Antique books, tweed suits, cobbled streets, and a secret garden – Lorena and Louis’s Edinburgh wedding will steal your heart. These two book-lovers from Spain, who now call Edinburgh home, crafted a day that blended vintage charm with relaxed, modern romance.

Here’s how they did it — and how you can, too.

A Historic New Town Setting for “I Do”

Edinburgh’s New Town – an elegant Georgian district built in the 18th century – set the stage for the day. This area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) retains much of its Neoclassical architecture and sweeping terraces. The couple chose to get ready in a Victorian-style flat on Queen Street, right in the heart of New Town. High ceilings, antique decor, and period details in the flat lent a timeless atmosphere as the bride slipped into her dress and the groom in his tweed suit. It felt like stepping back in time to a more romantic era – and trust me, every Edinburgh wedding photographer will appreciate the stunning, old-world interior combined with abundance of natural light when taking your getting-ready photos.

Staying in New Town also made it convenient to stroll through picturesque local streets for photos later on. The neighborhood’s cobbled lanes, stone façades, and hidden gardens gave us endless beautiful backdrops within walking distance.

Pro tip: Edinburgh’s New Town is known for its “elegant streets, impressive squares, quiet lanes and inviting gardens – perfect for intimate photo sessions without the bustle of the Old Town crowds.

Diptych: Left image shows the Stewart Christie & Co shopfront in Edinburgh New Town, a historic tailor known for tweed suits. Right image shows a close-up of gold wedding rings resting on a vintage book titled My Scotland, softly lit by natural light.
Diptych: Left image shows the groom in a Victorian flat being assisted with his waistcoat by a friend, both in tweed attire. Right image shows the groom slipping on his moss green tweed jacket, reflected in an antique mirror with vintage wall art.
Groom in a moss green tweed suit and rust tie standing in front of an ornate mirror, adjusting his jacket in a dark, vintage-style room in Edinburgh New Town.
Diptych: Left image shows the groom pouring whisky into a crystal glass beside a marble-topped table and vintage lamp. Right image shows the groom sipping whisky while looking out the window of a historic Edinburgh flat, framed by mustard curtains.
Groom in tweed suit chatting and sharing whisky with two friends in suits, gathered in a dark, vintage-furnished Edinburgh flat before the wedding ceremony.
Diptych: Left image shows a close-up of the groom’s thistle boutonnière pinned to his tweed lapel. Right image shows the bride’s satin wedding dress with lace cape hanging on a door beneath mounted antlers in a dark green vintage room.
Bridal pearl earrings resting on the spine of an antique green History of Scotland book, with soft floral bouquet detail in the background.
Bride wearing a satin gown with puff sleeves and lace cape, being helped into her dress by family in a softly lit Victorian flat - in black and white.
Diptych: Left image shows a close-up of the bride smiling as a helper fastens her pearl earrings. Right image shows the bride standing by a tall window as her mother adjusts the lace cape on her wedding dress.
Bride in vintage-style satin gown with lace cape seated beside an antique dressing table in a Victorian flat, holding a bouquet of white wildflowers.
Diptych: Left image shows the bride seated in her vintage-style satin gown with lace cape, holding a bouquet of white flowers in a Victorian flat with antique dresser. Right image shows the bride standing in profile, holding the bouquet in front of the same dresser with dried flower arrangements and soft lighting.
Bride standing in her vintage-style satin gown with lace cape, holding a bouquet of white wildflowers beside an antique dresser with crystal decanters in a Victorian flat.
Diptych: Left image shows the bride standing full-length in her wedding gown with long lace train in a dark green Victorian room. Right image shows the bride leaning over the antique dresser, writing a letter with her bouquet resting nearby.
Black and white close-up of bride’s hands writing a heartfelt vows in Spanish at a dark antique desk, with her lace cape and bouquet visible.
Bride holding a handwritten letter and envelope near an antique wooden desk, soft warm light highlighting the details of her gown’s lace sleeve.
Diptych: Left image shows the father of the bride, wearing a beige checked suit, looking emotional as he greets his daughter in her wedding dress. Right image shows them smiling warmly at each other, standing in the vintage-decorated flat.

Ceremony in a Georgian Library

For the ceremony, the couple’s love of literature took center stage. They exchanged vows in The New Library at the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, an awe-inspiring 1870s library hall lined floor-to-ceiling with antique books and dark wood cabinets, my absolute favourite wedding venue in Edinburgh.

Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the intimate gathering of about 20 close family and friends. With centuries-old books and marble fireplaces framing the scene, the room felt like a chapter out of a classic novel.

The ceremony itself wove in meaningful Scottish touches and was led by Andy McWilliam. The couple included a handfasting ritual, gently binding their hands with tartan cloth as a symbol of unity, and they shared a sip from a traditional Scottish quaich (a two-handled cup) – simple additions that made the moment even more heartfelt. All the while, their personal style matched the venue’s vintage vibe: the groom wore a textured tweed suit from Walker Slater in moss green with a paisley tie, and the bride was a vision in a retro-inspired satin gown featuring a lace cape. Her cape flowed elegantly from her shoulders like something out of a Victorian romance, adding drama and old-world charm without needing a veil.

The venue was beautifully decorated with stunning floral arrangements by Lily West – Edinburgh florist.

Vintage Style: Tweed Suit and a Cape Gown

One of the most inspiring aspects of this wedding was the couple’s distinctive vintage style, inspired by traditional Scottish elements. They prove that you can infuse personality into a small wedding through attire and details:

  • Tweed and tails: The groom opted for a classic tweed three-piece suit instead of a traditional kilt or tuxedo. The tweed’s rich texture and green hue felt right at home in the historic library and later in the rustic garden. He paired it with a subtle floral tie and a dried thistle boutonnière – little nod to Scotland and the spring season.
  • Bridal cape: The bride’s dress featured an embroidered lace cape attached at the shoulders, draping over her satin gown. This unique accessory gave her the look of a storybook heroine and was also practical for the cool Edinburgh weather. (Capes are an excellent alternative or addition to veils if you’re going for a vintage or regal look – and don’t want to worry about the wind!)
  • Heirloom details: She completed the ensemble with a vintage-style hairpiece and comfortable low velvet heels, perfect for walking on cobblestones. The bridal bouquet was a loosely arranged mix of white roses, wildflowers and greenery, tied with silk ribbon – effortlessly romantic and in tune with the old-fashioned aesthetic.

All these elements came together for a style that was timeless, personal, and photo-friendly. If you’re a bride or groom drawn to eras past, don’t be afraid to incorporate antique fabrics, classic silhouettes, or literary touches into your attire.

The key is balance: one or two statement pieces (like a cape or tweed jacket) paired with simple, elegant basics will evoke vintage charm without looking like a costume.

A wide-angle shot of the wedding ceremony inside a grand library with ornate vaulted ceilings, skylights, and walls lined with towering bookshelves. The couple stands at the front near a large fireplace adorned with floral arrangements. The chandelier’s warm glow fills the space as guests look on.
Diptych: Left side: The groom stands alone in his green tweed suit, looking to his right with a proud, joyful expression. Right side: A black-and-white image of the bride entering the room on the arm of her father.
A close view of seated guests observing the ceremony.
A wide shot capturing the moment the couple stands together before the officiant. The architecture of the library, with its ornate woodwork and books, frames the scene.
Diptych: Left side: The couple smile as the officiant wraps their hands in white and green ribbons for the handfasting ritual. Right side: A close-up of their hands bound with the ribbons.
The couple stands facing each other, holding the ends of the knotted handfasting ribbons stretched between them, smiling warmly.
The bride, holding a vow book, recites her wedding vows to the groom. Her expression is sincere and emotional.
Diptych: Left side: The groom looks at the bride with a wide, joyful smile. Right side: A close-up of the bride’s emotional face, tears welling up as she looks at the groom.
Diptych: Left side: A bearded man in a kilt and tweed jacket prepares to give a reading or speech, holding a phone for reference. Right side: A wider view showing the same man speaking as the couple and officiant look on, with the audience in the foreground.
The couple share their first kiss, standing close with arms wrapped around each other in front of the grand fireplace and floral arrangements.
Floral arrangement set atop a dark marble fireplace
Diptych: left: A close-up of the floral arrangement from a side angle, framed by a brass wall sconce casting a warm light. Right: A black-and-white image showing the groom’s hand as he signs a document, focused on the pen and paper, with his suit sleeve visible.
Diptych: Left: The bride sits at a table, smiling warmly as she looks up, framed by dark wood bookshelves. Right: The groom sits at the same table, laughing as he signs the marriage register.
Diptych: Left: The newlyweds walk hand-in-hand down the aisle, surrounded by clapping guests. The bride holds a bouquet and smiles softly. Right: A black-and-white capture of the same moment, the couple gazing at each other with affection as they exit the ceremony space.
Guests clapping their hands in congratulations; sharing joyful embraces.
A close-up of old leather-bound books in the library shelves, prominently featuring titles like Fraser on Husband and Wife.
The couple stands in front of the fireplace of the New Library at RCPE (Edinburgh wedding).
The bride sits gracefully holding her bouquet while the groom stands beside her, his hand resting lightly on hers - bathed in soft light in a richly paneled room filled with historic portraits.
Diptych: Left: A framed black-and-white print of a historic scene depicting a doctor and patients, adding to the vintage character of the venue. Right: A joyful moment as the bride and groom embrace, smiling broadly at each other in a tender, candid moment.

Strolling through New Town: charming photo spots

After the vows were sealed (and confetti thrown!), it was time for portraits around town. One advantage of a New Town wedding is immediate access to charming historic streets that feel intimate and secluded. We wandered through cobbled alleys and crescents only minutes from the venue, capturing the newlyweds against some iconic Edinburgh backdrops.

Circus Lane was a highlight – a tucked-away cobbled mews lined with flower boxes and ivy-clad walls. It’s a local hidden gem (often seen on Instagram) that provided a perfect quiet moment for the couple to walk hand-in-hand, savoring their first moments as husband and wife. Despite being in the middle of the city, we encountered almost no one else there.

Just around the corner in Stockbridge, we stopped by the Old Stockbridge Market archway. This grand stone arch – inscribed with “Butcher Meat, Fruit & Poultry” – is actually a relic of a 19th-century market that operated here from 1825 until the early 1900s.

Throughout the photo walk, the atmosphere remained relaxed and fun – there was no rush or strict schedule – we had the freedom to meander through New Town’s lanes, stop for coffee, and truly enjoy the city. The bride even swapped her heels for comfy flats during the stroll, proving that practical choices can be stylish too (no one sees the shoes under a long dress in photos, after all!).

Photography Tip: If you plan on city portraits, consider the timing. Weekdays or off-peak hours mean quieter streets. This couple married in early spring, so by late afternoon the streets were fairly calm and the light was soft – ideal for photos. And don’t forget to bring a warm cover-up (like the bride’s faux-fur bolero and cape) for those classic Edinburgh breezes!

A bride in a flowing white gown with lace-trimmed sleeves walks hand-in-hand with her groom, dressed in a dark brown tweed suit. They stroll down a narrow cobblestone lane lined with stone cottages and greenery.
The bride and groom stand closely on a quiet street, holding hands and gazing at each other with joyful smiles.
The bride and groom walk along a city sidewalk, arm in arm.
The bride and groom walk hand-in-hand beneath the historic stone arch of Stockbridge Market. The arch bears the inscription “STOCKBRIDGE MARKET BUTCHER MEAT FRUITS FISH & POULTRY.”
A view of St Anthony's Chapel ruins perched on a grassy hill, surrounded by yellow wild gorse.
A couple dressed in wedding attire walking along a grassy trail beside a lake; the bride wears a plaid shawl and hiking boots, and the groom holds a bouquet.
The couple kissing in front of the stone ruins of a medieval chapel ruins, with yellow flowers blurred in the foreground and a cityscape in the distance.
Two close-up portraits of the couple smiling at each other, sharing a tender moment near the stone ruins.
The couple standing together by the ancient stone structure of St Anthony's Chapel, the bride’s long train flowing behind her, with the city skyline in the background.
A black-and-white photo of the couple walking hand in hand, the groom carrying the bouquet, their expressions calm and reflective.
The couple walking along a narrow trail lined with blooming yellow bushes, and standing together at the edge of a lake with birds flying past and the chapel ruins visible on the hill behind them.

A Secret Herb Garden reception

After soaking in the city vibes, the party moved to a completely different setting for the evening: The Secret Herb Garden, on the outskirts of Edinburgh. About a 20-minute drive from the New Town, this venue is a hidden horticultural haven – part herb nursery, part greenhouse café, and part gin distillery – nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills. It’s one of Edinburgh’s quirkiest wedding venues, offering a rural, bohemian atmosphere while still being close to the city.

At the Secret Herb Garden, the guests were treated to a glasshouse reception among twinkling fairy lights and lush green plants. Long rustic tables were set up inside the tall glass conservatory, decorated with botanical touches and vintage books (a subtle continuation of the literary theme). The laid-back vibe here was the perfect contrast to the formal library setting from earlier – giving the couple the best of both worlds on their wedding day.

Some practical notes about this venue: it’s typically available for weddings from May through September (exclusive use from 4pm), with outdoor ceremony options in the gardens and indoor space for up to 80 guests in the glasshouse. In this case, since the legal ceremony was already done in town, the Secret Herb Garden served purely as a reception venue – a place to dine, drink, and dance under a canopy of vines and Edison bulbs. Local seasonal produce took center stage in the dinner menu (the venue grows many of its own herbs and veggies), and of course, there was plenty of craft gin to go around from the on-site distillery! For music, the couple kept things acoustic (the venue doesn’t allow amplified DJs, but a folk duo strumming, a guitarist or a cellist in the corner set a wonderful mood).

The reception was informal and intimate – think laughter over a family-style meal, the couple sneaking kisses in the herb garden at sunset, and guests mingling like it was a cozy backyard gathering. Instead of a huge cake cutting, they had a small homemade cake adorned with pressed flowers, and desserts were simple bites from the venue’s bakery. Every detail was in tune with the venue’s natural, unfussy spirit.

Why a two-location wedding? It gave this couple a chance to experience both the historic city charm they loved and the whimsical garden party atmosphere for their dinner. If you adore multiple settings and can’t choose, this is a great approach – just be sure to plan the logistics (transportation, timing, etc.) so that guests enjoy a smooth transition from one location to the other.

A rustic wooden and green-painted garden shed with large windows and a wooden door, with “Gardens” and “Distillery” signs on the roof trim; a small pine tree and planters decorate the front
Secret Herb Garden wedding reception in Edinburgh - left: A green wooden bakery building with a sign reading “The Secret Garden Bakery,” bordered by a bed of tulips and daffodils. Right: A simple two-tier wedding cake with greenery decoration on a wooden table surrounded by wildflowers.
A close-up of a rustic wooden table set for dinner, with lit taper candles, glassware, and small vases of pink flowers.
A collage showing the bride in conversation, smiling and holding a drink, surrounded by guests inside a warmly lit venue during Secret Herb Garden wedding reception in Edinburgh.
A portrait of the smiling bride and groom standing together among greenery and hanging lights in the garden.
Left: The bride and groom walking through a greenhouse with trailing vines overhead; the bride holds her bouquet. Right: A close-up of green leaves inside the greenhouse.
Left: The groom stands with an older couple, all smiling beneath the greenhouse vines. Right: The groom poses with two other men in suits, standing on a garden path.
The bride and groom seated at a wooden table, laughing and smiling during their meal, with a candle in the foreground - Secret Herb Garden wedding celebration.
Left: A glass greenhouse exterior with lights glowing inside, surrounded by flower beds of tulips. Right: A close-up of dark purple tulips in a garden bed.
A row of glass greenhouses at sunset, with warm light reflecting off the glass and autumnal foliage in the foreground.

Tips for planning wour own 2-venue Scottish wedding

Planning a small wedding in Edinburgh (especially one that hops between city and countryside) can be incredibly rewarding.

Here are a few practical tips gleaned from this New Town + Secret Herb Garden celebration:

  • Leverage Weekday or Off-Season Dates: Edinburgh’s popular spots are much quieter on weekdays or in winter months. You’ll have scenic lanes like Circus Lane almost to yourselves for photos, and venues often offer better availability and rates outside peak season. (This couple chose an early spring date — fewer tourists around, but still a chance for mild weather and even spring blossoms.)
  • Getting Ready in Style: Consider renting a historic apartment in the city center for your preparations. Not only is it convenient, but you get a beautiful backdrop for those candid getting-ready shots. Edinburgh has many Georgian and Victorian flats available to hire – high ceilings, big windows and antique furnishings make them photogenic and cozy.
  • Two Venues, One Day: If using separate locations for ceremony and reception, build in a comfortable travel buffer. The Secret Herb Garden, for example, is about 6 miles from central Edinburgh (roughly a 15–20 minute taxi ride). Providing a shuttle or coordinated transport for guests keeps everyone relaxed. Also, schedule your ceremony early enough (e.g. around midday) so you have time for a leisurely photo walk and can arrive at the second venue by late afternoon when hire startswildlingweddings.com.
  • Dress for the Setting: With multiple venues and outdoor photos, plan your attire accordingly. Sturdy but stylish footwear (block heels or flats) for cobblestones, a wrap or jacket for sudden chills, and outfits that you can move in will all make your day more comfortable. This bride’s cape and later her faux-fur shrug were lifesavers when the breeze picked up – and looked fabulous in photos. The groom’s tweed suit was warm enough for evening outdoors and fit both the elegant library and rustic greenhouse settings perfectly.
  • Personalize with Passion: Don’t be afraid to let your interests steer the theme. Love books? Incorporate them into your venue choice (hello, library!), decor, or even your vows. Adore plants and nature? An enchanted greenhouse or garden venue could be ideal. This wedding felt so “them” because every element – from the literary ceremony readings to the botanical table settings – reflected things the couple genuinely love. Those personal touches are what make an intimate wedding truly memorable.

In the end, this Edinburgh wedding struck a beautiful balance between urban and rural, historic and natural, elegant and easygoing. It’s a wonderful blueprint for couples who dream of a small, meaningful celebration with character. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of New Town’s Georgian splendor or the magic of a secret garden on the city’s edge, you really can have both.

Take inspiration from the tweed-clad groom and his cape-wearing bride – dare to mix styles and locations to create a day that feels like just like you have always imagined.

Get in touch here and let’s start dreaming up something wonderful (and vintage) together. And if you’re hunting for ideas, my Edinburgh Elopement Guide is packed with tips and hidden gems.

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