The Most Romantic Garden Wedding Venues in Edinburgh Scotland
- English Gardens
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
There’s something undeniably magical about a garden wedding. Maybe it’s the soft rustle of trees in the breeze, the scent of flowers in full bloom, or the golden light filtering through the leaves as the sun sets. In Edinburgh, these moments aren’t reserved for fairy tales. They’re part of the charm that makes the city one of the most romantic places in the UK to say “I do.”
For couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony surrounded by greenery, heritage, and history, the wedding venues in Edinburgh Scotland offer a truly unique blend. The city is full of hidden garden spaces and iconic spots that feel both timeless and deeply personal.
Here are some of the most beautiful garden-style wedding locations Edinburgh has to offer — places where nature, history, and romance come together.
1. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
This 70-acre oasis just a stone’s throw from the city centre is easily one of the most enchanting wedding venues Edinburgh can boast. With beautifully landscaped grounds, glasshouses filled with exotic plants, and sweeping lawns, it’s an ideal setting for a romantic, nature-inspired wedding.
The John Hope Gateway offers contemporary space with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the gardens, while the Caledonian Hall is perfect for more intimate gatherings. Couples can even exchange vows under the trees or beside the Rock Garden, then wander through flowering borders for those all-important photos.
Founded in 1670, the Botanic Garden is one of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain — and one of the most picturesque.
2. Newhall Estate, Midlothian
Just outside the city, but still within easy reach of Edinburgh, Newhall Estate is a private, family-owned estate that feels like stepping into a romantic novel. Surrounded by woodlands, walled gardens, and ornamental ponds, it offers a luxurious countryside feel while being only a short drive from the city.
The gardens here are a dream for wedding portraits, with colourful borders, wildflower meadows, and hidden stone paths. You can choose to hold your ceremony outdoors, inside the stone-built Orangery, or in one of the elegant reception spaces within the house itself.
It’s an excellent choice for couples who want the beauty of a garden wedding with the flexibility of both indoor and outdoor spaces.
4. Prestonfield House
Tucked behind Arthur’s Seat and just ten minutes from Edinburgh’s historic centre, Prestonfield House is one of the most exclusive wedding halls in Edinburgh has to offer. The building itself is a 17th-century mansion filled with opulence, velvet, and candlelight, but the gardens outside are just as spectacular.
Ceremonies can be held on the manicured lawn with views of the surrounding parkland and the romantic ruins of Craigmillar Castle nearby. Peacocks wander the grounds and ivy climbs the stone walls, adding character to every corner.
Prestonfield’s combination of high-end glamour and lush, private gardens make it a favourite for couples wanting an unforgettable wedding day.
4. Duddingston Kirk and Dr Neil’s Garden
Not all Edinburgh venues are grand estates or mansions. Some of the city’s most romantic spots are quiet, tucked-away spaces like Dr Neil’s Garden. Nestled beside Duddingston Loch and next to the historic Duddingston Kirk, this garden feels like a well-kept secret.
It’s often called one of Edinburgh’s most tranquil spots, and for good reason. With medicinal herb gardens, stone benches, and views of Arthur’s Seat, the setting is perfect for a small, heartfelt ceremony. While the garden itself is better suited for elopements or micro-weddings, the church and nearby venues make it possible to plan a full celebration that keeps nature at the heart of the day.
It’s a must-see for couples seeking something intimate and peaceful.
Overlooking the Firth of Forth, Lauriston Castle is a lesser-known gem among wedding locations Edinburgh offers. The Edwardian house is surrounded by woodland walks, meadows, and a stunning Japanese friendship garden that adds a touch of Zen to the space.
While the castle is a public venue, it can be hired for wedding ceremonies and receptions, with the gardens providing a picture-perfect setting. The combination of sea views, tree-lined paths, and sculpted greenery gives couples an incredible variety of backdrops.
It’s perfect for couples who want both history and nature without leaving the city limits.
6. Gilmerton House and Gardens
A little further afield, but well worth the journey, Gilmerton House offers a grand yet welcoming estate surrounded by peaceful gardens and ancient trees. Although technically in East Lothian, it's a popular pick for those searching wedding venues in Edinburgh Scotland due to its proximity and character.
The gardens include formal lawns, herbaceous borders, and tree-lined drives that set the scene beautifully for both the ceremony and celebration. Gilmerton House offers exclusive-use hire, so couples and their guests can enjoy the entire estate in privacy.
For those wanting a garden wedding with a country house feel, Gilmerton blends elegance and tranquillity perfectly.
This one is small, stylish, and surprisingly central. Hidden behind one of the grand townhouses on Charlotte Square, the Georgian House Garden is a tidy, symmetrical walled garden that offers a beautiful, low-key setting in the heart of the New Town.
Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the house is a popular visitor attraction, but its private garden is available for special events, including weddings. With neat borders and gravel paths, it brings Georgian charm and urban elegance together in one compact, photogenic space.
It’s a brilliant choice for couples planning a city-based wedding with just a touch of green serenity.
Final Thoughts
From iconic public gardens to quiet countryside retreats, Edinburgh is full of possibilities for couples dreaming of a romantic outdoor wedding. Whether you’re looking for elegance, intimacy, or something truly unique, the range of wedding venues Edinburgh has to offer makes this city an ideal place to start your forever.
There’s beauty here in every season. Spring brings cherry blossoms and tulips, summer fills the gardens with colour, autumn lights the trees in gold, and even winter weddings can feel magical with candlelight and evergreen backdrops.
For those who want their wedding day to be surrounded by nature, love, and a little bit of history, Edinburgh’s garden venues are everything you could ask for.
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