Sunset Edinburgh wedding at St Anthony’s Chapel ruins

Ready for a whirlwind of romance, cobblestones, and that famous Scottish charm? Let me whisk you away to Brooke and Zach’s lovely St Anthony’s Chapel ruins wedding day in Edinburgh.

They flew in all the way from the US, deciding to skip the typical “getting ready” photos and instead jump straight into the action. We met in Dean Village (yes, that picture-perfect spot you’ve probably seen all over Instagram), and let me tell you, their St Anthony’s Chapel wedding vow exchange was even more magical to witness in person.

Exploring Edinburgh in true autumn style

First up: Dean Village, a hidden gem in the city’s New Town where historical buildings line the Water of Leith. The atmosphere in November is delightfully cosy, especially with the vibrant autumn foliage. If you’re after those warm, romantic shots, this is a must-stop on your wedding day photography tour.

We then wandered over to Circus Lane, arguably one of the cutest streets in Edinburgh, dotted with charming mews houses, ivy-covered walls, and more fall colour to die for. And because it wouldn’t be a proper Edinburgh adventure without capturing some Old Town magic, we headed straight for the famous Vennel Steps, offering one of the best castle views in the city. Strolling by New College next, Brooke and Zach really soaked up that classic old-world atmosphere. Think grand stone buildings, arched entrances, and a dash of that distinctly Scottish vibe.

Wedding vows with a view at St Anthony’s Chapel ruins

As the sun began its slow descent, we made our way to Holyrood Park for Brooke and Zach’s private vow exchange at the St Anthony’s Chapel ruins. Now, if you’ve never seen these ancient ruins at sunset, you’re in for a real treat. Historic crumbling stone walls bathed in warm golden light, perched high above Edinburgh with sweeping views of the skyline and the sea beyond.

Before the ceremony kicked off, Brooke and Zach played a quick game of rock paper scissors to decide who would go first (and yes, the giggles were abundant). Their vows were short, sweet, and packed with emotion – so much so that there may have been a tear or two. They finished up with a celebratory sip of whisky, Scottish style, beneath the chapel arches. It was a brilliantly memorable moment, truly capturing why an outdoor wedding in Edinburgh can be so special.

A wide view of Dean Village’s historic stone buildings by the Water of Leith, featuring an arch bridge and a church spire in the distance on an overcast autumn day
Collage of images: Left: Bride in a long-sleeved white gown and groom in a checked suit crouching to pet a small black cat near the river. Centre: Close-up of the bride’s hand wearing a silver wedding ring, with the bride’s fingertips and part of her dress visible. Right: Another detail wedding ring shot
Bride and groom standing close together on the riverbank, the bride in a modern white dress holding a bouquet of white roses, and the groom in a checked suit. Picturesque red-roofed Edinburgh architecture of Dean Village is visible behind them
The couple walking hand in hand beside the river, smiling at each other against a backdrop of autumn foliage and historic Edinburgh stone buildings in Dean Village
Two-image collage: Left: The bride and groom walking under Dean Bridge holding hands. Right: The couple strolling away from the camera on the cobblestones of Circus Lane, with a tall church tower in the background.
Bride and groom walking side by side down Circus Lane. She wears a fitted white dress while he’s in a dark checked suit, with autumn leaves and the church clock tower framing the scene.
Collage of images: Left: The couple laughing and exchanging a warm glance while walking down the lane, the bride carrying a white rose bouquet. Right: A closer shot of them embracing, gently leaning in as if about to kiss, with the groom’s hand around the bride’s waist.
A tall stone church tower viewed through branches of autumn foliage
Collage: left image showing a close-up of yellow leaves against a grey stone wall, emphasising the deep autumn tones. Right: Another detailed shot of golden leaves on a small tree outside an Edinburgh stone building, capturing the seasonal colours.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss with Edinburgh Castle perched on the rocky crag in the background. The groom gently holds the bride’s face, and the bride’s arms rest around his shoulders.
Two side-by-side shots: on the left, the bride stands gazing upwards while holding a bouquet of white roses and greenery; on the right, the groom looks off to the side with a broad smile. Edinburgh Castle looms behind them in both images
The bride and groom embrace along the iconic Vennel Steps, with the castle standing prominently behind them
A side-by-side collage: left image is a close-up of golden autumn leaves, and the right image shows Edinburgh Castle framed by vibrant orange and yellow foliage
The couple hugging beneath a traditional lamp post in a stone-walled courtyard. The bride’s white gown contrasts with the groom’s checked suit, and tall historic buildings tower above them
Two images: on the left, the bride grins as the groom kisses her cheek, both looking relaxed and happy. The right image focuses on the top side of Writer's Museum off the Royal Mile
A wide-angle view of a grand courtyard of Edinburgh New College with imposing stone towers and spires. The bride and groom stand at the base of a sweeping staircase, appearing small against the dramatic backdrop
A collage: on the left, the bride rests her head on the groom’s shoulder while they sit on stone steps, both looking peaceful. On the right, a close-up of the bride’s hands on the groom’s arm, highlighting her sapphire engagement ring and his wristwatch
Two images: the left shows the couple kissing on a stone staircase beside a large wooden door, with the bride’s arms wrapped around the groom. The right image is a view of Edinburgh’s skyline featuring the Scott Monument and surrounding buildings under renovation, framed by autumn trees
The bride, wrapped in a checked coat and scarf, hikes up a grassy slope in Holyrood Park with bare feet, while the groom follows behind carrying her white rose bouquet. Edinburgh’s skyline and St Margaret’s Loch are in the background, framed by autumn foliage
Bride and groom mid-hike, the groom pausing behind her with a slight smile, bouquet in hand, surrounded by autumn trees and city views. Bride grinning barefoot and holding her dress
Two side-by-side shots of the couple laughing and playfully gesturing “rock, paper, scissors” amidst the weathered stone walls of St Anthony’s Chapel ruins. The bride’s long-sleeved white gown contrasts with the groom’s grey checked suit.
A sweeping shot of the partially standing stone chapel on the hillside, with the bride and groom at its centre. Edinburgh spreads out below them, from the green fields of Holyrood Park to the distant waters of the Firth of Forth - St Anthony's Chapel ruins wedding in Edinburgh
Collage of images - Left: The groom in a checked suit reading from a small notebook, while the bride, wrapped in a muted tartan shawl, leans in to listen. Right (black and white): A close-up of the groom’s face, smiling softly as he continues to speak his vows, the bride blurred in the foreground.
Bride laughing through tears whilst listening to the groom reading his personal wedding vows - St Anthony's Chapel ruins wedding in Edinburgh
A close-up of the bride’s expression as she listens to the groom’s vows, her eyes welling with tears and a gentle smile on her lips. She’s draped in a tartan shawl over her white dress.
The groom reads from a small vow book, and the bride bursts into laughter, hugging her shawl close against the chilly breeze - St Anthony's Chapel ruins wedding in Edinburgh
The groom stands in front of a stone arch, smiling broadly with arms loosely crossed. The bride, wrapped in a tartan shawl, holds a slip of paper with her vows. They’re framed by the ancient chapel ruins
The newly married couple shares a tender kiss against a rocky hillside after the wedding vow exchange. The bride wears a white gown and shawl, while the groom is in a charcoal plaid suit
The bride and groom excitedly hold up two small booklets labeled ‘Hers’ and ‘His.’ They both smile and gesture playfully at the camera in front of the ruins
The couple toasts with miniature whisky bottles, standing together near a stone ruin. The groom holds a small bottle in one hand, and the bride reacts with an amusing grimace after tasting.
Seated on a rock, the barefoot bride laughs as the groom carefully checks her foot. She is still in her wedding gown and shawl, and he leans down in his suit to help
The bride and groom embrace in front of a weathered stone arch. The groom wears a dark plaid suit and the bride a sleek white dress, with a tartan shawl around her shoulders
With arms wrapped around the groom’s shoulders, the bride is lifted off the ground, smiling brightly as the groom holds her. They stand in front of an ancient stone structure of St Anthony's Chapel ruins
A wide view of a historic ruins of St Anthony's Chapel on a hillside, with the city and sea in the background. The newlyweds stand at the base of the structure, embracing closely

Weddings at St Anthony’s Chapel ruins: what to expect

St Anthony’s Chapel sits in Holyrood Park, so you’ll need a small but steep 5–10 minute hike to get there. Times vary depending on your footwear and fitness, but don’t worry—there’s no rush! You can take it at your own pace, and I’ll be more than happy to guide you if you book me as your Edinburgh wedding photographer. The path can be a bit rocky and covered in gravel, so you might want to bring trainers or Doc Martens for the walk up, then switch to your fancy shoes once you arrive.

Or, if you’re feeling extra brave like Brooke, you can attempt it barefoot (though I recommend bringing plasters and wet wipes just in case!).

Because the chapel overlooks the city, the light at sunrise or sunset is spectacular, giving your ceremony a dreamy, intimate feel. Early mornings and late evenings also mean fewer tourists, so you’ll have a bit more privacy for exchanging vows. That said, St Anthony’s Chapel is easily accessible, so you could still bump into a few friendly visitors. Plus, it’s quite a popular spot for outdoor ceremonies, so book a local Edinburgh wedding photographer who can coordinate with any other couples (or manage the snap-happy tourists) to avoid any clashes.

Planning on taking a taxi or Uber? Ask your driver to drop you at Duke’s Walk car park, just off Queens Drive (you can find it here). Trust me, this is the most convenient starting point as it will lead you to St Anthony’s Chapel up a mostly paved path.

When it’s time to head back down, watch your step, especially if the light is fading or you’ve swapped back into wedding heels. No one wants a twisted ankle on their wedding day!

Please note: a legal wedding at St Anthony’s Chapel ruins will require a permit from Historic Environment Scotland.

Plan your own Holyrood Park outdoor wedding

Whether you’re a local looking for the perfect historic setting, or you’re jetting in from afar like these two lovebirds, an Edinburgh elopement might just be the best decision you ever make.

Let’s climb those craggy hills of Holyrood Park, bask in the sunset glow, and raise a wee dram to celebrate your happily-ever-after – Scottish style! And explore more of the Edinburgh weddings I photographed recently here.

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