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 their heart and was the perfect place to elope. Em had visions of finding some secluded spots around the city and exploring some well-known heritage sights, with Edinburgh Castle as their dramatic background.

Their day started off slow for these (not so) early birds

Em and Dec usually love to spend their Sundays having a little lay-in, so it was super important to them to sleep in, enjoy some coffee in bed, and wake up with no alarm clocks or mad dash to get ready.

They took their time getting ready together at the beautiful Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Dec headed off just before Em was fully ready so they could still have their ‘first look’ coming down the aisle. This just goes to show that you can have the best of both worlds if, like Em and Dec, you can’t choose between getting ready together or a first look.

We then headed off to their romantic library elopement location for the ceremony

Their ceremony took place in what can only be described as a reader’s dream—a library straight out of a fairytale, with floor-to-ceiling books, warm wooden shelves, and the unmistakable smell of old books mixed with a hint of dust and magic! Dark academia vibes everywhere.

Having met while pursuing careers in Optometry, they could not have picked a better venue choice than the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh.

They exchanged vows in a quiet, secluded spot in the library, and then they had some time to explore and enjoy the moment, just the two of them (+ me!). We took our time to revel in the post-ceremony high and having the place to ourselves, not to mention trying to find some Ophthalmology books.

We could have stayed there the whole time, but the outdoors were calling

And so we wandered Dean Village and Old Town, using the power of the white dress (and Em’s teacher voice) to gently disperse tourists who congratulated them heartily. We found a moment to seal their vows into their oathing stone by the river’s edge. This is an ancient Celtic tradition where it is believed that vows said whilst holding a stone would be held in the stone. Putting their stone into the water seals the vows forever.

After this important ritual, we sat in my favourite Close on the Royal Mile waiting for the streetlamp to turn on. We almost gave up, but we did a wee squeal of delight when it (finally) lit up. Our day ended under lamplight with the glow of Edinburgh in the background. The rain began to pelt down and we were running back to the car. (I’d argue it’s almost bad luck if there’s no rain on your wedding day…) what a flipping wonderful day!

This day was also a first for me as this was the first elopement from my wee moon package – a half day in the city with little ole me (without Dave). It feels weird to be at an elopement without him, but I had so much fun with Em + Dec! Plus, it was the perfect package for them, as they knew they wanted to stay in the city, valued simplicity, and knew exactly how they wanted to spend their day – intimate, meaningful and without any unnecessary fuss!

I’m so grateful for Em + Dec trusting me to lead them round my fair city on their wedding day.

Romantic Library Elopement Edinburgh

Envisioning your own romantic library elopement in Scotland?

If a quiet intentional elopement in Scotland sounds like your idea of an ideal wedding day then get in touch to start planning now. I’ll be there to help you figure out the best time of year, ceremony location, timeline for the day, local suppliers as well as lots of advice on how to elope in Scotland.