick applied, and another of her wedding dress hanging in front of a window
Mother of the bride fastens bride's wedding dress with soft natural light filtering through the window
Flat lay of wedding details, including a perfume bottle, sparkling white bridal heels, and a bouquet, alongside a joyful bride holding her bouquet near a softly lit window
A brown dachshund wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie, looking up with big brown eyes at a bride at wedding in Scotland
Bride holding a 'Guess the Dress' card alongside her wedding bouquet, paired with a candid moment of her putting on earrings by a softly lit window.
Bride in a voluminous white gown sitting on a window seat, gazing outside the hotel window
ausage dog in a tuxedo sitting on the bride’s wedding dress, with excited bridesmaids reacting joyfully to seeing the bride in her wedding dress
Bridesmaid helping the bride put on stylish white platform boots under her wedding dress, captured in black and white
Bride descending a grand staircase decorated with festive Christmas garlands, about to meet the groom for the first look
Emotional first look moment at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Edinburgh as the groom smiles warmly at his bride in a winter wedding setting with Christmas lights
Close-up of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with golden ornaments, pinecones, and a vintage white rocking horse; second image showing bride and groom sharing a kiss
Bride and groom in elegant black-tie attire, smiling joyfully outside in Edinburgh’s city center with historic buildings behind them
Bride and groom share a romantic embrace on the cobbled streets of Circus Lane in Edinburgh, with their dachshund by their side and a historic clock tower in the background
Groom lifting his bride in a playful and joyous moment on Circus Lane, Edinburgh, with charming stone houses around them
Newlyweds walking hand in hand down Circus Lane, bride raising her bouquet in celebration
Bride and groom share an intimate forehead-to-forehead moment on Circus Lane in Edinburgh, bathed in golden hour light
Romantic close-up couple portraits on Circus Lane, Edinburgh
Bride and groom embrace by the Water of Leith in Edinburgh, with the Dean Village architecture surrounding them
Newlyweds' hugging on a stone bridge in Dean Village
Bride and groom walk hand in hand through the grand stone archways of Edinburgh’s historic City Chambers
Elegant wedding portraits under the stone archways of City Chambers, Edinburgh, with their adorable dachshund joining them in a black bow tie
Close-up of a dachshund in a black tuxedo and bow tie at a stylish Edinburgh wedding, standing by the bride’s flowing gown
Groom shares a sweet moment with his dachshund, holding him close outside a historic Edinburgh venue
Groom proudly holds his well-dressed dachshund in a stylish pet carrier outside an Edinburgh cathedral

Winter wedding photoshoot before the ceremony

To make the most of their time with guests later in the day, Ruth and Ricky opted for a pre-ceremony photoshoot around Edinburgh’s scenic streets. The decision to capture their love story before the ceremony meant that they could fully embrace the celebration with their friends and family afterwards, which was a thoughtful approach to wedding day logistics.

Marriage ceremony at City Chambers

The couple exchanged vows in the Alexander Suite at Edinburgh City Chambers, a refined setting that beautifully complemented their black-tie theme. The ceremony was short but wholesome – especially thanks to the speeches given by the bride and maid of honour.

After sealing their vows with a kiss, the bride and groom stepped outside to be showered in confetti on the grand stone steps of St Giles Cathedral.

The bride, in an elegant satin gown, walks down the aisle, guests watching with emotion
A heartfelt speech is delivered as wedding guests, dressed in formal attire, listen attentively
The couple exchanges vows, gazing at each other as the officiant smiles warmly
The bride reads a touching message from a wooden podium while the groom watches with admiration - City Chambers marriage ceremony in Edinburgh
A close-up of the couple’s hands as they exchange rings
The newlyweds share their first kiss in front of a beautifully decorated floral altar
The bride embraces a guest warmly after the wedding ceremony
A newlywed couple exits the grand, historic entrance of St. Giles Cathedral as guests throw delicate white confetti in celebration. The bride, in a flowing white gown, holds a bouquet while smiling, and the groom, in a classic black tuxedo, beams as they walk down the stone steps
A side-by-side image capturing different moments of the couple’s confetti exit at St. Giles Cathedral. On the left, the bride and groom joyfully walk through a flurry of confetti. On the right, their dachshund, dressed in a tiny tuxedo, is held by a guest while smiling friends and family continue to celebrate
A triptych of candid moments outside St. Giles Cathedral. The first panel shows a wedding guest in a dark coat taking a selfie with the smiling bride, who wears a soft blue coat over her dress. The second panel features the groom laughing while capturing a moment on his phone. The third panel highlights an older guest in a stylish gray coat and fascinator, clapping and smiling
A historic city street in Edinburgh with intricate stone buildings bathed in golden light
Diptych - A stunning view of Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock, with a picturesque street in the foreground. The image captures the charm of the old town, blending history with a romantic wedding moment. A close-up of a newlywed couple's hands embracing, showing their wedding rings. The soft touch and delicate details of the wedding gown create an intimate and timeless moment.
A groom playfully lifts his bride in front of Edinburgh Castle
A black and white candid shot of the newlyweds enjoying a sweet treat from a local bakery
A long dining table in a luxurious room at The Bonham Hotel, set for a wedding reception with white table linens, folded napkins, polished silverware, and floral centerpieces. The room features ornate chandeliers, dark wood paneling, and a grand fireplace decorated with festive garlands
A close-up of a vintage wooden clock with glowing reflections of string lights and a grand dining room featuring a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, enhancing the wedding’s warm and festive ambiance
A wedding welcome sign on an easel displaying the names "Ruth & Richard" along with the wedding date "23.11.23," adorned with elegant floral details. A dimly lit room with a classical framed painting adds to the intimate atmosphere
A black and white image of the newlywed couple seated at an intimate table in a dimly lit, vintage-style bar. A softly glowing lamp illuminates their faces as they gaze at each other, with an elaborate framed painting above them adding to the old-world charm - Bonham Hotel wedding reception in Edinburgh
The bride and groom stand on a majestic wooden staircase inside The Bonham Hotel, sharing a romantic embrace - Bonham Hotel wedding in Edinburgh
A close-up of the couple sharing a joyful and intimate moment, looking into each other’s eyes with smiles. The groom, in a black tuxedo, holds the bride lovingly as she clutches a bouquet of white roses and greenery - Bonham Hotel wedding in Edinburgh

Stylish reception at The Bonham Hotel

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that oozes style, charm, and a little bit of Christmas magic, The Bonham Hotel is it.

Tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle, this boutique beauty offers an intimate and exclusive space for weddings. The Dean Suite is perfect for mid-sized gatherings (up to 40 guests), creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and wonderfully relaxed.

With the cosy crackle of fireplaces, stylish seasonal décor, and a grand wooden staircase practically begging for romantic couple portraits (with a bit of Hogwarts feel!), The Bonham is a winter wedding dream.

Oh, and here’s a little perk: wedding packages include access to the private Drumsheugh Gardens, giving couples the chance for some truly amazing outdoor shots – even in the heart of the city!

Why you’ll Love The Bonham for your big day

For couples looking for a cosy city wedding venue with a historic feel, The Bonham Hotel offers a perfect setting. The hotel provides everything needed for a wonderful wedding experience:

  • A dedicated wedding planner to handle all the little details
  • The stylish Dean Suite as a ceremony space, ideal for up to 40 guests
  • Quiet surroundings for a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere
  • Gorgeous festive décor during the holiday season
  • Tasteful interiors with grand staircases, ideal for romantic portraits

As wedding photographer in Edinburgh I always also appreciate the friendliness of the staff and how picture-perfect some city venues are – let me assure you that Bonham is definitely one of those.

Want to learn more?

Ready to start planning your own Bonham Hotel wedding in Edinburgh?

You can check out their wedding brochure here and get in touch with their team at +44 (0)131 226 6050 or via events@thebonham.com

Ruth and Ricky’s black-tie Bonham wedding was an absolute festive fairytale, proving that elegance, dogs, and a touch of quirky charm go hand in hand. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s both stylish and wonderfully warm, The Bonham Hotel might just be your perfect match!

And to browse valuable advice on the planning process, you’ll find my ultimate guides here.

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