Scottish National Portrait Gallery Wedding in Edinburgh

Jess and Connor chose Edinburgh for their intimate wedding, bringing along their adorable baby girl, Maggie, for a truly special celebration. They opted for a straightforward, no-fuss ceremony at the Wee Neuk of City Chambers, making it official in a simple yet meaningful way. Their primary focus for the day, however, was photography – capturing the beauty of Edinburgh’s historic charm and dramatic autumnal atmosphere, which is why they opted for an Edinburgh elopement package which did not include ceremony coverage.

Their Scottish National Portrait Gallery wedding photos turned out not only wildly romantic – but also magical (talk about starry ceilings!). As Edinburgh wedding photographer I consider it so special when couples have a completely new location in mind for their photos and can get creative!

Exploring Edinburgh’s Iconic Locations

To make the most of their wedding day, we explored some of the iconic locations in Edinburgh’s Old Town. From the Vennel Steps, with its breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle, to the cobbled charm of the Royal Mile and the striking Assembly Steps at New College.

The autumnal colors and gorgeous soft light, historic stone buildings, and the crisp Halloween air made for a stunningly atmospheric shoot.

The highlight of their wedding photography experience was the Scottish National Portrait Gallery – one of the most unique and visually stunning venues in Edinburgh. Located on Queen Street, this neo-Gothic masterpiece is a hidden gem for wedding photography, offering a regal and timeless aesthetic. Which is why – the moment I discovered this location as wedding photographer in Edinburgh – it quickly became my favourite.

The gallery’s intricate sandstone façades, grand archways, and classy red-brick interiors create an unparalleled backdrop for couples looking for something extraordinary. The Great Hall’s zodiacal ceiling adds an extra layer of elegance.

And did you know that this masterpiece showcases over 2000 golden stars and approximately 47 constellations? It makes The Scottish National Portrait Gallery Great Hall an ideal spot for stargazing – rain or shine. It almost does sound like an unmissable spot if one of the reasons why you decided to marry in Edinburgh was that the city massively inspired Harry Potter – both books and cinematography!

One of the best things about choosing the Scottish National Portrait Gallery for wedding photos is its indoor setting, which offers a perfect escape from Scotland’s unpredictable weather.

Whether it’s pouring rain or chilly winds outside, the gallery provides a warm, sheltered, and atmospheric location where couples can fully enjoy their photoshoot without any stress. For Jess and Connor, it was an ideal way to balance Edinburgh’s rich outdoor scenery with the elegance of an indoor masterpieces of art – creating a wedding album that was both diverse and stunningly cinematic.

For more information about The Scottish National Portrait Gallery see the website.

Bride and groom and their little baby stand closely in front of the City Chambers in Edinburgh after their wedding ceremony
A newlywed couple walks hand in hand along a charming stone pathway, with the groom playfully carrying their child. The bride, in a simple white dress
A couple and their child pose on a scenic stairway with Edinburgh Castle towering in the background. The groom holds the child while the bride stands beside them
A picturesque view of Edinburgh Castle perched atop its rocky hill, framed by charming old buildings and a vintage lamppost
The newlyweds shares a romantic kiss on historic Vennel Steps by the Grassmarket, framed by old stone buildings and lush greenery, with Edinburgh Castle majestically overlooking the scene
A newlywed couple shares a romantic moment on a picturesque Edinburgh street, with the historic Edinburgh Castle in the background. In one image, the groom lifts the bride in an embrace, while in the other, they share a passionate kiss, surrounded by autumnal foliage
A newlywed couple sits together in a cosy Edinburgh café, gazing out with soft smiles
The couple enjoys a quiet moment at an outdoor café, toasting with coffee
A heartwarming scene of the couple enjoying their time outside a cozy café, as their baby interacts with a friendly passerby. The couple shares a loving glance
The newlywed couple dances on a grand staircase of the Edinburgh New College in front of historic wooden doors, surrounded by towering stone walls
A romantic moment as the couple shares a kiss at the bottom of the Assembly Steps
The couple walks hand in hand through the historic New College, groom kisses the bride on the forehead
A close-up of the ornate "New College" sign, featuring intricate floral detailing and a historic crest, set against the textured stone walls of the University of Edinburgh
Bride and groom share an intimate embrace on the grand staircase of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh
The couple walks hand in hand through a scenic autumn park, with the majestic Scott Monument rising in the background. Golden leaves frame the historic landmark
A newlywed couple walks hand in hand through the grand halls of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery - Scottish National Portrait Gallery Wedding in Edinburgh
The couple shares an intimate moment of embrace in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A romantic embrace between the newlyweds, standing along the ornate balcony of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The soft light filters through stained glass windows. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Wedding in Edinburgh
The couple stands beneath the beautifully painted ceiling of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery with golden stars and celestial designs overhead. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Wedding photos
The groom tenderly kisses the bride’s forehead as they stand against the backdrop of the gallery’s grand design
The bride twirls gracefully while the groom stands nearby, both surrounded by intricate murals and towering gothic arches
Wide angle photo of the newlyweds standing beneath the ornate clock of the Tolbooth Tavern
A close-up of the iconic clock tower of the Tolbooth Tavern on the Royal Mile, surrounded by autumn foliage
The couple embraces in front of the Tolbooth Tavern, a historic Edinburgh pub on Royal Mile
The groom twirls the bride outside the Tolbooth Tavern on the Royal Mile, her white dress flowing gracefully
A scenic view of Edinburgh’s gothic and historic architecture, including a striking shot of the Scott Monument framed by the surrounding cityscape

Making Your Wedding day Baby-Friendly

A key part of Jess and Connor’s day was ensuring that baby Maggie was included without feeling overwhelmed. Thanks to their two wonderful guests who acted as witnesses, they had an extra set of hands to help with Maggie when we were busy capturing couple portraits. Having trusted guests or a designated helper is a fantastic way to ensure that your little one is cared for while still being part of the special moments.

If you’re planning an elopement or wedding with a little baby, here are some tips to make it as stress-free as possible:

  • Bring a stroller or baby carrier – Ideal for transitioning between locations without tiring them out.
  • Have an extra pair of hands on deck – Whether it’s a family member, friend, or even a hired nanny, having someone to look after your baby allows you to enjoy your day.
  • Pack essentials – Extra snacks, toys, and warm layers are a must to keep them happy and comfortable.
  • Choose a child-friendly venue – Indoor locations offer a controlled environment where little ones can be comfortable while still being part of the celebration.

Unforgettable Edinburgh celebration

Jess and Connor’s Halloween elopement in Edinburgh was everything they dreamed of – intimate, romantic, and visually stunning. Their decision to prioritise photography gave them a breathtaking collection of images that perfectly captured the spirit of the city and their love for each other.

Thinking of planning your own wedding in Edinburgh? Dive into an abundance of resources about wedding and elopement planning here, and afterwards don’t forget to send me a message!

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