Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh – Historic City Centre Wedding Venue
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh wedding venue is a beautiful location for a wedding that some might be unaware of is even a possibility. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JQ, offers nearly 250 years of fascinating history poured into one building. It’s a stunning choice and one that allows for some fantastic wedding photo opportunities.
Granted its Royal Charter in 1681, the College today offers the ideal choice for a wedding set in a historical and striking location. Positioned in the heart of Edinburgh, this building boasts several impressive rooms ideal for a wedding never to be forgotten. Some of the most notable figures in medicine are acknowledged here too, with Hippocrates and Galen among those honoured with sculptures and portraits.
Today, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh provides the perfect setting for any wedding. We’ve been pleased to photograph and film several happy couples here, and it is a charming location to explore and appreciate, with many rooms and features to take advantage of when capturing images of your wedding day.
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh – Grand staircase entrance
There are staircases… and then there is the grand staircase at the RCPE, which has rightly earned itself that name. Elegant architectural style defines this staircase, which makes the perfect location for setting up photographs, whether in black and white or in colour. Both modern and traditional photo opportunities are well-suited to this classic setting – one of the real highlights (although one of many) in the College building.
New Library
Nowhere is the storied history of this building more apparent than in the New Library. Despite the newness of the name, the Library dates to Georgian times. Many happy couples have understandably chosen this room to say their vows in on their big day, with up to 100 guests present to celebrate with them.
Bookcases line the walls, holding thousands of medical tomes. A balcony runs around the room, offering further bookshelves above. This is where a real understanding of the history of the building is achieved. The New Library provides a grand yet intimate room to hold your wedding ceremony, with ample opportunities to take some beautiful photos afterwards.
Great Hall
The Great Hall is adjacent to the New Library, and as the name suggests, is larger in size. The first thing many people do when entering the Great Hall – as we did on our first visit – is to look up. The high ceiling is adorned with a frame, numerous figures, and detailing you cannot look away from.
Add in the crimson wall panels and majestic pillars, and you can appreciate yet another slice of history in this room. The Great Hall was created in the Victorian era, but you would be forgiven for thinking it is far older. Offering classic appeal and a stunning backdrop for your photos, the Great Hall can also accommodate 150 guests for the ceremony and subsequent dinner or wedding breakfast. A further 30 guests can be accommodated for celebrations following the meal if desired.
Cullen Suite
From Georgian times to Victorian, we now change to Regency style upon entering the Cullen Suite. This is a bright room, offering large windows that bring plenty of daylight in. Those windows provide views to Queen Street Gardens and beyond.
This is a smaller room, offering the ideal choice for smaller, more personal ceremonies with a maximum of 40 guests. It is also possible to marry here and toast the union before enjoying your meal in the Great Hall. The light blue walls are calming, providing a stark contrast to the restored ceiling.
Easy access to Queen Street Gardens for magnificent photo opportunities
We are always delighted to be given the opportunity to photograph a wedding at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. As you can see, the grand staircase and the many beautiful and historical rooms provide a selection of magnificent locations for photo opportunities.
However, there is another advantage to marrying here. Couples who choose the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh as their wedding venue will also be able to make use of the Queen Street Gardens. These are private gardens, so you need not to worry about being disturbed. They are often fondly referred to as secret gardens. That alone is inspiring when you know you can have your wedding day photos taken there.
You will also have full use of the Physic Garden, another delight to explore at the RCPE. This courtyard nestles in between the New Library and the Cullen Suite, providing a further opportunity to capture those memories.
We always enjoy photographing weddings at the RCPE wedding venue. It is filled with surprises, and that sense of history pervades every space. If you are thinking about following in the steps of other couples and getting married at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, contact us today to discuss the possibility of taking your wedding photos for you.
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Real Weddings
