Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh wedding venue is a glorious location for a wedding in Edinburgh. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ, is situated one mile to the north of Edinburgh city centre.
Celebrate in style with a Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh wedding. ‘The Botanics’ as it’s often referred to by locals, is a stunning choice of wedding venue for any couple. Changing with the seasons, the gardens are ripe with photo opportunities, making a winter ceremony just as appealing as one held in the height of summer. Easily accessible by road, rail, and bus, even the airport is just eight miles away, offering superb convenience no matter how you and your guests intend to arrive.
The ever-changing appearance of the Gardens is just part of the appeal offered by this location. We have visited the Gardens throughout the seasons, so whatever time of year you intend to say your vows, we can provide an experienced photography service to mark your special day.
History Of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Observing the 70 acres of grounds that make up the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), it is hard to imagine the site once took up no more space than a tennis court. This was situated at Holyrood Park, where the Garden began life in 1670. The 300+ years since those early days have witnessed many changes. Still, the growth of the plant collection at the site can be traced to two men who started it all – Robert Sibbald and Andrew Balfour. They imported many plants from abroad, making the job of moving to a larger site in 1763 quite a challenge. The final move to the current location occurred in 1820. At that stage, the move took three years, some innovative equipment, and plenty of creative thinking!
From those early days, the collection of plants has continued to grow. In a 27-year period from 1905 onwards, over 10,000 more plants were added. To say the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh provides a stunning collection of versatile and attractive places to take photos of your wedding day is an understatement indeed.
Caledonian Hall
Caledonian Hall dates to 1842 and retains many of its period features, offering a charming setting for your big day. Up to 120 guests can be welcomed into the Hall for the entire day, from the lead-up to exchanging vows, right through to the evening celebrations. Couples with larger guests lists may be able to hire a marquee for the exterior of the Hall, to provide greater flexibility for the evening reception.
The Caledonian Hall also makes good use of its location close to the Rock Garden – one of the undoubted highlights of visiting Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Opportunities for photos are many and varied – and irresistible too.
The Botanic Gardens
Your Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh wedding presents numerous glorious and colourful opportunities to take some unique wedding photos to commemorate joining together as a couple. If you are thinking of getting married or holding your civil partnership ceremony between April and September, you can do so outdoors in the wedding grove, specially designed for this occasion. Of course, you can have a Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh wedding throughout the year. Whenever you choose to have your big day together, all the photos taken to celebrate the occasion will be memorable for many reasons, with exquisite backdrops round every corner.
There are glorious views across to Edinburgh and the Castle, and with many acres of grounds to wander around, every photo will showcase the romantic setting for the day.
Redwood Trees In John Muir Grove
Summer ceremonies can be held in the John Muir Grove, famous for its towering redwood trees and planting. Simply glorious during the summer months, John Muir Grove can seat 40 guests for the ceremony, with the option of standing room for a further 60 guests.
Those deciding to book the Grove for their ceremony should also pre-book an alternative location in case of bad weather. The nearby Caledonian Hall is a possibility, as is a marquee in this location.
John Hope Gateway
This new addition to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a delight – ideal for those with larger guests lists and a requirement for additional room for the evening reception. John Hope Gateway covers two floors, offers a large decked area, and boasts large windows making the most of the superb views of the Biodiversity Garden. This is ideal for those with a guest list of at least 80 people. Wedding breakfast arrangements can be made for 120 guests at most, while the evening list could include up to 180 guests. With so many possibilities for dining both indoors and out, both formally and in a more relaxed manner, couples with lots of family and friends to invite will surely appreciate the versatility of the John Hope Gateway event space.
From a Fossil Garden to an Alpine House and Courtyard, and the glasshouses to the Chinese Pavilion, there is a surprise waiting around every corner at your Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh wedding. Small wonder this proves to be the perfect spot for many couples to say their vows. If you are planning to celebrate the next step in your journey together as a couple, get in touch with us today to ask about the possibility of hiring as your Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh wedding photographers. We would be only too delighted to assist.