Emily and Stuart's Small Wedding at Edinburgh City Chambers

Emily and Stuart got married at Edinburgh City Chambers, the council building on the Royal Mile in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with two witnesses in the room and a handful of close family joining afterwards for photos. The big party with friends and family is saved for their first anniversary next year. This was the quiet bit, just for them.

Two witnesses, a confetti throw on the Royal Mile

They live in Edinburgh, so the City Chambers made sense: right on the Mile, and you walk straight out of the ceremony into the Old Town.

It was just the two of them and their two witnesses for the vows. Afterwards we gathered outside for a few family group shots, then a confetti throw right on the Royal Mile, with the usual Royal Mile crowd on the pavement wondering what was going on.

Closes and wynds: a wander through the Old Town

With family waving them off, the three of us set off through Edinburgh’s Old Town. We wandered through the narrow closes and tucked-away wynds behind the Mile, and they danced beneath the stone archways. Nobody else around, nobody to perform for. That’s when the real photos happen, and it’s why I’ll always push for a wander rather than a list of poses.

Champagne on Arthur’s Seat

To end the day we hopped in a taxi to Arthur’s Seat. They climbed the hill together, hand in hand, champagne in tow, and shared a toast at the top with the wind going through the grass and the whole city stretched out below.

After that they headed back into town to join their family for dinner, and I slipped away and left them to it.

Doing things your way

Weddings don’t have to follow a set formula. You can plan something small now and throw the big party later, and Emily and Stuart’s day is proof that nothing gets lost by splitting it in two.

If you’re thinking of a small wedding in Edinburgh that’s just the two of you, let’s chat.