Moody Edinburgh Castle elopement at the Gatehouse

For couples seeking a romantic and historic setting, an elopement at Edinburgh Castle offers an experience like no other. This autumn, this American couple from Oregon traveled across the world to celebrate their love within the walls of Scotland’s most iconic landmark. With misty skies, dramatic architecture, and the charm of an ancient fortress, their intimate vow exchange at the Gatehouse was unforgettable. Personally, as Edinburgh wedding photographer, I love capturing history-filled memories for my clients choosing the Gatehouse wedding.

Here’s a glimpse into the beautiful day of Brittany and Josh, as well as essential information for planning your own Edinburgh Castle elopement wedding.

Getting ready in Edinburgh’s New Town: a suite with dark elegance

The couple’s day began in an elegant New Town suite, decorated in deep, moody hues that perfectly captured the essence of Scotland in autumn. The dark decor, combined with lush fabrics and sophisticated furnishings, created a romantic atmosphere – a beautiful mix of dark & moody vibes with stone walls they would soon experience at the castle. Their morning was filled with quiet anticipation before the reveal when bride and groom got to see each other before their ceremony at the Gatehouse of the castle.

Wedding suppliers

Humanist celebrant: Craig Flowers

Bridal bouquet: Snapdragon Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle elopements: a blend of fascinating history and great romance

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic and historic wedding venues, drawing couples from around the world who dream of a fairytale ceremony in a breathtaking location.

Couples choose Edinburgh Castle elopements for the chance to exchange vows amidst centuries-old architecture, surrounded by panoramic views of Edinburgh’s rooftops and rolling landscapes. The castle’s dramatic atmosphere, coupled with its sweeping vistas, make it an unforgettable choice for a wedding celebration.

Though Edinburgh Castle is open to the public, its carefully selected wedding venues offer a sense of seclusion, giving couples a private space to celebrate within the castle’s legendary walls. Autumn is a particularly enchanting season for an Edinburgh Castle elopement, with cool air and misty skies that enhance the moody, magical atmosphere of the castle. Whether it’s an intimate vow exchange or a micro-wedding with a small guest list, an Edinburgh Castle elopement is a timeless way to begin a new chapter together.

Why most couples choose the Gatehouse for their Edinburgh Castle elopement

The Gatehouse venue provides ample space for a small gathering, yet feels intimate, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a private space without losing the grandeur of the castle’s architecture and cityscape views. When booking the Edinburgh Castle Gatehouse for your elopement, you also get exclusive access to the terrace adjacent to the venue.

Booking a wedding at the Gatehouse of Edinburgh Castle: essential information

While Edinburgh Castle is a dream venue, it’s important to plan ahead and be aware of seasonal availability and booking requirements.

Here are some key details to consider when planning your Edinburgh Castle wedding:

• Wedding season: Edinburgh Castle is primarily a visitor attraction, drawing up tens of thousands of visitors daily during peak summer months. For this reason, weddings are ONLY offered from October to May only. Weddings cannot be held at Edinburgh Castle from 1 June to 30 September, allowing couples to enjoy a more intimate experience during the quieter autumn, winter, and spring seasons.
• Gatehouse Suite requirements: The Gatehouse Suite is a popular choice for elopements and micro-weddings; however, it is not available for ceremony-only hire. All weddings at Edinburgh Castle require an accompanying reception package to ensure that the event feels complete and seamless.
• Please note: When booking the Gatehouse for your ceremony, you won’t get access to the whole castle grounds for photos afterwards. You’ll only get access to the balcony/terrace of the Gatehouse and, weather permitting, you might be accompanied to the One O’Clock Gun area by the castle staff members for a few photos afterwards. The castle staff always insist that weddings and events should not interfere with the tourism side of operations on a daily basis and more elaborate photos will most likely not be possible.
• The Gatehouse Wedding Packages and Pricing: As of 2024, the Gatehouse packages for Edinburgh Castle are priced as follows:
  • Venue hire: £1,200, including VAT.
  • Catering packages: Starting from £47 per person, including VAT, with a range of menu options that can be tailored to suit the couple’s preferences and guest list.

Planning your wedding at the Gatehouse – useful tips

Planning a wedding at Edinburgh Castle is a wonderful experience, but due to its popularity, it’s essential to prepare early for a seamless celebration.

Booking the Gatehouse as your wedding venue

The Gatehouse, a stunning and intimate venue within the castle, can accommodate up to 34 guests, making it ideal for couples planning an elopement or micro-wedding. However, because the castle is a historic attraction and weddings are only held from October to May, early booking is highly recommended to secure your desired date. To begin your booking journey, reach out directly to the Edinburgh Castle weddings team for availability and package details.

Email: Send an email to the Edinburgh Castle events team at weddings@hes.scot. This is the main point of contact for wedding inquiries, and they can provide details on availability, packages, and pricing.

Phone: Call the Edinburgh Castle weddings team at +44 (0)131 668 8686. This will connect you directly to a team member who can answer your questions and guide you through the booking process.

Website Inquiry Form: Visit the Edinburgh Castle Weddings page on the Historic Environment Scotland (HES) website and complete the inquiry form provided there. This is another efficient way to request information or check availability for your preferred dates.

Consider photography aspect of the ceremony

When it comes to photography, keep in mind that the Gatehouse has a darker, moody interior due to its age and design. While this adds to the charm and drama of the space, you may want to discuss lighting options with your photographer to ensure they’re prepared to capture the best images in low-light conditions. What is more, it’s also important to discuss the way you and your partner will be positioned during the ceremony. Personally, I’m a big fan of both partners facing the window with celebrant on the opposite side to them – all that to ensure the best photos based on available ambient light of the venue.

To inquire about dates, pricing, or further details, you can contact the Edinburgh Castle weddings team through their official website or by phone.

With thoughtful planning and a bit of flexibility, your Edinburgh Castle elopement will be an unforgettable start to your forever!

And feel free to get in touch to book me as your Edinburgh wedding photographer here!