A couple stands in front of a vintage blue car parked by a historic building.
Love Wedding Photos And Film

Micro-wedding Guide

Welcome to our micro-wedding guide to Edinburgh City Chambers. A fresh, no‑fluff roadmap for loved‑up couples who want big feels in a small package.
A bride in a white dress raises her bouquet joyfully while standing next to a groom in a grey jacket and tartan kilt on a stone walkway.
An older couple stands embracing under a stone archway, illuminated by sunlight, with a large window behind them on the building’s wall.

Last updated: July 2025

Be sure to check out our detailed Edinburgh City Chambers page, too!

Why a micro‑wedding?

Because you’d rather spend the whisky money on whisky you actually drink. A micro‑wedding (under 20 guests) keeps the focus on the two of you, trims the politics, and leaves room in the budget for killer photos, a cheeky dram or two, and that honeymoon on Skye.

A couple stands facing each other under the arches in front of the entrance to a stone building labeled "City Chambers." The area is paved with cobblestones, and bicycles are parked nearby.

City Chambers at a glance

The Short Version
LocationRight off the Royal Mile – a few steps from St Giles’ Cathedral and a haggis‑throw from the castle at 253 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ.
Ceremony slotsEvery 45 min, 7 days a week – great for last‑minute elopers
Room optionsAlexander Suite (up to 30), European Room (up to 70), Wee Neuk (4 inc. bride and groom) – same building, wildly different vibes
Registrar fees 2025£ 155 – £ 615 depending on room, day & time
My photographyFrom £ 350 (1 h “Registry Express”) with free witness & next‑day sneak‑peek
micro-wedding guide to Edinburgh City Chambers: A bride and groom kiss outside at their wedding in Edinburgh as guests celebrate by throwing confetti; people are smiling and dressed in formal attire.

The good bits (Pros)

Three rooms, three moods. Go classic with the Alexander Suite, airy and vintage chic in the European Room, or opt for basic and simple (and easiest on the wallet) in the Wee Neuk.

Wallet‑friendly. A registrar’s office ceremony is hands‑down the cheapest legal ‘I do’ in town.

Walk‑to‑everything. Cobblestones, closes, and castle backdrops are literally outside the door – no taxi meter running.

Short‑notice friendly. Because ceremonies run all day, you can often secure a date just 4 weeks in advance.

And the not‑so‑good (Cons)

Tourist traffic. It’s the Royal Mile; expect onlookers snapping shots of you on their phone.

Strict timing. You get 45 minutes; lateness = stress.

Registrar roulette. You meet your officiant on the day – no chance to pick a personality that suits you (though to be fair, all the Registrars are excellent at what they do).

A newlywed couple smiles and walks through a crowd of people throwing confetti. The groom wears a gray suit and the bride holds a bouquet and wears a light blue dress.


(Not sure? Let’s chat – I’ll be honest if City Chambers isn’t right for you.)

2025 pricing & packages

PackageWhat You GetPrice
Registry Express 1 hour mid‑weekCeremony coverage, group photos, newlywed photos on the Royal Mile, 100+ edited images, free witness if required£350
Just‑Us Adventure 2-hours mid‑weekEverything above plus iconic photo tour (Victoria Street, Vennel/Castle view), 250+ images£595
Photo + Mini‑Film 2 hours mid-weekAs above, plus multi‑cam ceremony film & 60‑sec highlight reel£795
Add‑onsSame‑day 30‑image Insta Reel/Sneak Peek Photos– £95
Extra hour of photography – £245

2025 bonus: complimentary drone intro of the Royal Mile and City Chambers (limited-time 2025 perk only included with Photo + Mini-Film):

Edinburgh City Chambers Drone Video

Perfect 2‑hour timeline

Spoiler: you’ll walk less than 1km and still hit five postcard spots.

TimeWhat’s happening
00:00Meet outside City Chambers; quick first‑look or arrival shots
00:15Ceremony (Alexander Suite, European Room or Wee Neuk)
00:40Hugs and group photos in the Quadrangle, confetti on the Royal Mile
01:00St Giles steps & Parliament Square portraits
01:20Victoria Street wander
01:40The Vennel Steps – Edinburgh Castle‑view finale
02:00You head for cocktails, I head to the edit cave – first five teasers hit your socials within 24 hours (or 30 same-day if you purchase the add-on above)

Five planning nuggets you’ll thank me for

  • Book your slot first, vendors second. Registrar diaries open 24 months out; prime 2 pm Fridays vanish fastest.
  • Consider weekday mornings. Softer light, fewer tourists, lower registrar fees.
  • Bring a brolly that matches the colour palette. Rain = romance, but a neon golf umbrella? Not so much.
  • Make sure to mute your phone when you arrive. Trust me on this one!
  • Pack comfy shoes. The Royal Mile and Old Town streets are steep and cobbled; heels can wait in a tote till photos.

Top photo spots within a 5-minute walk

  1. Quadrangle at City Chambers – the architecture, lighting and accessibility at City Chambers are a part of the joy of photographing there.
  2. Royal Mile – Edinburgh’s most famous street is great for a photo opportunity of newlyweds walking together.
  3. St Giles’ Cathedral – Ancient steps and Gothic door frames are great for beautifully framing the two of you.
  4. Parliament Square – Fabulous arches are perfect for dreamy photos (and shelter if it’s raining), and the cobbled square is pure Edinburgh.
  5. Cockburn Street – A historic, bustling, meandering street (also a great place for coffee shops, ice cream and boutique shops).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can we bring?

Up to 30 in the Alexander Suite, 70 in the European Room, 4 in the Wee Neuk (couple + 2 guests).

Can we bring the dog?

Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed in any of the rooms at City Chambers, except for assistance dogs.

What if it rains?

We embrace it! I carry clear umbrellas and know hidden closes for shelter.

Do you act as a witness?

Absolutely — I sign for free and can also arrange a second witness, contact me to discuss.

When do we get our photos?

Preview ‘sneak peek’ within 24 hours, complete set typically in 3 weeks, often less than 1 week.

Ready to make it official?

Pop over to my City Chambers portfolio, then hit the contact button. Let’s pencil in your date before someone else does. description. Be brief and give enough information to earn their attention.

Cheers, Jonathon – Edinburgh micro‑wedding addict, confetti master, and your City Chambers photography Guru!

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