Heather and Daniel decided to get married in the middle of winter in a beautiful little private garden in Stockbridge, surrounded by their closest family.
Tucked behind a honey-stone townhouse, the walled garden felt like a secret square: gravel paths, box-hedge borders and an apple tree that still carried late-summer fruit. The couple loved the idea of saying vows where birdsong could replace traffic noise – yet still minutes from their favourite pub if they decided to get a pint afterwards!
Outdoor ceremony at a private garden in Stockbridge
Heather and Daniel never pictured themselves in a grand ballroom. What they wanted was warmth—fireside chatter, dogs snuffling under trestle tables, mulled wine warming cold hands. A walled garden behind their friend’s Georgian townhouse in Stockbridge offered exactly that: cedar trees strung with festoon bulbs, gravel paths edged in box hedge, and an old brick bothy ready to double as a bar.
Their small Edinburgh wedding was cosy and intimate. The beautiful house decoration added Christmas feels to the wedding – Christmas spirit was definitely in the air! The light was soft and beautiful thanks to the clouds in the sky. Therefore I could use my favourite moody style in the photos which Heather was a big fan of.
With just twelve guests circling a small fire-pit, the ceremony felt very cosy. A short reading, two whispered vows and rings passed hand-to-hand; even the family dog seemed to understand the hush. Confetti was replaced by handfuls of rosemary tossed into the flames, releasing a burst of wintery scent as the couple shared their first kiss.
What else? Bonfires, fairy lights, drinks and snacks – and of course dogs. It was a truly perfect small wedding. Additionally, Sonia from Tass Florals created stunning bridal bouquet for the occasion.
After the legalities, the “reception” slid seamlessly into garden lounging. A grazing table held local cheeses, cranberry chutney and mince-pie bites still warm from the oven. Friends topped up enamel mugs with hot cider while two dogs in tartan bow-ties snaffled crumbs underfoot. Bonfire crackle mixed with Christmas jazz leaking from a portable speaker hidden behind a rosemary bush.
Last Wedding of the Season
It was mid-December, the day after Edinburgh’s Christmas lights festival. Soft cloud turned the entire sky into a giant soft-box, perfect for the moody tones Heather loved in my portfolio. The garden smelled of wood-smoke and damp earth; fairy lights blinked in daylight, waiting for dusk to really sparkle.
Ready to Craft Your Own Cosy Celebration?
If bonfires, soft light and tiny guest lists feel like your style, I’d love to help you dream it up. To see broader love stories told by a Scotland wedding photographer, visit my homepage – and get in touch!
Edinburgh wedding photographer
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I can't wait to hear all about your dream elopement day!
I can't wait to hear all about your dream elopement day!