A Guide to Edinburgh Wedding Photography
Wedding Photography at The Balmoral, Edinburgh
Edinburgh Wedding Photography: Capturing Your Big Day in Scotland’s Capital
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Edinburgh offers one of the most enchanting backdrops for your wedding day. From iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle to the Old Town's cobbled streets and Holyrood Park's lush greenery, the city provides endless possibilities for creating timeless wedding memories. As a professional wedding photographer, I’m passionate about capturing the beauty of Edinburgh and the love story of each couple I work with.
Whether planning an intimate elopement, a grand celebration, or a relaxed family gathering, Edinburgh’s diverse venues and stunning scenery make it an unforgettable location for your wedding. In this blog, I’ll share insights into Edinburgh wedding photography, highlight some of the city’s best venues, and explain how my natural storytelling approach ensures your wedding day is beautifully preserved.
Why Choose Edinburgh for Your Wedding
Edinburgh is a city like no other, combining historic charm with modern elegance. Couples who choose Edinburgh for their wedding are often drawn to its breathtaking scenery, romantic atmosphere, and unique urban and natural beauty mix. Here are just a few reasons why Edinburgh is a dream wedding destination.
Historic Venues: From the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle to the historic Signet Library, the city is filled with venues that exude character and charm. For couples looking for something more contemporary, stylish boutique hotels and modern event spaces blend seamlessly with the city’s timeless appeal.
Stunning Scenery: Edinburgh offers a variety of beautiful backdrops for your wedding photos, including the rugged beauty of Arthur’s Seat, the peaceful ambiance of the Royal Botanic Garden, and the dramatic skyline of the city itself.
Romantic Atmosphere: The cobbled streets, hidden closes, and historic landmarks create a sense of romance and intimacy, perfect for a wedding celebration.
Accessibility: As Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is well-connected, making it easy for guests to travel to your wedding. With an international airport and excellent rail and road links, getting to Edinburgh is convenient for guests from near or far.
Wedding at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh
My Approach to Edinburgh Wedding Photography
Every wedding is unique, and my goal as a wedding photographer is to capture the moments that make your day special. My natural and storytelling-focused style allows me to document your wedding as it unfolds, capturing genuine emotions and candid interactions.
Getting to Know You: Before your wedding day, I take the time to get to know you as a couple. We’ll discuss your vision for the day, your preferred style of photography, and any specific shots or moments that are especially important to you. This personal connection helps me create images that reflect your personality and relationship.
Capturing the Atmosphere: Edinburgh’s unique charm provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. I focus on capturing not just the big moments, like your vows and first dance, but also the smaller details that make your day unique—your carefully chosen decor, the laughter of your guests, and the intimate glances shared between you and your partner.
Blending in Seamlessly: On your wedding day, I work discreetly to capture natural, authentic moments without disrupting the flow of events. Whether it’s the excitement of getting ready, the emotion of the ceremony, or the energy of the dance floor, I’ll be there to document it all.
The Hub on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
Edinburgh Wedding Venues: Something for Everyone
Edinburgh is home to a wide variety of wedding venues, each with unique charm; here are a few examples:
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
With its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere, this venue is ideal for outdoor ceremonies surrounded by nature’s beauty.
The Caves
This atmospheric underground venue in Edinburgh’s Old Town offers a dramatic and unconventional space for couples seeking something unique.
Dundas Castle
This magnificent castle near South Queensferry combines historic elegance with stunning grounds, ideal for a fairytale wedding.
Hopetoun House
One of Scotland’s finest stately homes, this grand venue offers breathtaking architecture and sprawling grounds for a truly regal celebration.
The Balmoral Hotel
Located in the city's heart, this iconic hotel offers timeless elegance and five-star service, perfect for luxurious urban weddings.
Royal College of Physicians
This venue blends historic architecture with contemporary style, offering a central Edinburgh location and a grand yet modern ambiance.
Norton House Hotel & Spa
Norton House Hotel & Spa, located just outside Edinburgh, is a stunning country house wedding venue that combines historic charm with modern luxury. Surrounded by 55 acres of lush grounds, it offers grand indoor spaces and picturesque outdoor settings, making it ideal for ceremonies and receptions of all sizes.
Norton House Hotel Wedding, Edinburgh
Top Spots for Edinburgh Wedding Photos
One of the highlights of having your wedding in Edinburgh is the opportunity to capture stunning photos in and around the city. Here are some of my favourite locations for wedding portraits.
Calton Hill: With panoramic city views and iconic landmarks like the Dugald Stewart Monument, Calton Hill is a popular spot for breathtaking photos. Arthur’s Seat: This ancient volcano provides a dramatic backdrop for outdoor portraits. The rugged beauty of the hill contrasts beautifully with the elegance of wedding attire.
Victoria Street: Known for its colourful buildings and charming atmosphere, Victoria Street is perfect for fun and vibrant shots.
Dean Village: This picturesque area, with its historic architecture and tranquil setting along the Water of Leith, is a romantic choice for photos.
The Meadows: For a relaxed and natural vibe, The Meadows offers open green spaces that are ideal for capturing candid moments.
Arthur’s Seat: is a stunning and dramatic backdrop for wedding photographs. Its rugged landscape and panoramic views over Edinburgh offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Edinburgh Wedding Photography
Pre-Wedding Photography in Edinburgh
In addition to wedding day photography, I offer pre-wedding or engagement photo sessions, a fantastic way to celebrate your love story while creating beautiful, meaningful images. These sessions are more relaxed than the wedding day, allowing us to capture genuine moments reflecting your personality and relationship. Pre-wedding sessions in Edinburgh allow us to explore the city together, visit your favourite spots and uncover hidden gems.
From a romantic stroll along the Royal Mile to quiet moments in the serene Botanic Garden or dramatic shots atop Calton Hill, these sessions are tailored to your style. South Queensferry is another favourite location, offering breathtaking views of Edinburgh’s iconic bridges, perfect for unique and striking photographs. Whether you are looking for vibrant urban backdrops or natural landscapes, these sessions provide a fun, creative, and memorable experience as you prepare for your big day.
Tips for Planning Your Edinburgh Wedding
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but here are some tips to help make the process smoother. Book Early: Edinburgh is a popular wedding destination, so securing your venue and photographer as early as possible is important. Consider the Weather: Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies and photos. Incorporate Scottish Traditions: Adding elements like a bagpiper, ceilidh dancing, or tartan details can make your wedding even more memorable. Allow Time for Photos: Schedule time during the day to take portraits at your chosen locations. These images will become some of your most treasured memories.
Why Choose Me as Your Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions for your wedding. With years of experience and a deep love for Edinburgh, I’m committed to capturing your day with creativity, professionalism, and care. I understand that your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I aim to create a collection of images you’ll cherish forever. From the big moments to the little details, I’ll ensure every aspect of your day is beautifully documented.
Let’s Create Your Wedding Memories
Edinburgh is a city of romance, beauty, and history—the perfect place to begin your married life. As your wedding photographer, I’ll work with you to create stunning, authentic images that reflect your love story and the unique charm of your day. If you’re planning your wedding in Edinburgh, get in touch to discuss how I can help make your day unforgettable. Let’s capture the magic together.
About Paul Saunders
Paul Saunders is an experienced wedding and portrait photographer. Based in Loch Lomond, Paul photographs weddings, families, and celebrations throughout Scotland; he also runs photography training courses in Loch Lomond, teaching camera skills and techniques to take better pictures. Check his photo/guidebook, '101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs'. Call or message Paul on 07810 481426.
