Daily Wedding Advice

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Six things to think about when getting married at a city centre venue

May 9, 2018

Edinburgh is a fantastic city. There are many amazing wedding venues in the centre, from small boutique hotels to large venues for more than 200 and even 300 people. 

Here are a few things to think about when planning a wedding in the city.

Getting ready before the wedding: If you are getting ready at a location different from your venue, plan a little bit more time for the car, or a taxi to take you to the ceremony. Traffic can be very busy at the strangest of times. Always plan a bit extra and do not call the taxi when you are ready to go, but have it arranged and waiting for you.

Transport. This might be an easy one as city centre venues are easy to access by public transport, taxi,  or car. Parking might be tricky, however, as the parking spaces in the centre are limited and also metered. 

Green space. Think about your wedding photographs well in advance and ask your photographer for location ideas close to your venue. You might also want to consider either taking your wedding transport or a taxi to a nearby park for your wedding photographs. Some city centre venues have a garden, or access to private shared gardens. Speak with your wedding coordinator at your venue, as they might also have a few additional ideas.

Think about the season. If your city is a favourite location for tourists from all over the world, check during which months the city is particularly busy. Is your venue near a tourist hotspot, such as Edinburgh Castle, or the Royal Mile in Edinburgh? Is your venue near a busy station with lots of people walking past your venue? This can make things difficult for going outside for photographs.

Tourist Hot Spot: Is your venue in a tourist hot spot, such as Edinburgh Castle? Be prepared that you are likely to be surrounded by tourists and well-wishers who all want to have a glimpse of the bride and groom. I have photographed weddings at the castle where hundreds of tourists watched as we were taking the wedding photographs on the private green in the castle.  

Hotel or Wedding Venue: If your venue is a hotel, there will be other hotel guests at your venue. If you have certain locations of your hotel in mind for your wedding photographs, there might be other hotel guests sitting there, or enjoying the space too. If your venue is an exclusive use wedding venue, there won’t be any other guests accessing the venue. There is an added benefit if your venue is a hotel, as most hotels have a bridal suite for the couple to stay after the wedding celebrations. If your wedding is at a wedding venue which is not a hotel, bear in mind you need to organise for transport to leave the venue after your party, as well as collect any gifts or other belongings the day after your wedding.