8 Best Edinburgh Wedding Venues

Planning a wedding in Edinburgh means having access to some of the most iconic and stunning wedding venues in Scotland. Whether you’re looking for a grand historical setting or a chic, modern space, the city has something to offer every couple.

As an experienced Edinburgh wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of working at many venues across the city, and I’ve compiled this list of the eight best wedding venues in Edinburgh to help you find the perfect setting for your big day.

Top wedding venues in Edinburgh

In this guide, you’ll find a selection of Edinburgh’s top wedding venues, each with its own unique charm and atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, these venues cater to a range of styles and sizes.

Below, I’ve included details on the capacity of each venue, their location in the city, and top tips to consider when booking, such as exclusive weekend availability, hidden photo opportunities, and even tips for making the most of rainy days. These insights will help you find the perfect setting for your special day and ensure everything runs smoothly.

1. New Library at the Royal College of Physicians

Location: New Town, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 225 7324
Website: New Library at RCPE

The New Library at the Royal College of Physicians is an elegant and sophisticated venue in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. With its towering bookcases, large windows, and opulent chandeliers, it offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding. The New Library can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it perfect for medium-sized weddings.

Despite being able to accommodate such big wedding parties, the RCPE New Library also provides intimate atmosphere, blending luxury with historic charm, making it absolutely perfect for micro-weddings and elopements in the city.

Other available rooms: The Great Hall is another popular choice at the venue, offering space for up to 150 guests – unfortunately it doesn’t boast the same abundance of natural light as the New Library. The Cullen Suite is another beautiful room, perfect for the cocktail hour – it’s a Georgian room with plenty of natural light, stunning portraits on the wall and light blue walls.

Best for Smaller Weddings: The New Library.

Top Tips: Royal College of Physicians is located walking distance from the iconic Circus Lane, perfect for wedding portraits – why not put it on your location list?

Also, the entrance to the Royal College of Physicians is a perfect spot for a confetti exit, so involve your guests and let’s throw some epic biodegradable confetti to create some joyful wedding photos!

Real wedding inspiration:

Sophie & Daphne’s LGBTQ micro-wedding in Edinburgh

Karenza and Cody’s rainy summer library elopement

2. The Geddes Room at Riddle’s Court

Location: Old Town, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG 
Capacity: Up to 60 guests 
Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 510 8789
Website: SHBT weddings

Nestled just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Geddes Room at Riddle’s Court offers a unique historical atmosphere for your wedding day. This 16th-century venue is full of charm, with original period features and a cosy, intimate ambiance that’s perfect for small to medium-sized weddings.

The Geddes Room can host up to 60 guests, making it ideal for couples who want to celebrate in a more intimate setting. The venue’s rich history and picturesque courtyard provide a stunning backdrop for romantic, one-of-a-kind wedding photos. Riddle’s Court is a venue full of stories, perfect for a wedding filled with history and love.

If you’re looking for a venue with a deep sense of history and perfect location (the heart of Old Town!), Riddle’s Court is a perfect choice.

Other available rooms: Riddle’s Court offers several other rooms, The Seton Room, which is perfect for smaller receptions or ceremonies. The Seton Room is ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 8-10 people.

Best for Smaller Weddings: Despite Seton Room’s perfect compact size, I still believe that The Geddes Room is a perfect choice for an elopement or tiny Edinburgh wedding – that’s because of abundance of natural light, stunning wood panneling, and its defining feature – the exquisite, hand-painted ceiling. This ornate ceiling, crafted in the 16th century with intricate, colourful motifs and classical patterns is simply a piece of art. It captures the elegance of the Scottish artistry adding depth and warmth to the space.

Real wedding inspiration:

Bria & Tom’s intimate winter Riddle’s Court wedding in Edinburgh

3. John Muir Grove at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Location: New Town, Inverleith, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ 
Capacity: Up to 100 guests 
Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 225 7324 
Website: SHBT weddings

The John Muir Grove offers a peaceful, garden-like atmosphere in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. It’s an outdoor space that feels miles away from the city bustle, perfect for nature-loving couples who want a relaxed, open-air wedding. With a capacity for up to 100 guests, this venue is ideal for medium-sized weddings with an outdoor vibe.

Even on a rainy day, the towering trees provide shelter, allowing you to celebrate outdoors regardless of the weather.

Other Available Rooms: The Caledonian Hall and David Douglas Room are indoor options within the Botanic Gardens, providing flexibility for your reception or in case of rain.

Best for Smaller Weddings: The garden space of John Muir Grove can easily be adapted for smaller, intimate ceremonies, offering privacy and tranquility in a natural setting.

Real wedding inspiration:

Small spring wedding at Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden

Rainy summer John Muir Grove elopement

4. Timberyard Restaurant in the Edinburgh Old Town

Location: Old Town, 10 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DS 
Capacity: Up to 75 guests 
Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 221 1222 
Website: Events at Timberyard

For couples looking for a chic, contemporary venue with a rustic edge, Timberyard Restaurant is the perfect fit. Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, this venue offers a unique blend of industrial design and cozy, intimate spaces. With a capacity of up to 75 guests, Timberyard is ideal for smaller weddings with a modern, laid-back vibe.

For intimate occasions their shed seats up to 10.

Other Available Rooms: Timberyard offers a range of spaces, from their main dining area to the outdoor courtyard, perfect for a relaxed reception. Their seasonal menus and stylish interiors make it a foodie’s dream.

Best for Smaller Weddings: The smaller, private dining rooms at Timberyard offer the perfect setting for celebratory dinner – whilst the restaurant’s courtyard is ideal for elopements or intimate wedding ceremonies.

Real wedding inspiration:

Jackie and Aldo’s intimate wedding celebration at Timberyard

Sara and Daithi’s small summer Timberyard wedding in Edinburgh

5. The European Room at Edinburgh City Chambers

Location: Old Town, 253 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ 
Capacity: Up to 70 guests 
Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 529 4500 

The European Room at the Edinburgh City Chambers is a perfect choice for couples seeking a small, intimate venue with a grand, historical feel.

Located on the Royal Mile, this beautiful wood-paneled room offers views over the city and can accommodate up to 75 guests, making it perfect for various-sized weddings.

Other Available Rooms: The Edinburgh City Chambers also host wedding ceremonies at the Wee Neuk and Alexander Suite, but neither of those rooms are as stunning as the historic & art-filled European Room.

Best for Smaller Weddings: Despite the room being relatively big and spacious, thanks to the venue’s decor and dominating colours it’s very cosy and truly perfect for smaller affairs.

Top Tips: Please note that the ceremonies at the European Suite are only allowed on weekends (!). And if you’re not a fan of fake flowers, feel free to ask the management of the venue to remove them as all rooms at the City Chambers are decorated with a great number of white, fake flowers which don’t go well with the historic vibe of the place.

Real wedding inspiration:

Isabel and Stuart’s vintage, Harry Potter-inspired fall elopement

Honourable mentions

While these five venues are top picks, Edinburgh has even more to offer! Consider the following additional wedding venues:

The Bonham Hotel

Located in the West End, The Bonham is a boutique hotel perfect for small, stylish weddings with a capacity of up to 50 guests.

Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 226 6050 

Calton Hill Collective Gallery

This venue offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and is perfect for art-loving couples seeking a unique and creative space for their wedding.

Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 556 1264 

The Edinburgh Grand

For a grand, luxurious wedding, The Edinburgh Grand offers several sophisticated event spaces, accommodating up to 200 guests.

Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0)131 230 0571 

Venues Perfect for Your Edinburgh Wedding

Choosing the right wedding venue is a crucial decision that sets the tone for your big day. Whether you prefer a historical, intimate space like The Geddes Room at Riddle’s Court, or a contemporary one like Timberyard Restaurant, each of these offers engaged couples something special.

As an Edinburgh wedding photographer, I know how important it is to find a venue that not only reflects your style but also provides beautiful backdrops for your wedding photos. These top Edinburgh wedding venues, with their stunning interiors and unique features, will ensure that your wedding day is as picture-perfect as you’ve always dreamed.

And My Comprehensive Edinburgh Small Wedding & Elopement Planning Guide is a good way to start the process of planning your dream day.

And don’t be afraid to contact me today to discuss how we can create timeless wedding photos at one of these stunning venues.