When you think of Scotland, you may find yourself immediately envisioning rolling green hills, lush glens, and sparkling blue lochans–all of which we do have, of course. But did you know that we’ve also got much more than infamous highlands that take you through the winding Scottish countryside?

Our capital city of Edinburgh has just as much to offer to couples dreaming of a Scottish elopement, with access to both sweeping views of spectacular landscapes and enchanting, old city architecture. I’ve put together this guide based on my knowledge + expertise as a local Edinburgh elopement photographer to support you in finding the most beautiful locations in and around Edinburgh for your elopement, as well as a few key planning tips to ensure a stress-free day!

Why you should elope in Edinburgh…

Couple on victoria street during Edinburgh elopement

Steeped in rich history and heritage, Edinburgh holds a special place in my heart. (And not just because I grew up walking these streets.) If you know me, then you know that sharing Scottish culture with couples is my pride and joy; supporting them in their desire to embrace local experiences, include Celtic rituals in their ceremony, and find joy in being off-the-beaten-path—and Edinburgh offers endless opportunities to do just that.

From museums to libraries, art galleries to local festivals, and historic sites that range from dramatic castles to towering cathedrals, you’ll find no shortage of ways to learn about Scottish culture in and around Edinburgh. 

Whether you crave a trek through the wild and rugged land that surrounds Edinburgh, or your ideal elopement looks like the two of you strolling through the city as you admire the gothic architecture + learn about the rich cultural heritage, Edinburgh is the perfect place for an elopement with a beautiful blend of both city life and remote adventure.

When you take a city set amongst crags and hills, boasting massive buildings, towering spires, and romantic, gothic-style architecture, and mix it with really great nature spaces nearby, it’s unsurprising that you’d end up with a city that receives over 4 million visitors each year.

Aside from its medieval architecture, historical draw, and vast landscapes, Edinburgh (and Scotland as a whole) is also incredibly affirming toward couples of all races, genders, faiths, sexual orientations, beliefs. . . meaning you will be welcomed with open arms no matter who you are. You’ll get that friendly, familiar sense of home; that sense of relief that comes with knowing you’re loved, cared for, and embraced even if you’re (technically) far from home. And what better way is there to feel during your elopement than deeply, wholly loved for who you are?

With such an abundance of options and ways to craft your unique day, Edinburgh is undoubtedly a dream come true for couples looking to marry in a way that feels true to them.

Couple dancing in Circus Lane during Edinburgh elopement

Where is Edinburgh?

Travelling to Edinburgh for your small outdoor wedding

Located on the east coast of Scotland, Edinburgh is our capital city bounded by the Firth of Forth to the north and the Pentland Hills to the south. You’ll typically hear of the city as being built on seven hills, including the iconic Arthur’s Seat, Castle Rock, and Blackford Hill, similar to Rome’s seven hills. Fascinatingly, Edinburgh also spreads out over land that’s seen quite a large amount of volcanic activity over the years as well as glacial erosion, which led to the formation of the Salisbury Crags and the deep valley of Nor Loch.

Edinburgh is home to two different areas: the Old Town and the New Town. These two contrasting areas of the city each offer their own unique charm, the Old Town giving a much more medieval type of vibe and the New Town more neoclassical. You’ve likely seen photos of Edinburgh Castle and the Balmoral Clock Tower before; both of those icons are in—you guessed it—the Old Town, where you’ll also find endless nooks and crannies to explore among cobblestone streets, stunning cathedrals and churches, and plenty of cosy pubs + cafes. The New Town is more known for its elegant architecture and grand squares lined with local shops, upscale boutiques, and rows of townhouses, plus the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, which I def recommend popping into if you’re a fan of neo-Gothic artwork created by famous Scots of the past.

How to get to / around Edinburgh for your elopement

By car

During your stay in Edinburgh I would advise against hiring a car as parking is expensive and sparse. It’s a very walkable city . If you need a private transfer, Edinburgh has a strong network of taxis (black taxi cabs are the official ones) and Ubers available. If you need to hire a car for onward travelling then my top tip is to hire a car from outside the city centre (i.e. the airport) as you can avoid the narrow streets and stressful one-way systems of the city whilst you acclimatise.

By coach/bus

Edinburgh has public buses that run 24 hours a day, the two main companies are Lothian and First. Lothian offers the most routes throughout the city on the most frequent basis, whereas First has more routes on the outskirts of the city. Lothian has an unlimited day-use ticket that adults can get for £5, which is a great option for days you’d like to spend exploring the city and relying on public transit.

By train

Edinburgh has two main rail stations: Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket, which lies west of the city centre. Edinburgh Waverley is the biggest station for rail travel across Scotland and can easily take you across the border into England, or to other main Scottish cities.

By plane

Big shocker here, you’ll want to fly into Edinburgh Airport if you’re travelling by plane. Once you’ve arrived, there are a few methods of transport you can use to get to your accommodations in the city: the Airlink bus (service 100), buses  35 and N22, or Edinburgh Trams which all run between the airport and the city.

Getting around on your Edinburgh elopement day

Bus going back couple during Edinburgh elopement

Where is the best place to elope in Edinburgh?

Tips for choosing your Edinburgh elopement location

As your Edinburgh elopement photographer, it’s my job to help you not only find all sorts of beautiful places to elope, but to help you choose which one is right for you. It’s my job to support you in finding a place that makes you feel alive, that makes you crave adventure and seek it out whatever that may mean to you and your relationship; a place that’s just as unique and beautiful as you are (as cheesy as that may sound). 

The first thing I’ll do as your photographer is send you a wee questionnaire to help us get to know each other a bit better, and to give me a feel for what type of location you are envisioning. I like to tell my couples that different locations serve different purposes—certain places may be best geared toward ceremonies, while others may be better for an adventure later on in the day. Don’t fret about knowing this on your own, I’ll provide you with a list of which locations are ideal for ceremonies and which for adventures!

An important thing to know about eloping in Edinburgh is that many of the outdoor options require permissions or permits, unlike many other outdoor locations in Scotland that you’ll find further away from the city. A lot of the land outside of Edinburgh is publicly accessible and open for visitor use, but the city is a wee bit different with more privately-owned areas that require reservations or special permits. Quite a few of the green spaces in the city are owned by the Edinburgh Council, who we’ll have to get permission from to have a ceremony.

When choosing places you’d like to explore during your Edinburgh elopement, keep in mind that you are not limited to just those city spots; many of my couples will venture off to nearby regions like Midlothian or East Lothian to enjoy more private areas, and journey back into the city for photos or dinner with loved ones.

While Edinburgh will always be atop my list of Scottish elopement locations, I do like to inform couples that this breathtaking city receives over 4 million visitors per year—meaning it’s inevitable that you’ll run into tourists here and there (or everywhere, depending on the season). Popular landmarks and touristy spots are best for quick photos rather than ceremonies, as you’ll run into crowds of tourists all around.

Outdoor elopement locations in Edinburgh

Most of my recommended Edinburgh elopement locations are saved for my couples (we can’t have all of them being overcrowded by couples looking to marry, now, can we?), but I’ve gathered a quick list of my top favourites to give you a batch of inspiration! Beginning with outdoor Edinburgh elopement locations, we have…

Holyrood Park

Dramatic hills, craggy cliffs, chapel ruins and a small loch. . . what could scream Scotland more than that? Whether you venture up to Arthur’s Seat (which happens to be the remains of an extinct volcano) for the views or you head to Dunsapie Loch for a waterfront ceremony then the history, archaeology, and scenery make Holyrood Park a must-visit. With many different nooks and crannies, it is also one of the most popular elopement choices in the city.

Holyrood Park ceremony for Edinburgh elopement

Calton Hill

One of Edinburgh’s seven hills and extremely centrally located overlooking Edinburgh’s main shopping district and transport hubs. This hill has brilliant 360 views over the city, the Firth of Forth and Holyrood Park. With lots of points of interest on the hill, it is a very busy tourist attraction so it’s best enjoyed very early in the day to avoid crowds.

Calton hill elopement couple walking towards statue

A secret garden

Fab for both ceremonies and adventures, this quiet welcomes you into an enchanting secret garden in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh. It’s a beaut of a spot for a quiet picnic, romantic portraits, or a private ceremony away from the bustle of the city.

Edinburgh elopement handfasting ceremony in a secret garden in Edinburgh

Indoor + venue-based elopement locations in Edinburgh

Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh

My favourite indoor option! The RCPE library has all the Harry Potter, dark academia vibes that Scotland is oh so famed for, featuring a grand staircase, vast skylights, and dramatic interiors sure to bring a wee bit of magic into your elopement adventure. It also has an elopement package making it a very friendly option for wee weddings.

Couple standing in library during their ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland

Riddles Court

Riddles Court is a 16th-century courtyard residence finds itself in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh, featuring architecturally and culturally significant structures. Each and every room is unique and will pique your curiosity, encouraging a bit of wanderlust at every step. Getting married under the exquisitely-painted ceilings and surrounded by striking artwork + furnishings is a treat! Not to mention the iconic outdoor staircase.

Couple in front of Riddles Court when eloping in Edinburgh

Edinburgh City Chambers

The City Chambers will be one of the first recommendations you’ll see for indoor options when eloping in Edinburgh. It’s popular as a budget-friendly option in the heart of the city centre. However, if experience and personalisation is important to you in your ceremony then it would fall to the bottom of my recommendations. It’s only available for civil ceremonies and this must be performed by an in-house Registrar. These ceremonies are typically short, lacking in personalisation and emphasise the legalities of getting married rather than the emotion of it. With back-to-back weddings in peak season, you can feel rushed in and rushed out. However, this may be the perfect option for couples who want a no-fuss ceremony or are budget-conscious. If choosing the City Chambers my top tip is to choose the European Room which has a lot more character than the most-used Alexander Room.

Couple being waved out of the city chambers in Edinburgh after marrying by family and friends

Edinburgh Grand

The Edinburgh Grand Hotel is a modern hotel with wonderful views over the city. On the surface, this might appear to be a more ‘traditional’ wedding venue. But for a great elopement option, my top tip is to hire the Penthouse Suite for a private rooftop elopement with Edinburgh’s most iconic clock tower and Holyrood Park as your backdrop. (Whilst also being your accommodation for the evening!)

elopement ceremony at the top of the Edinburgh Grand penthouse

Other indoor venues for elopements and small intimate weddings in Edinburgh

Prestonfield House

Timberyard

Edinburgh Castle

Couple snuggling during wedding at Prestonfield House
Prestonfield House

Elopement locations near Edinburgh

There are a few regions which are within easy reach of Edinburgh (i.e. less than an hour’s drive from the city centre) which can make them a really great option if you want to combine city vibes with nature spots. Here are my faves.

Midlothian

Bordering Edinburgh to the South-East, Midlothian is a suburban county known for its mining history, breathtaking abbeys and churches, and rural county landscapes. Just a 30 min drive from Edinburgh, the woodsy, rolling hills are a grand way to escape the city for a ceremony or adventure before heading back into the hustle and bustle.

Woodland ruins near Edinburgh - couple walking over bridge during their elopement

Woodland + Ruins

Glencorse Old Kirk

East Lothian

To the south of the Firth of Forth you’ll find East Lothian, a part of the Scottish Lowlands that boasts more coastal vibes than the woodsy/hilly setting of Midlothian. Perfect for an elopement day adventure by the sea before retiring to the city for a nice meal!

Tyninghame Bay at sunset

Tyninghame

Couple eloping at ceremony in East Lothian beach

A private beach (that I’ll keep secret to protect it’s quietness)

Where to stay when you elope in Edinburgh

Romantic accommodation options in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is definitely not short on amazing places to stay. With good public transport you aren’t limited to choosing somewhere in the immediate city centre if you want more space or seeking to stretch your budget. As far as neighbourhoods to stay in Edinburgh… You’ll find great options in New Town, Old Town and Brunstfield area if a more classical architecture style is your vibe. Modern quirky options are abundant in Leith, Tollcross and West End.

Bride looking through curtain at Eidnburgh Castle

Things to consider when choosing your elopement accommodation in Edinburgh

Hotels in Edinburgh

Prestonfield House bedroom with bride looking int he mirror

Prestonfield House

Couple cuddling on the bed at The Witchery

The Witchery

Couple standing in the dramatic staircase of the Edinburgh Grand

The Edinburgh Grand

Couple standing in the stairwell of the Scotsman during elopement

The Scotsman Hotel

Self-catering / Serviced accommodation options

Edinburgh has a significant amount of self-catering options if you’d rather have a bit more space without the hotel suite price tag. With plenty of characterful spaces, you won’t be short on great options to choose from if you book in advance. My top tip – if you find somewhere you love try Googling to see if you can book direct. AirBnB has caused huge issues for Edinburgh locals and housing opportunities so if you can avoid supporting them then it would be much appreciated by us all who live here.

Clock on Leith

Edinburgh Castle Nest

Georgian Flat in Haymarket

Dovecot Cottage

The Office, Currie

Classical Flat, Royal Mile

Airbnb for Edinburgh elopement - bride getting ready with bridesmaid

When to elope in Edinburgh

What is the best time of year for eloping in Edinburgh?

You may be surprised to learn that Edinburgh gets a wee bit less rain than many of the other lush places in the UK, but expect to experience our dreich climate at any point, and be ready no matter the season. Every season in Edinburgh comes with its own pros and cons, but each comes with its own unique magic as well so you need not worry about picking the “wrong” time to elope. As long as you can be ready to embrace any kind of conditions on your elopement day, you’ll have a grand experience. You never know when you may experience all four seasons in the same day!

Edinburgh across the seasons….

Couple cuddling in Holyrood Park during a Spring elopement in Edinburgh

Spring (Mar-May)

Edinburgh is at its most vibrant in the spring, coming back to life after a wet and dreich winter (though that may last well into spring months as well). You’ll find it’s a grand time to visit local green spaces such as gardens and parks, where you’ll find an abundance of eye-catching florals to admire. Wisteria covers buildings in shades of lilac and lavender, bright yellow gorse bushes bloom in the parkstulips line the sidewalks, and pink blossoms fill the trees. Beware of breezy days, as with the blooming flowers also comes spring showers and windy weather! Spring can sometimes take its time to arrive, but is always worth it for the vibrant beauty that covers the city, especially when the warm summer air begins to show its face. 

Feeling nerves about rain on your wedding day? Here’s why I find rain so romantic and magical in its own right, and how to cope with unpredictable weather on your special day.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Summer days in Edinburgh are glorious if you can manage to time it right. It never gets too hot here so you needn’t worry about avoiding the heat—what you do need to avoid is the crowds. August is the worst time to elope in the city centre because the Fringe festival lasts all month, making the city extremely busy and expensive to explore. Tbh I’d avoid summer if possible if privacu is important to you.

On a positive note, the summer months in Edinburgh bring long days of warmth and sunshine, and are much drier than the rest of the year. Most of the time the sunset doesn’t set until 9pm so you’ll have many an opportunity to explore well into the evening!

Couple looking smiley during summer edinburgh elopement
Couple tossing up Autumn leaves during their elopement in Edinburgh

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

Colourful foliage lines the streets of Edinburgh in the autumn months, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking those deep reds, crisp oranges, and hues of brown. It’s a magical time of year for both locals and tourists alike as the trees come to life with colour, spooky tours and haunting events make their way across town, and seasonal food makes its appearance.

You won’t find a season that makes Edinburgh feel cosier than autumn, so if you’re craving that dark academia vibe with moody skies, hot toddies, and vibrant autumnal glory, it’s an enchanting time to explore the city.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Winter tends to be the least appealing of the seasons in Edinburgh for many visitors, as the unpredictable weather of Scotland makes its way not only into the highlands but the city as well. That said, Hogmanay + our Christmas Market is a huge draw for tourists so the run up to new years is another busy time in the city.

You never know when you’ll get a chilly day with bright blue skies or a blustery day sprinkled with snowstorms—but if you’re up for the adventure then you’ll have no issue exploring on wintry days no matter how dreary. Edinburgh sees a wee bit of fog and heavy rain throughout the winter so be sure to pack your cosiest rain gear! We’ll enjoy the brisk temperatures in quick bursts, – a good excuse to be snuggly together, or stop in a local pub along the way for a wee dram to warm the cockles.

The biggest advantages of eloping in the winter are that you’ll more easily find privacy, the soft light is flattering for everyone, and hey, you get to snuggle up under a warm blanket to end the night. What could be better?

Couple standing in Dean Village after eloping in Edinburgh, Scotland

Has the idea of an Edinburgh elopement already stolen your heart?

How to legally elope in Edinburgh

Legal elopements and small weddings in Edinburgh

Did you know that Scotland is the only place in the UK where you can get legally wed pretty much anywhere, anytime? So long as you bring two witnesses and a legal officiant along for the adventure, you’ll be grand to become newlyweds in no time. We have legal ceremonies to suit couples of all kinds, including civil ceremonies and religious/belief ceremonies, and we’re absolutely chuffed to celebrate same-sex and interfaith marriages as well. 

It’s easy to tailor your ceremony to suit your relationship and personal beliefs + values by choosing between two options: a civil ceremony and a religious or belief ceremony. 

A civil ceremony is non-religious and can take place anywhere in agreement with the registrar, excluding religious buildings.

For couples seeking a religious or belief ceremony, these can also take place anywhere by anyone approved to conduct a ceremony under your belief system—such as a priest, rabbi, etc. Many people in Scotland are not religious, so ceremonies that celebrate belief systems such as Agnosticism and Humanism are common.

7 basics steps of how to legally elope in Edinburgh…

Find your celebrant

Find your celebrant – another benefit of marrying in Scotland is that we have lots of different options for who can marry you based on your beliefs. If you wish to have a religious ceremony then you can seek out an appropriate local organisation to help with this.

For people who are non-religious, there are a few options – civil ceremony (with a local registrar) which tends to be quite legally focused. There are also Humanist celebrants (a belief organisation) which is a popular choice in Scotland as it’s very ‘you’ focused and gives a great amount of flexibility on how the ceremony is conducted. Similarly, there are also other belief organisations such as the Agnostic SocietyPagan etc. which are also wonderful options.

Some of my favourites who work in Edinburgh include:

Confirm your witnesses

2 adult witnesses will be needed to sign your Marriage Schedule. If you are eloping in private and would rather not invite guests, I love being a witness for our couples! And I can help with advice about finding a second witness for your Edinburgh elopement.

Submit your paperwork to the registry office

Submit your Marriage Notice M10 paperwork between 3 months and 29 days of your wedding date. This will be submitted to the local registry office ont he Royal Mile in Edinburgh. They will require the exact coordinates of where you’re getting married (I can help with this!) and details of your witnesses + celebrant.

If you live outside the UK, you’ll obtain a certificate for your country stating that there is no legal impediment to your marriage in addition to a notice of your desire to marry. A fee will be required to register your marriage (varies by registry office) as well as your birth certificate, dissolution/divorce/death certificate if applicable, and valid passport. All documents will need to be translated into English if they are not already.

Write your vows + finalise your ceremony

Your celebrant will be happy to help you and your partner craft a ceremony that feels authentic to you, as it can be hard to navigate if you’ve never done this before. You might write your vows together or it might feel best to do them individually; whatever feels best and most aligned with your relationship, know that there is no right or wrong way to do it. All that matters is that your ceremony reflects your unique story and represents the love you share, whether it’s a brief affair kept simple or one involving meaningful Celtic rituals like these.

Pick-up your marriage schedule

Pick up your Marriage Schedule from the registry office within 7 days before your elopement (check opening times).

Get married!!

The day has arrived… let’s get you married! After your ceremony you will sign the Marriage Schedule, alongside the witnesses and your celebrant – making it legal.

Return your marriage schedule

Return the Marriage Schedule within 3 calendar days of your marriage to the Registry Office. They’ll arrange to get your Marriage License printed and that makes it all official. WOOP!

Couple signing their marriage license during Edinburgh elopement at sunrise

But what if I don’t want/need a legal marriage ceremony?

Civil Partnership / Commitment Ceremony / Vow Renewal in Edinburgh

If you’re not going to elope in Edinburgh (or are already married!) but wish to have a ceremony in Edinburgh then absolutely go it. I am a firm believer in affirming your commitment in a way that feels right for you, even if it’s less conventional! There are NO RULES about this – so if you want a non-traditional ceremony in Edinburgh to celebrate your love then I say hell yes, I am here for it!

If you would like someone to officiate a ceremony for you (even if not legal) then there are lots of options. Celebrants from the Humanist Society of Scotland,  Agnostic Scotland or the Association of Independent Celebrants would be great places to start in your search for the right celebrant.

Couple drinking from the quaich during elopement ceremony in Holyrood Park
Close up of hands during handfasting

Costs to consider when you elope in Edinburgh

How to budget for a city elopement

Like any wedding – there is no hard and fast rule about how much an elopement costs but here are a few typical expenses you might be expect when budgeting for your Edinburgh elopement:

Couple kissing in Holyrood Park long grass during Edinburgh elopement

So, what does an Edinburgh elopement look like?

Edinburgh elopement timeline

Every elopement is different and every couple is unique—so while it is impossible to tell you exactly what your Edinburgh adventure might look like, I’ve put together a sample itinerary below that may inspire you to dream outside of the box a bit.

Sample itinerary for eloping in Edinburgh…

Here is an example of what an all-day autumn elopement in Edinburgh could look like…

Real Edinburgh elopement stories to inspire your day

Couple standing in library during their ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland

Romantic winter library elopement Edinburgh

Em and Dec’s cosy library elopement in Edinburgh was only fitting for this self-confessed simple pair, who much prefer a day exploring National Trust Sites and Museums over adrenaline-filled adventures. Dec had visited Scotland several times, but after they enjoyed a trip together for their anniversary, this history-loving couple knew that the city had stolen…
Two brides kiss after their vows at the Quiraing for their elopement on Isle of Skye

Joyful two-day elopement in Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

This joyful elopement in Edinburgh and Isle of Skye is a tale of two halves. Two extraordinary women. Two days. Two journeys. Two wheels. Two hearts. And frankly, two much joy. (Is two even a word anymore?) Katie and Meghan lived and breathed the track life. Fast wheels, intense training, time counters, drug testing and…

Summer Edinburgh elopement with a thundershower storm

When Elouise + Aidan were planning their wee summer Edinburgh elopement, they were not preparing for the possibility of a weird weather phenomenon known as a ‘thundershower‘. I always keep a very close eye on the weather forecast in the days running up to a wedding, and the morning of, but seeing ‘thundershower’ was definitely…
Getting ready at Edinburgh elopement

Edinburgh City Chambers micro-wedding

A joy-filled intimate wedding at the Edinburgh City Chambers for this wonderful same-sex couple, Peter and Shen. Wedding days never go 100% to plan… When I first sat down with Pete + Shen to discuss their wedding they were really keen to spend their wedding morning having a wee wander around Holyrood Park in the…
adventure elopement couple in foggy holyrood park, Edinburgh

Edinburgh city elopement, Scotland | Kait & Phil

Have you ever thought about running away, just the two of you, and eloping somewhere beautiful? That’s exactly what Kait & Phil did. (Including a true Edinburgh adventure!) Travelling all the way from California, USA they eloped on the stunning Isle of Skye where they shared an intimate ceremony with a small handful of their…
Gay couple cuddling on street during Edinburgh elopement
Gay couple standing holding hands in front of a telephone box

My top tips for eloping in Edinburgh

From an Edinburgh elopement photographer

A few things you should know about eloping in Edinburgh before making your way into the city:

  • Edinburgh can be busy: it’s worth getting up early to enjoy the streets when they’re quiet. Having a mid-week elopement can also help to avoid the weekend crowds and give you better access to popular restaurants, pubs, etc.
  • It’s just as important to Leave No Trace in the city + its green spaces as it is out in the remote highlands!
  • Pack appropriately to ensure safety and comfort, no matter the season. Sturdy footwear, layers, and wet weather protection will be your best mates, as well as ear protection and hand warmers for your chilly bits on cooler days.
  • Cobbles are killer: our cobblestone streets are beautiful but sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. Stilettos or skinny heels are asking for trouble (trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way!)
  • Avoid August altogether: the Fringe festival might sound like a fun time for an elopement but the reality of trying to elope when the city population swells by 4x makes the whole experience quite stressful and expensive.
  • Cloudy days can still burn you: that might sound obvious but with our cooler climate it’s easy to forget that cloudy days can still cause sun-damage.

Edinburgh elopement packages

Choosing an Edinburgh elopement photographer

Eloping in Edinburgh is best when you have an experienced local photographer by your side, ready to guide and support you at every turn. You’ll feel most confident when you have someone to help you prepare and plan for every possible scenario, from bad weather to itineraries running behind. . . it’s all significantly less stressful with a trusty expert there to navigate it with you. Peek at my Edinburgh elopement packages here to find something that tickles yer pickle!

Couple turning around lamp post at dusk in Edinburgh

When you elope in Edinburgh, you’ll want to choose a local experienced photographer.  You’ll want someone who is very familiar with the city throughout all different conditions and levels of busy-ness. Choose someone who you are confident can help guide you, not just in the run-up, but on the day itself. A photographer often ends up being the person who leads your day – keeping an eye on the time, suggesting plan B’s, navigating the cityscape and its weather to keep you safe, comfortable and relaxed. Be sure to research your photographer carefully.

The other side of this is a bit of photo geekery but it’s important to be aware of… every country has its own quality of light and colour. Scotland, in particular, is known for its unique light and how it interacts with the landscape and skin tones. It’s quite difficult to go to another country and be able to quickly learn how to work with the light and the landscape there – it takes time and practice. An experienced local photographer will know how to manipulate that wonderful Scottish light so you can be confident you’ll end up with incredible images.

Your local Edinburgh elopement photographer

Raini Rowell - Edinburgh elopement photographer

Hi! I’m Raini

The boss lady + cheeky sh*te

I’ll be your chief photographer, editor + planning sidekick, dedicating every minute of your day to making sure you look and feel just as amazing as those cobble-lined streets in the background! From the first moment you tell me your plans, I’ll start beavering away helping you to create a truly unforgettable elopement in Edinburgh that feels right for you as a couple.

I’m sorry (not sorry) for the bad jokes, puns and weird Scots phrases that’ll pop out. I keep things light-hearted but still give you plenty of space for those quiet snuggly intimate moments where everything else melts away.

I grew up on these streets and I can’t wait to show you around my home city! (In a way that only a native can.)

As part of all my elopement packages, you’ll have a support system as you go through the planning – someone to ask questions of, to give you recommendations, help you find the right ceremony spot and craft a timeline for your day which suits you perfectly.

I am SO passionate about making sure you never feel ‘out on a limb’ when planning your elopement – you’ll always have a Raini to chat ideas or challenges through with.

For Edinburgh elopements, I offer up to 6 hours with me as your photographer under my ‘Wee Moon’ package. Check out my elopement photography packages for more info.

Begin your Edinburgh adventure elopement now…

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Planning to elope in Edinburgh?

Why not pin this guide on Pinterest for inspiration later…

Couple standing in front of Edinburgh castle after eloping in the city