Planning an Edinburgh Wedding for Two
06.10.21
Introduction
Whether you’re eloping from abroad or planning an intimate ceremony closer to home, weddings that are just you and your partner are a really meaningful and romantic way to tie the knot. With our historic wedding venues, the smaller rooms with incredible period features are ideal for having that intimate moment in a venue whose walls hold hundreds of years’ worth of stories.
Riddle’s Court is right in the heart of Edinburgh and represents everything the city is about, with 400 years of aristocrats’ residences and University accommodation leaving their mark on the walls. It is ideal for travelling in and is accessible from different hotels in the area, right at the head of the Royal Mile. It is perfect for public transport or taxi drop off, or even if you’re just walking up the road – but even though it is so central, it is set back from the Royal Mile. When you enter the courtyards it is a calming oasis in the centre of the bustling city streets – we can’t even begin to describe the peaceful feeling of your own space and overlooking the activity on Victoria Street below. It feels like you’re in another world that is just you and your partner.
At Riddle’s Court, we recommend the Seton Room for an elopement or smaller ceremony, with its romantic window booths perfect for signing the register or relaxing with a glass of champagne.
At Custom House in Leith you can exchange vows right on the Shore or in one of our ground floor rooms overlooking the Water of Leith. Take some time to explore the grand staircase and picturesque archways, before popping to one of Leith’s many boutique restaurants for a celebratory meal and drink.
Decoration
When it comes to planning a wedding that’s just the two of you, things are a little more straightforward than organising dozens of guests. It is entirely up to you how extravagant you go with decoration. Riddle’s Court’s nature lends itself to providing stunning character, and the period features do a lot of talking for themselves. At Custom House, you can keep it plain and simple or you can DIY-decorate to your heart’s content. If you do have a budget then you can do very little and let their grandeur shine through. However, both can also take a lot of luxurious decoration as well if your budget is stretching to big flower arrangements!
Claire Juliet Paton Duke Photography Claire Juliet Paton Duke Photography Mirrorbox Photo Duke Photography
There are lots of options in terms of decoration and what your vision for the day might be. Venues often have a lot of their own bits and pieces to supplement any decoration you’d like to bring in – ask them what you can use, and in most instances there’ll be plenty for you to have a go at.
Guests and witnesses
Even if you are wanting to keep your wedding small, of course you’re more than welcome to bring your own guests as witnesses, but if you would like to keep it very intimate then our Events Team are more than happy to act as witnesses. Why not also ask a photographer to act as a witness so you can capture the day but it’s still just as intimate? Otherwise our Events team are happy to capture it on a phone for some amateur photos. For more information on getting the legalities sorted, you can find a wealth of information via the City of Edinburgh Council.
Still interested in involving your family and friends? Consider live-streaming your ceremony or getting your family to write down advice for marriage or notes of love for you to read as part of the ceremony or in your own time.
Photo opportunities
Remember to take some photos around Edinburgh as well – whether you have your photographer or a member of the Events Team, there are lots of fantastic opportunities that are local to Riddle’s Court, such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Victoria Street. If you’re down the road at Custom House, make the most of the magical Water of Leith and have some industrial-style photography in front of the eclectic array of boats. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can also travel further afield – or climb Arthur’s Seat or explore Craigmillar Castle for some truly Scottish backdrops.
Boy Called Ben Photography Littles and Loves by Francesca Claire Juliet Paton David Ruff Photography Littles and Loves by Francesca
Spend the night together
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or are local to Edinburgh, make the most of your time together by extending your stay and using our luxury apartment, the King’s Chamber at Riddle’s Court, as your honeymoon suite.
Our Venues
Riddle’s Court
If you are wishing to exchange vows in an atmospheric historic setting, Riddle’s Court’s captivating painted ceilings, grand rooms, and romantic courtyards offer a truly unique venue.
Custom House
Custom House, one of Leith’s most distinctive Georgian buildings, is the perfect blank canvas for the DIY wedding of your dreams in Edinburgh.
Strathleven House
Strathleven House, a Palladian mansion near Loch Lomond, allows you to make the most of its stunning grounds for a memorable celebration.
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