Exciting Wedding Venues Near Edinburgh 2025
Are you planning your wedding in Edinburgh and looking for a truly exciting venue?
Well you’re going to be spoilt for choice! Edinburgh and it’s surrounding areas are full of inspiring, beautiful spaces to host your wedding day. The city itself is bursting with spectacular buildings, and it’s only a few short miles from some of Scotland’s most attractive beaches, castles and estates.
However, having so much choice can make it harder to find a venue that’s right for you.
Where do you start? What things do you need to consider when choosing a venue? I’ve been a wedding photographer for over a decade now, and I’ve had the privilege of gaining access to countless venues across Edinburgh. So I’ve compiled a list of some of Edinburgh’s most exiting spaces, as well as sharing some of their strengths, uniquenesses and suitabilities. I’ve also added links to their websites so you can easily find out more yourself, and get in touch if you think they might be the wedding venue for you!
# 1 The Free Company
Located against the backdrop of The Pentland Hills Regional Park, and just a 30 minute drive from the city centre, you’ll find The Free Company. This beautiful farm can cater for up to 120 people within it’s converted farm buildings, and has an onsite kitchen and expert chefs, who use fresh produce grown on the land. As it’s a seasonal restaurant offering dining experiences to the public, you can easily sample the fantastic food from the kitchen.
I’ve shot weddings there in both summer and winter. No matter the time of year, the venue exudes a rustic, cosy charm. In the warmer months, you’ll enjoy lush green landscapes, wild flowers, and a sun-filled courtyard to sip cool drinks in. During colder winter days, you can make the most of it’s atmospheric festoon lights, warming log burners, and an outdoor fire-pit area.
The Free Company is a working farm. You’ll be surrounded by well cared for vegetable beds and kitchen gardens, as well as enjoying beautiful views towards the Pentland Hills. You’ll know that what you and your guests are eating is locally and sustainably grown. It feels rural and idyllic, but is also close enough to the busy city to be convenient.
Useful Links
Useful Links
Website: The Free Co.
Contact: 07350 396948
Where to find the venue: Google Maps
#2 Carlowrie Castle
If it’s historic charm matched with modern luxury that you’re looking for, then Carlowrie Castle might just be your dream venue. This exclusive use venue is just 5 minutes from Edinburgh airport. It can seat an incredible 275 guests within it’s marquee. It boasts 32 acres of stunning gardens and grounds. You’ll be blown away simply driving down the long, impressive driveway to the castle. The castle itself is famous for it’s leafy ivy covering, which turns a dramatic red in the autumn months, making for a stunning photo backdrop.
Inside the castle, you’ll find a masterful mix of light and airy rooms. For example, the bright and lovely Orangery, contrasts with the more moody, atmospheric spaces like the bar. There is a quirkiness to the decor that feels playful and stylish, whilst it retains it’s historic character. It’s the ideal venue for couples looking for elegance and glitz.
The castle has 9 bedrooms and a luxurious suite available to hire, with additional accommodation within the grounds. In finer weather, the walled garden offers a manicured space for an outdoor ceremony, but the venue is open all year round for your celebration.
Useful Links
Website: Carlowrie Castle
Contact: 0131 335 3184 | [email protected]
Where to find the venue: Google Maps
#3 Carlowrie castle
Set amidst a 1000 acre country park, Restoration Yard is a truly special wedding venue. Within the grounds you’ll find miles of woodland trails, manicured lawns, and tastefully restored stable buildings. The park is home to a breathtaking palace, and maintains a sense of stately grandeur whilst also feeling contemporary. Restoration Yard is a mere 20 minute drive from the heart of Edinburgh, and is serviced by frequent public transport links. It also boasts extensive parking and ample local accommodation options.
It’s standout feature has to be its beautifully preserved Orangerie, which provides the perfect stage for an outdoor ceremony. You can also use the Orangerie is an idyllic setting to host your drink reception and canapés. With stunning views across the lawn to an ancient willow tree, The Kitchen restaurant will serve you a delicious meal, and can seat up to 90 guests. Plus, this venue is dog friendly, so it’s the perfect venue for those looking to include their furry family members on their big day. And when Restoration Yard closes to the public at 5pm, you’ll have this magnificent venue all to yourself!
Useful Links
Website: Weddings at Restoration Yard
Contact: 0131 654 1666
Where to find the venue: Google Maps
#4 Oxenfoord Castle
Another exclusive use venue, Oxenfoord Castle is a spectacular place located just 12 miles from Edinburgh. When it comes to grandeur and impressive interiors, Oxenfoord takes the biscuit. There’s landscaped manicured gardens, tree-lined walkways, a stunning Victorian era church on-site, and a breathtaking vista to enjoy from the drive – that’s just the outside.
Inside the venue is where the real magic is. There are multiple lavish spaces to use on your wedding day, including the crimson library, the ballroom, and the morning room, all featuring floor to ceiling windows that allow the most incredible light in. Each room flows easily into the next, which will be great for your up to 150 guests.
The unique thing about Oxenfoord Castle is they don’t offer set wedding packages. They know each wedding is different, with particular needs and numbers, so everything is tailored to you and your plans. They have a friendly and flexible team, and offer various accommodation and catering options for your day.
Useful Links
Website: Oxenfoord Castle
Contact: 01875 320 844
Where to find the venue: Google Maps
Don’t be a stranger…
Thanks for reading this article, I hope you’ve found it helpful if you’re searching for exciting wedding venues in the Edinburgh area. For more venue recommendations, and for information about the East Lothian wedding scene, head on over to my East Lothian Weddings page for more inspiration.
If you’d like more help with your wedding planning, or to chat to me about photographing your big day, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m based in East Lothian, but happily cover the Edinburgh and wider East of Scotland area.
