If you’re thinking “I want a wedding that feels timeless, moody, romantic — somewhere historic yet central,” then Ghillie Dhu is a top contender. This venue — a former church turned restaurant/bar and event space in Edinburgh’s West End — offers a beautiful auditorium with vaulted ceilings, classic architectural details and plenty of character. I know so many things all packed into one!! This is perfect spot for a Edinburgh wedding photographer that’s candid to create magic!!
As an Edinburgh wedding photographer that’s candid, I love, love love the Ghillie Dhu because it provides so many opportunities for genuine, unposed moments — atmospheric interiors, dramatic light and the chance to head out into historic streets or gardens for relaxed portraits. At the end of this post I’ve also complied a beautiful list of amazing vendors that can help you create an amazing day!
Historic & Atmospheric: The Ghillie Dhu has charm and hitroy coming out of the wazooo (is that a word) with high soaring ceilings, chandeliers, Gothic-era architecture (you certinaly wander what ghosts are hanging out having fun haha) — there’s a sense of history, grandeur, and slightly dramatic romance.
Warm & Hospitable: The staff are incredible calm, friendly, organised — making couples (and their often international guests) feel taken care of.
Versatile & Welcoming: Whether you want a big, lavish wedding with guests dancing till the wee hours, or a more intimate, cosy gathering, the venue adapts — from banquet-style meals to evening parties, and even smaller bar-based celebrations.
A Touch of Magic: Because of the Ghillie Dhu whollllleeee vibe —The Ghillie Dhu feels romantic and memorable. If this venue were a person, they’d be the kind of “old-soul romantic with a warm laugh and a dramatic flair.
Venue Snapshot: Facts, Capacity & Typical Costs – Lets run through the bits and bobs
Capacity & Spaces
- The main “Auditorium” space at Ghillie Dhu can host up to – 300 guests standing.
- For a seated wedding ceremony or meal: the typical capacities quoted are about 120 for ceremony, 150 for a seated meal, and up to ~180 for the evening guests (party/dancing etc.).
- Minimum guest counts: Ghillie Dhu requires at least 60 guests (Sunday–Thursday) or 70 guests (Friday & Saturday) as the minimum for a wedding booking.
- There is also a “Main Bar” area for smaller/low-key gatherings — a more casual option if you don’t want a full banquet.
Rough Costs & What’s Included
- Venue hire (depending on package) is often estimated around £1,500–£5,000.
- Catering costs (food & drinks) vary by menu — for instance: a three-course set menu, buffet or fork-style meal. In past pricing: a three-course menu might begin around £40 per person.
- Ghillie Dhu offers full event coordination: their in-house team helps plan the layout, food, timing, and deals with vendors — which many couples praise as helpful, especially for destination weddings or when guests are travelling.
Legal & Paperwork: What You Need to Get Married in Edinburgh / Scotland
If you plan to marry in Edinburgh (whether at Ghillie Dhu or another venue), you’ll need to submit certain official documents ahead of time. Here’s a quick breakdown (and useful links) so you’re prepared:
What you need to do / provide
- Each partner must submit a “notice of intention to marry” — commonly the M10 form (or CP10 for civil partnership). https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/give-notice
- Submit your notice no more than 3 months before, and at least 29 days before your ceremony date. Many couples aim for 6–8 weeks notice to allow time for everything.
- Required documents typically include: original birth certificate, passport or valid photo ID, proof of residence (e.g. a recent utility bill or bank statement), and — if previously married — final divorce/annulment papers or death certificate of former spouse.
- If either party is a non-UK national or you’re living abroad, you may also need a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI) from your home country to prove you’re free to marry.
- You’ll need two witnesses (aged 16+) present at the ceremony.
Where to lodge forms
You submit the forms and documents to the registration office in the district where your ceremony will take place — for Edinburgh, that’s via the City of Edinburgh Council.
Other notes
- If any documents are not in English, you’ll need a certified translation.
- After submission and approval, the registrar issues a “marriage schedule” (or civil partnership schedule) which must be signed during the ceremony (by you, your partner, the registrar/celebrant, and your two witnesses) to make the marriage legally valid.
Where to check official info
- Edinburgh Council’s “Legal requirements for marriage and civil partnership” page — very useful for planning paperwork.
- The general guide for marriages in Scotland via National Records of Scotland — for official rules and special circumstances (foreign nationals, prior marriages etc.)
What a Typical Wedding Day Looks Like at Ghillie Dhu with a Edinburgh wedding photographer that’s candid
Here’s a rough flow of a wedding day at Ghillie Dhu — from arrival to send-off. This is inspired by real weddings I have photographed there (and feedback from couples).
| Time / Phase | What Happens / How It Feels |
|---|---|
| Early arrival / Prep | Couples or planners arrive early to finalise setup — tables, flowers, seating, lighting, décor. Because the building has dramatic interiors (high ceilings, chandeliers), this is a chance to arrange mood-lighting or styling that brings out ambience. As a photographer, this is a calm, atmospheric moment — great for detail shots (table settings, architecture, venue mood). |
| Ceremony or Welcome Drinks | Depending on the plan: some couples might have the ceremony in the Auditorium (if allowed), or perhaps a smaller gathering earlier. Others prefer to go elsewhere for the legal ceremony and use Ghillie Dhu for reception. Guests might mingle in the main bar or lobby first — drinks, chats, soft lighting. |
| Dinner / Wedding Meal | Guests seated for a formal meal — three-course dinner or a buffet/fork-style menu. The venue caters in-house; often praised food & service for weddings. Guests enjoy Scottish touches if desired. As a photographer — this is where candid guest interactions, toasts, laughter, table details, and the first “group portrait” opportunities happen. |
| Speeches / Toasts / Evening Transition | After dinner, the venue might shift the layout — clearing for dancing, or rearranging for band/ceilidh or DJ. Because of the high ceilings and spacious floor, there’s plenty of room. Many couples report the evening flows smoothly — thanks to coordinator oversight. As a photographer — great time for atmospheric, moody portraits or low-light reportage. |
| Party / Dancing / Late Night | Ghillie Dhu stays lively — bar open, music or ceilidh, guests dancing. For bigger weddings, standing-room capacity means many people — up to ~300 standing. As a Photographer I can capture candids, genuine moments, dancing energy, and final send-off. |
| Send-Off / Last Call / Farewell | As the night winds down, guests gather for last hugs, photos, maybe a final toast. Because the building is atmospheric, even the end-of-night photos can feel dramatic and cinematic. Staff typically manage logistics well, making departure smooth. Many reviews highlight how “seamless” the day felt. |
Who Ghillie Dhu Suits — and Who Should Think Twice
Great if you want:
- A wedding with history, character, and old-world charm
- A flexible venue for 70–180 (or larger if standing) guests — good mid-size to large weddings
- In-house catering, coordination, and less vendor-hopping (great for couples based overseas or with many travelling guests)
- Dramatic architecture and ambient lighting — ideal for emotional, cinematic or moody photography
Consider carefully if you want:
- A very small, intimate wedding under 50 guests — Ghillie Dhu’s minimum is 60–70.
- A bright, outdoor-style wedding — the main auditorium is indoors with moody, historic vibe. You might need to plan extra for outdoor photos or ceremony elsewhere.
- A super-tight budget — while costs are reasonable for what you get, catering + drinks + styling can add up depending on guest numbers & options chosen.
Best Places for Photos — In & Around Ghillie Dhu + Edinburgh
Now we are getting to the good stuff about Photography and shinanigans!! From the point of view of an Edinburgh wedding photographer that’s candid.
One of the things I love most about weddings at Ghillie Dhu is that you don’t have to travel far to get beautiful, dramatic, romantic photos. Here are some of the best spots: As an Edinburgh wedding photographer with candid and documentary flair, the Ghillie Dhu offers soooo much!
• Ghillie Dhu’s Vaulted Hall + Interior Details
The building itself — with its high ceilings, organ-pipe architecture, chandeliers and historic detailing — is perfect for moody, elegant, timeless photos. Think dramatic light, intimate portraits, couple moments in soft candle or chandelier light.
• Front Doorway / Street-side of Ghillie Dhu
A simple but effective shot: the stone entrance or doorway makes a classic frame for a couple portrait or a confetti toss after ceremony. Many couples and photographers use the entryway for group/family or romantic portraits.
• Grassmarket and Bow St
I love the Grassmarket!! I used to live of the G-market it’s iconic Edinburgh Spot and full of life! The colourful doorways and the street is always bursting with people that will cheer and congratualte you as you walk up the grassmarket
• Historic West End & Georgian / Old Town Streets
The iconic Castle shot! Ummm yes please, no matter how many times I have stood on these steps, taken photos for tourists on their iphones, taken a selfie, or captured a couple, the castle is iconic, it’s beautiful and still takes my breath away!!
• Outdoor Ceremony / Garden Option (e.g. near Ghillie Dhu or a nearby garden space)
Some couples choose to have their ceremony (or even just photos) outdoors — whether in a small garden, square, or nearby green space. This gives a nice contrast to the moody interiors and opens up softer light, more relaxed photos.
🌤️ Edinburgh Weather — What Couples Should Know When Planning & Shooting
Because you’re tying the knot in Edinburgh (not down under like you typically do), it’s good to plan around the local climate and light:
- Weather is changeable — even in summer, Scotland can surprise you. Clouds, light rain or mist are common. Good jackets, flexible photo-timing, and indoor contingency plans (like the hall at Ghillie Dhu) are key.
- Golden hours happen late — in summer, sunset can be quite late, giving great soft evening light that photographers love.
- Winter / off-season weddings — very moody, atmospheric, with dramatic skies and early dusk: perfect for moody, cinematic portraits, but you’ll want to plan for indoor photos and maybe bring some warmth.
- Always have a backup plan — even if you hope for sunshine, don’t bank on it. Having a mix of indoor + outdoor photo locations (as I noted above) gives flexibility to get beautiful images whatever the weather.
Why You Should Consider Booking an “Edinburgh Wedding Photographer Candid” — If You Want Real, Emotional, Authentic Moments
If you’re after polished, posed wedding portraits — Edinburgh’s historic beauty already sets the stage. But if what you truly want is genuine energy, laughter, in-between moments, atmosphere, and emotion — the candid/documentary-style photographer is the perfect match. For example ohhhh me haha
At a venue like Ghillie Dhu — with architectural drama, old-world charm, and easy access to city streets and gardens — candid photography thrives. You get a mix of moody interiors, urban energy, natural light, and spontaneous moments that feel real and timeless.
Final Tips for Planning Your Ghillie Dhu Wedding form a Edinburgh wedding photographer that’s candid.
Lean into the weather, the venue, the day! It’s raining embrace it step outside dance in the rain, snow wind but you still have an amazing buidling so can do the rest indoors.I’m an Edinburgh wedding photographer that’s candid, documentary, story teller. I will be on the d-floor, running around the streets with you and crying and laughing along side you with all the heart!!
Submit your notice of intent early — aim for 8–10 weeks before the wedding if possible.
Double-check all documents (birth certificates, passport/ID, proof of residence, any previous marriage documentation, CONI if needed).
Choose a photographer who knows Edinburgh — nearby gardens, streets, light, and how to capture the soul of a city wedding.
Have a flexible timeline around light and weather, especially if you want outdoor portraits.
Choose a rocking Band – Unless you having been living under a rock you will know Bahookie…. they are the kings of wedding bands! I had them at my wedding it was wild!!! They get the D-floor buzzing!!
My fav Vendors in Edinburgh
Humanist/Celebrant – Craig Flowers https://craigflowers.co.uk/
Dress – Mirka Bridal – https://www.mirkabridal.com/
Flowers – Stockbridge flower company – https://www.thestockbridgeflowercompany.co.uk/
hair and makeup – https://www.instagram.com/evamichnova_makeup_hair/?hl=en
Kilts – Geoffrey Kilts – https://geoffreykilts.co.uk/
Band – Bahookie – https://bahookie.org/
soft glowy tan – https://www.instagram.com/theanonbeautycollective/?hl=en
rings – monaghan jewllers – https://monaghansjewellery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorZLlxH_zUo55Cpmo8bK2T8WfxaxtC9OhCylmiUppl9QdUZ9FXw
About the Author
Jennifer MacDonald at Liminal Wonderland loves anything sci-fi and re runs of Gilmore girls. Loves baking and Champagne. Jennifer spends her free time hanging out with her husband and toddler that keeps her active. Jennifer is a wedding photographer that travels between Melbourne and Scotland. She specialises in capturing artistic portraits paired with unique storytelling.
More stuff https://liminalwonderland.com/scottish-wedding-adventure-photographer/
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