An Alternative Edinburgh Wedding at City Chambers

Written By Romina Kavyanpoor
Alternative wedding couple with the bride dressed in a deep red gown and veil sitting in front of a tombstone in Edinburgh greyfriars Graveyard with the heavily tattooed groom standing next to her holding her hand and looking at each other

Weddings are as unique as the couples themselves, and when it comes to creating a day that reflects individuality, few venues can match the versatility of the City Chambers in Edinburgh. Right on the historic Royal Mile, this iconic building offers a perfect balance of old-world and modernity. 




Recently, as an Edinburgh wedding photographer, I had the pleasure of photographing an alternative wedding here, and I can’t wait to share the incredible details of this day with you. 




From its history to the personal touches the couple incorporated, an alternative Edinburgh wedding at City Chambers proved to be the ideal backdrop for a celebration unlike any other! 





Alternative wedding couple with bride in a red wedding dress and heavily tattoed groom exiting Edinburgh City chambers after their ceremony, cheered by their guests

Alternative Edinburgh Wedding at City Chambers





  • Wedding Venue in Edinburgh – City Chambers




  • Alternative Wedding Details




  • Photography Highlights







Wedding Venue in Edinburgh – City Chambers 





The City Chambers is truly one of Edinburgh’s most captivating venues. Originally built in 1753 as the Royal Exchange, it was later transformed into the seat of the city’s administration in 1811. 





Walking into this building, you’re immediately struck by the weight of its history – ornate rooms adorned with original paintings and historical furniture tell a story of times past, while its more modern additions, introduced during a 1904 renovation, bring a sense of functionality and style.





Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the City Chambers boasts breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, a feature that makes it a particularly beautiful spot for a wedding. 





The venue is home to several versatile spaces, such as the Council Chamber, which was where this couple chose to host their ceremony. This room, with its striking architectural details and lovely lighting, feels simultaneously intimate and mysterious, which is perfect for an alternative wedding where tradition is respected but creativity takes centre stage.





An Edinburgh wedding at City Chambers is where you feel cared for the moment you step through the doors.






Alternative Wedding Details






This wedding was a beautiful example of how to make a traditional setting feel modern and completely personal. The couple had such a clear vision for their day, and the City Chambers allowed them to bring it to life effortlessly. 






For the ceremony itself, the couple opted for something epic. The bride walked down the aisle to “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica. 






Later in the evening, as golden hour cast its warm light over the city, the newlyweds took some time for portraits. This was one of the most special parts of the day for me as a photographer. These moments of quiet intimacy between the couple contrasted so beautifully with the lively celebrations that followed.






After the ceremony, the couple and their guests headed to one of Edinburgh’s most unique pubs for drinks – the perfect spot to celebrate in true alternative style. I didn’t stay for dinner, but it was a great way for them to continue the celebrations beyond the City Chambers, keeping the day relaxed and completely in their own hands.

 

From there, their Edinburgh wedding at City Chambers moved into dancing, laughter, and cake-cutting, rounding out what was a day full of love and personality.







Photography Highlights






Photographing this wedding was such a joy from start to finish. The City Chambers provides so many opportunities for creative shots, from the dramatic staircases to the ornate details of the rooms themselves. I loved working in the Council Room for the ceremony as it’s a dream for a photographer, with its high ceilings and beautiful natural light.






The first look was an especially moving moment to capture. There’s something so profound about witnessing two people see each other for the first time on their wedding day, and the City Chambers’ timelessness added extra romance to those photos. 






Later on during their Edinburgh wedding at City Chambers, during the golden hour, we ventured outside and around the venue for evening portraits. 






The couple also embraced candid, documentary-style shots, which allowed me to capture the raw emotions and unscripted moments of the day. 







heavily tattooed groom dressed in black tie kissing the hand of his alternative bride, dressed in red, sitting on a greyfriar stone in edinburgh graveyard

Book Your City Chamber Wedding Photographer






Looking back on this alternative Edinburgh wedding at City Chambers, I feel so grateful to have been part of such a meaningful day. The City Chambers proved to be the perfect venue for a couple who wanted to blend tradition with something a little different.






As a wedding photographer in Edinburgh, days like these remind me of why I love what I do. It’s about more than just taking beautiful photos but about capturing moments that people will look back on for years to come! 






Get in touch with me for your wedding photography in Edinburgh. I can’t wait to hear from you.






Romina Kavyanpoor