Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, is a city absolutely packed with incredible architecture, rich history and fantastic places to stay, see and experience. From the iconic Edinburgh Castle sat proud overlooking the city to the fascinating medieval underground world at Mary King’s Close, the city is as beautiful as it is interesting. With loads of green spaces in the city, as well as the rolling hills and mountains of the surrounding countryside, you could spend a year in Edinburgh and still not see everything.
Because the city has so much to offer, it should really be no surprise that it’s a hugely popular destination for weddings. Edinburgh (and the whole of Scotland) is where 12% of all UK weddings take place, thanks to its breathtaking beauty, huge range of incredible wedding venues and fantastic affordability.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that the average cost of a wedding in Edinburgh is £18,617, which means it’s more than £2,000 cheaper than the UK average of £20,822. It’s also over £10,000 less than neighbouring England’s capital, London, where the average cost of a wedding is a whopping £28,629. That means Edinburgh makes for a top wedding destination, balancing brilliant venues, amenities, transport, vendors and affordability.
Couples in Edinburgh love to lean on local history and important landmarks as part of their celebrations. Many venues in the city boast stunning backdrops like the iconic Edinburgh Castle or the picturesque views of Arthur’s Seat, meaning couples can often rely on the city’s charm rather than investing heavily in extra decor. Outdoor wedding elements are also growing in popularity, particularly in the summer months when the chances of good weather are higher.
There are also historic venues that let you get married surrounded by that history, like Winton Castle and Inchcolm Abbey. At the same time, it’s becoming increasingly popular for couples in Scotland to host a twilight wedding. This not only lets you have your dream wedding in your dream location (maybe even beneath the stars), but can also cost you less than a wedding that spans the entire day.
Couples in Edinburgh are among those who spend the least on wedding flowers in the UK, with an average spend of £889 compared to the national average of £1,132. This could be due to the abundance of already-amazing indoor and outdoor venues, where the natural surroundings or historic details mean that fewer formal flower arrangements are needed.
With more than 8,500 years of history, Edinburgh is a city bursting at the seams with amazing buildings, relics and architecture. Everywhere you turn, there’s something new (or old as the case may be) to see. This means the city has a huge selection of amazing wedding venues. Whether you’re looking for a classy and sophisticated wedding in luxury surroundings, or to immerse yourselves within that deep history, there’s something for everyone and to suit every budget.
There are more than 1,000 castles still standing in Scotland (down from 3,000 a few centuries ago), with many of them in and around Edinburgh that also double up as incredible wedding venues. Dundas Castle is a five-star venue offering that quintessential castle aesthetic, which you’ll find not far from the Forth Bridge. Neidpath Castle is like something taken from a fantasy film, a lone tower dominating the skyline surrounded by woodland. There’s also Carlowrie Castle with its Disney-esque appearance and set among 32 acres of pristine grounds.
If you’d love to take advantage of the unbeatable Scottish scenery, there are lots of venues in and around Edinburgh that offer outside space. Harburn Barn, The Seton Garden and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are all beautiful and unique and perfect for an outdoor ceremony.
For something a little bit different, there are also plenty of interesting and unique venues around the city that let you have a wedding like no other. Dynamic Earth is a museum filled with exhibits about our planet, including a giant iceberg you can touch. The Caves, The Rowantree & Marlin’s Wynd lets you tie the knot beneath the city’s iconic vaults, where maybe you’ll even see one of the many ghosts said to haunt there. Or for something quirky and eclectic, The Voodoo Rooms is an award-winning venue right in the heart of the city.
If you’d like to keep your spending down but still want to take advantage of everything Edinburgh has to offer, there are also plenty of affordable venues in and around the city. Ghillie Dhu, Leith Arches and The Old Dr Bells Baths are just some of the affordable venues to consider that still have all the character and charm you’d want in an Edinburgh wedding venue.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole is £5,685, making it one of the most affordable choices in the UK. With the UK average being £5,945 and London venues averaging £7,020, Edinburgh offers incredible value for couples planning their big day.
Because Edinburgh is one of the most popular wedding destinations not just in Scotland, but also in the whole of the UK, you need to book your venue at least 12 to 18 months ahead of your big day. That being said, some of the most popular venues in and around the city may even need to be booked two or more years in advance, so bear that in mind while searching for somewhere to tie the knot. This is especially important if you want to get married during the busy summer wedding season or on a weekend.
If you’re flexible when it comes to your venue, season and day of the week, you may find that you can book a venue as little as six months or even less ahead of your wedding. But, it’s always best to book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment.
The weather in Edinburgh, like the rest of Scotland and the UK as a whole, is famously unpredictable. Yes, there can be rain at a moment’s notice, but there can also be long, warm summers. And, in Edinburgh, there can be long bouts of snow and frost, too. But, with each season comes a unique charm that can make your wedding truly memorable.
Spring (March - May) in Edinburgh is a great time for a wedding, with the city’s gardens and parks coming to life with green trees and blooming flowers. Iconic spots like Princes Street Gardens and The Royal Botanic Garden provide breathtaking backdrops for photos. Temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in March to 14°C (57°F) in May, but be prepared for occasional rain showers and even the small possibility of snow in March.
Summer (June - August) is peak wedding season in Edinburgh, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, ranging from 16°C (61°F) to 20°C (68°F). While rain is always a possibility in Edinburgh, summer is the best time to enjoy outdoor ceremonies.
Autumn (September - November) is when Edinburgh gets a little cooler, with temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in September to 7°C (45°F) in November. But, the autumnal colours make for a fantastic backdrop for your wedding photos. Just make sure you choose a venue with a warm and cosy indoor space, as there’s every chance there’ll be a spot of rain.
Winter (December - February) in Edinburgh is a beautiful season, with the city’s historic buildings and cobblestone streets often even more picturesque thanks to added sparkle from a layer of crisp frost. Temperatures typically range from 1°C (34°F) to 6°C (43°F), so indoor venues are a must. The only thing to be aware of is that the roads and paths can become slippy, which can make travelling to and around this rather hilly city a little trickier when the weather’s particularly bad.
Edinburgh is an easy city to get to, and even easier to travel around once you’re there. It has great connections and a variety of options.
Edinburgh’s Waverley Station by East Princes Street Gardens is right in the middle of the city and has great connections to cities across Scotland and the UK. There are direct trains from London King’s Cross, taking around five hours. There’s even the option to take the Caledonian Sleeper train, where you can go to sleep in London and wake up in Edinburgh – how convenient! Once you’re in the city, it’s easy to get around, with many of the attractions and places of interest within walking distance. But if walking isn’t your thing, you can get from A to B thanks to an easy-to-navigate bus network. And, of course, there are plenty of taxis to hand, too.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the main international airport, just eight miles from the city centre. It offers flights to and from destinations across Europe, as well as domestic flights from major UK cities. A flight from Luton to Edinburgh takes around an hour and is super convenient and affordable.
Edinburgh is conveniently located on major routes such as the M8, M9 and A1, making it easily accessible by car. It’s a long drive from the south of England (around eight hours), but you’ll see some incredible scenery on the way. That being said, Edinburgh is just an hour from Glasgow, so it’s super convenient when travelling from other areas around Scotland.
Edinburgh is a hugely popular city for tourism, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels. Of course, there are all the chain hotels here, including brilliant budget options, and many hotels are also fantastic wedding venues, too. Hotels like The Place Hotel, The Balmoral Hotel and Macdonald Houstoun House should all be contenders when looking for your ideal venue.
