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 a first!

Luckily, E+L were a wonderfully relaxed and easygoing couple who were not going to let a little (okay, A WHOLE LOT) of rain ruin their day. In the end, the weather forecast was a bit delayed so thankfully they got to enjoy a bit of the city before it turned into a monsoon haha.

Thank you so much for such beautiful photos! We are so impressed with them and how natural they all are. You were both so wonderful and we really appreciate everything you did! Especially all the photos of Ada – standout star for sure! 

Thank you so much for capturing such stunning moments!

– Elouise + Aidan

Choosing whisky for their Edinburgh elopement quaich

Before the ceremony, Elouise and Aidan wanted to pop into a local whisky shop on the Royal Mile to find their wedding whisky. The folks at Royal Mile Whiskies know their stuff and helpfully provided some guidance (and some tastings) to help them get it right. They chose a Carn Mor whisky, which they would open later in the day for a private drinking from a quaich together.

Summer Edinburgh elopement ceremony at the City Chambers

They chose to have their ceremony right in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town – the City Chambers on the Royal Mile. This registry office has to have one of the best locations in Scotland. Step outside straight into the romantic setting of the Royal Mile with its striking architecture and plenty of hidden closes to explore.

Elope in Edinburgh with your dog

Elouise + Aidan couldn’t imagine spending part of their summer Edinburgh elopement without their gorgeous pup, Ada. She came to join them for a few photos after the ceremony and even came dressed for the occasion!

A friend of the couple brought her down for a short time to say so the couple could enjoy some puppy time without then worrying about looking after her the whole day. This is a brilliant way to include your fur-family in your photos without the stress! And it meant that E+L could enjoy some easygoing photos around the Royal Mile afterwards.

Beautiful places for photos during a summer Edinburgh elopement

Lady Stairs Close is a firm favourite of mine for photos around Edinburgh. And on this particular day, Elouise + Aidan struck gold when a friendly resident suggested I photograph the couple from his top-floor flat. A really rare opportunity to photograph this spot from a unique birds-eye angle – I couldn’t say no!

Calton Hill – Edinburgh elopement location

As we headed towards Calton Hill, the weather was slowly beginning to turn – the sky was changing to a dark shade of blue but we were determined to outrun the rain. And we were extremely lucky as there was only a slightest drizzle on the hill until we almost back at the car. At this point, the clouds let loose a huge amount of rain and we quickly hopped into the car to marvel at the sight of it literally bouncing back up off the pavements. We were all giggling like children in the car at the sight of just how much rain fell in such a short time. The roads became flooded in minutes and everyone was running for cover. There is something exhilarating about witnessing these extreme weather conditions.

Elopement reception at the Edinburgh Grand hotel

Escaping the thundershower, we made our way to the Edinburgh Grand Cheval hotel where E+L’s family and friends were waiting. Here, the couple shared a private toast from a quaich (with the whisky they chose earlier) before rejoining their group for a well-deserved celebration + private dining experience!

A few folks who helped bring this summer Edinburgh elopement to life…

Ceremony venue: Edinburgh City Chambers

Reception venue: The Edinburgh Grand Cheval

Dress: Needle and Thread London

Hair + makeup: Caroline Stewart

Feeling inspired to elope in Edinburgh City?

Then get in touch for a friendly chat about your plans and ideas so far!

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