Amelie and Chris's wedding at The Free Company, Balerno

Amelie and Chris got married at The Free Company in Balerno, a rustic barn on a working farm just outside Edinburgh. As an Edinburgh wedding photographer I see a lot of venues in and around the city, and The Free Company is firmly at the top of my recommended list. Amelie and Chris’s day there was relaxed and full of personal touches: a first look among the artichokes, a handfasting with ribbons chosen by their guests, coffee bean favours, and wedding rings made from gold they panned themselves.

A calm morning in the Pentland Hills

The day began at an Airbnb in the Pentland Hills, a quiet spot in the middle of nowhere and the perfect calm start.

A first look among the artichokes at The Free Company

Before the ceremony, Amelie and Chris had a first look among the artichoke plants. Just the two of them, away from everyone else, with a bit of time to see each other before the guests arrived.

A humanist ceremony with Onie Tibbitt and a handfasting

Their humanist ceremony was led by Onie Tibbitt. She told their story and brought everyone, myself included, to tears.

Each of their closest family and friends had been asked to choose a ribbon to represent something for Amelie and Chris, and every ribbon was added in a traditional handfasting during the ceremony.

Amelie’s dress was from Wilderness Bride, and it fitted the rustic, natural feel of the day.

Coffee bean favours and rings from gold they panned themselves

Their guests were treated to personally roasted coffee beans from Hometown Coffee as favours, which made sense given Amelie and Chris’s love of coffee (and their friend who owns the roastery).

Their wedding rings were made by Jacqueline + Edward, and they were even more special because Amelie and Chris had actually panned for the gold themselves.

Why The Free Company is top of my list of Edinburgh wedding venues

I cannot recommend The Free Company enough. A cosy barn, log fires, a courtyard, incredible farm-to-table food, and staff who make you feel at home while quietly sorting every detail. The grounds give you countless spots for photos, which is why there are artichoke plants in this post.

Amelie and Chris, one I won’t forget.