Adding Personal Traditions for Your Edinburgh Wedding

There’s something magical about getting married in Edinburgh. From its historic cobbled streets to the stunning views of Arthur’s Seat and the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the city provides a stunning backdrop for couples getting married. 

But beyond the gorgeous settings, what really makes a wedding stand out is the personal touches – those little (or big) details that reflect who you are as a couple.

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings is capturing moments that feel entirely unique to each couple. And one of the best ways to infuse that personal connection into your day is by incorporating traditions that are meaningful to you. 

Whether they’re rooted in cultural heritage, family customs, or simply something that feels special to you both, these traditions can elevate your wedding to something meaningful.

As an Edinburgh wedding photographer, I am going to talk about adding personal traditions for your Edinburgh wedding!

Traditions for Your Edinburgh Wedding

• The Handfasting Tradition
  
  
  

• Other Personal Traditions to Consider

The Handfasting Tradition

Handfasting is a centuries-old custom that’s steeped in history, and it’s one I’ve had the privilege of seeing included in many weddings. It’s a particularly beautiful way to honour Scottish culture, though it can be tailored to suit couples from any background.

Originating in Celtic traditions, Handfasting was originally a symbolic gesture used in marriage ceremonies, where the couple’s hands would be tied together with a ribbon or cord to represent their union. In fact, it’s where the expression “tying the knot” comes from! It’s a lovely visual representation of two lives becoming intertwined, and it’s also incredibly versatile – you can adapt it to make it your own in so many ways.

I’ve seen couples use ribbons in their wedding colours, cords passed down through the family, or even pieces of fabric that hold sentimental value. During the ceremony, your officiant, celebrant, or even a loved one could lead the Handfasting ritual, wrapping the cords around your hands as you say your vows or exchange promises to each other.

What I love most about Handfasting is how meaningful it feels in the moment – the act of physically binding your hands together is such a powerful reminder of the commitment you’re making. And from a photography perspective, it’s an absolute dream to capture! 

The combination of your emotions, the colours of the cords, and the symbolism of the act creates photos that you’ll appreciate forever.

If you’re thinking about including this tradition for your Edinburgh wedding, don’t worry about it feeling old-fashioned or too formal.

Other Personal Traditions to Consider

Of course, Handfasting isn’t the only way to make your wedding unique. There are so many other traditions and meaningful gestures that you can incorporate into your day, whether they’re inspired by your heritage, your families, or even just things you both love.

For example, couples have included cultural rituals from their backgrounds. A Japanese tea ceremony, for instance, can bring a sense of serenity and respect to the day, while a Nigerian kola nut ceremony is a vibrant and joyful celebration of family and togetherness. These traditions not only honour where you’ve come from but also offer a chance to share a part of your story with your guests.

Family traditions are another fantastic way to add traditions for your Edinburgh wedding. Maybe there’s a family heirloom, like a piece of jewellery, that’s been passed down through generations, or a special reading that’s been included in every wedding in your family. 

If you’re looking for something less traditional, you could create your own symbolic gesture that represents your relationship. Couples have lit a unity candle together, plant a tree during their ceremony, or even blended different coloured sands to symbolise their union. 

One particularly sweet idea I came across was a couple who wrote each other letters on their wedding morning, sealed them in a box with a bottle of wine, and made a promise to open it together on their first anniversary.

Even the little details can make a big difference. Think about including personal touches in your decor, like table names based on places you’ve travelled together, or favours that reflect your shared interests. Whether it’s through small gestures or big traditions for your Edinburgh wedding, what matters most is that your day feels like it truly belongs to you both!

Let’s Discuss Your Edinburgh Wedding Photos

Adding personal traditions for your Edinburgh wedding is where two people come together to celebrate their love – and there’s no better way to make your day unforgettable than by incorporating traditions that mean something to you. 

So, if you’re planning your wedding in Edinburgh, I’d encourage you to think about what traditions or personal touches you might want to include. After all, this is your story and your wedding should reflect it in every possible way!

Get in touch with me to chat about your plans and, of course, discuss your wedding photography in Edinburgh.