Why Alternative Couples Feel at Home in Edinburgh Weddings

Edinburgh bride with pink dress and red leather jacket outside the Dovecot Studios

When it comes to weddings, there’s something beautifully liberating about stepping away from tradition and creating a celebration that reflects your true selves as a couple. For alternative couples – those who don’t necessarily resonate with conventional norms – finding the right place to say I do can feel like a deeply personal quest. That’s why so many find themselves drawn to Edinburgh, a city that welcomes individuality with open arms.



Edinburgh is a place where cobbled streets meet creative energy, where history coexists with a vibrant and inclusive modern culture. It offers something unmatched that resonates with couples looking to break away from the expected and create a wedding that feels unique. As an Edinburgh wedding photographer, I am going to tell you why alternative couples feel at home in Edinburgh weddings.

Why Edinburgh Weddings Feel Like Home

  • Edinburgh’s Unique Atmosphere



  • Venues That Speak to Individuality



  • Capturing Authentic Moments

Edinburgh’s Unique Atmosphere



There’s an undeniable magic to Edinburgh, a city that wears its history with pride yet pulses with a contemporary energy that refuses to be boxed in. It’s a place where centuries-old castles stand tall against a skyline of independent shops, modern galleries, and lively music venues. For couples, this blend of the old and the new is nothing short of inspiring!



Edinburgh’s atmosphere is one of authenticity and inclusivity. Walking through its streets, you’ll notice how easily it embraces diversity. Whether it’s the thriving LGBTQ+ community, the punk aesthetic of its underground art scene, or the quiet support of small businesses offering eco-conscious and unconventional services, Edinburgh is a city that celebrates people as they are. It’s a place where you can feel comfortable leaning into your quirks and preferences, rather than feeling the need to conform.


For alternative couples who want to tell a story with their Edinburgh wedding, this place is a blank canvas with a million ways to paint it. You might exchange vows on Arthur’s Seat with the city sprawled out beneath you, hold an intimate reception in a hidden courtyard, or dance the night away in a venue that feels more like a gig than a wedding. Whatever your vision, Edinburgh’s rich atmosphere makes it possible.

Venues That Speak to Individuality

One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding in Edinburgh is the variety of venues that cater to individuality. Whether your aesthetic leans towards moody romance, minimalist chic, or bold, this city has a space that feels tailor-made for you.


Take The Caves, for example, which is a truly one-of-a-kind venue nestled (ahem, situated) in the heart of the Old Town. These historic vaults are steeped in atmosphere, with exposed stone walls and candlelit corners offering a perfect blend of drama and intimacy. 

It’s ideal for couples who want their Edinburgh wedding to feel edgy and unconventional.


For those seeking something more modern, consider the Dovecot Studios, a contemporary gallery and tapestry studio. Its clean lines and artistic vibe are perfect for couples who value creativity and minimalism. Imagine exchanging vows in a space surrounded by art, with natural light streaming through large windows.


Or perhaps you’d prefer The Secret Herb Garden, a dreamy space on the outskirts of Edinburgh. With its greenhouse setting and focus on sustainability, it’s a venue that speaks to couples who want a connection to nature while keeping things relaxed and intimate.

No matter which venue you choose, what’s clear is that Edinburgh’s options go far beyond the traditional hotel ballroom or country estate. Every space here seems to have its own personality, making it easier for couples to find a venue that reflects who they are.

Capturing Authentic Moments



An alternative wedding isn’t about following a script but about creating a day that feels honest and true to you as a couple. And when it comes to preserving those memories, photography plays a vital role. 




As a wedding photographer, I can tell you that capturing authentic moments is as much about understanding the couple as it is about the technical side of things.




In Edinburgh, authenticity is everywhere. From the raw beauty of its natural landscapes to the character of its hidden alleys, the city itself adds to Edinburgh weddings. Whether it’s the way your partner’s face lights up during your vows or the laughter shared during an impromptu dance-off at your reception, these little moments are the ones that truly matter.




As someone who works closely with alternative couples, I know how important it is to document your wedding in a way that reflects your personalities. It’s about capturing the way you looked at each other when no one else was watching and the little moments that felt like magic!


Photography, for me, is about storytelling. It’s about showing the world who you are and how your love came to life on your wedding day.

Book Your Wedding Photos in Edinburgh

There’s a reason why alternative couples feel at home in Edinburgh weddings. It’s a city that celebrates individuality, where history and creativity intertwine, and where your wedding can be as unique as you are. From the inclusive culture to the breathtaking venues and the opportunity to capture authentic memories, Edinburgh offers everything you need to create a wedding day that feels like it was made just for you.

Edinburgh is ready to welcome you with open arms. And when you’re ready to take that next step, I’d be honoured to help capture your story in a way that feels as genuine and special as your connection. Get in touch with me for your wedding photography in Edinburgh. 

Puffy tulle pink bride bridal dress looking over the balcony of the dovecot studios in edinburgh
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