royal botanic gardens, edinburgh

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thinking of getting married at

the royal botanic gardens, edinburgh?

A woman playing the violin in a room with contemporary and traditional decor, including a wood-paneled wall and framed botanical artwork.
A couple embracing outdoors, the woman smiling with her head on the man's shoulder, in a park with trees in the background, black and white photograph.

Here’s my complete guide to getting married at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh

A bouquet of flowers with pink, yellow, purple, and white blossoms, placed on a wooden chair with a white cushion, at an outdoor event.
Two men in suits holding hands during a wedding ceremony, exchanging vows indoors with a window and natural light behind them.

The details:

  • Spaces accommodating weddings and elopements for 10-200 guests

  • “a positive future for plants, people and the planet”

  • get married amongst 100 year old Redwood trees (seating for 40, up to 120 with the rest standing)

  • Or by the Chinese Pavilion for small celebrations of up to 20

  • set in 70 acres of stunning and unique gardens

  • Fully accessible venue

  • laidback luxury vibes

  • attentive service and delicious food

Weddings at The Royal Botanic Garden FAQs

1

What services do The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offer for weddings?

Event management, catering, table/glassware and linens, PA where required, marquee for larger celebrations.

What price is a wedding at The Free Company?

2

Weddings at Royal Botanic Garden vary as they offer options for large to very intimate weddings. There are ceremony only or full day packages.

Prices from around £120-200 per head, some options with a minimum spend of £2000. Their pricing is also seasonal.

Contact venue direct for a bespoke quote for the spaces, number of guests, time of year and catering/drinks options you’d prefer.

Is there accommodation for wedding guests at The Free Company?

3

There’s no accommodation on-site at Royal Botanic Garden but there are some boutique hotels nearby and lots of self-catering accommodation. The venue isn’t far from the city centre and areas like Stockbridge, with lots of accommodation options.

Is there parking onsite at The Free Company for guests?

4

There’s no parking onsite at Botanics. On-street parking is currently free on the weekends, between £2-5 per hour weekdays with time limits.

People socializing and talking at a formal indoor event in a room with gray paneled walls and decorative ceiling features.
A man and a young girl dancing and smiling in a large, elegant room with high ceilings and ornate details.

Is confetti allowed at The Free Company?

5

No confetti allowed at Royal Botanic Garden, even dried petal confetti is banned.

The gardens prioritize the health of their plant collections, meaning items that could introduce foreign matter are banned. 

Sample wedding menu for The Free Company?

6

Royal Botanic Garden offers lots of options for wedding catering - from taster menus, afternoon tea, sit down 3 course meals, cocktails and canapes and small plate options. There is also an extensive wine list.

Anything from seared scallops, filo tarts, kofta to Roast chicken breast with celeriac purée, potato dauphinoise, tenderstem broccoli, truffled kale, and chicken & thyme jus.

Focus of their menus are fresh seasonal scottish produce.

A woman in a white off-shoulder dress reading a paper at a table during a gathering, while two other people, a woman and a man, are seated and covering their faces, possibly crying, in a bright room with large windows.
A bride and groom walking together on a curved pathway in a lush, green park with tall trees and bushes around them, under an overcast sky.

Spaces available for weddings at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors in a forest clearing with tall trees, with guests seated on wooden chairs, a bride and groom facing each other, and an officiant standing between them.

John Muir Grove

Marry under 24m tall 100 year old Redwood trees.

This area is cordoned off and fairly secluded but not completely private.

It is however completely stunning to sit under the tall trees, very romantic and a little wild.

You are at the mercy of the scottish weather, they try to offer a wet weather option when available, depending on other event bookings.

A couple dressed in wedding attire sharing a kiss in front of a historic stone building with open doors, surrounded by green bushes.

Caledonian Hall

Recently refurbished hall with a capacity for 100 for dining and indoor ceremonies.

Available until midnight. Has basic PA for speeches.

A marquee can be installed on the lawns next to the hall for larger events, up to 200 guests.

Stunning high ceilings and large windows offers lots of natural daylight. The views overlooking the Rock Garden and waterfalls complete the stunning setting.

Wedding reception banquet hall with round tables covered in mauve tablecloths, decorated with potted plants, glassware, and cutlery, set for guests, with large windows and modern ceiling design.

John Hope Gateway

The dining capacity offered is up to 200 guests, and up to 300 guests for an evening dancing reception.

The John Hope Gateway is wheelchair accessible.

Available from 1hr after the gardens close to the public.

Built in 2010 so the newest area available for weddings. Overlooking the biodiversity gardens.

A wedding ceremony taking place indoors with three people standing in front of a large window, and a woman reading from a book or notes. The room has wooden accents and a ceiling with a green perforated panel and a mirrored wall.

Patrick Geddes Room

Smaller room adjacent to John Hope space. This space has a capacity of 24, ideal for indoor ceremonies for tiny weddings or for afternoon tea and speeches/cocktails and canapes after an outdoor ceremony.

Two men in formal suits standing under a wooden pagoda by a pond, with trees in the background.

Chinese Pavillion

An additional option for ceremonies - The Chinese Pavilion is a unique and stunningly beautiful location for smaller ceremonies for up to 25 guests, set at the foot of the Chinese Hillside overlooking the pond. 

Area can be cordoned off but isn’t completely private as the gardens are open to visitors.

Overlaid black and white photograph of two men in suits standing outdoors with tall grass and plants in the background.

Looking for relaxed and artistic photography?

Explore my wedding and elopement photography pages at the link below.

I shoot 35mm, medium format film photography and digital. Over 12 (yikes!) years experience as a full-time photographer and artist.

I’ve shot all over Scotland and beyond but specialise in Edinburgh and East Lothian weddings and elopements. I love little weddings.

Learn more
 

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

70 acres of stunning landscapes just a mile from the city centre, a unique and peaceful setting for your wedding—ideal for an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration.

A newlywed couple smiling and embracing outdoors surrounded by green foliage and flowering plants.
Group of people in a garden during a wedding or celebration, with a woman tossing a bouquet in the air.
Black and white photo of a bride smiling while holding a bouquet of flowers outdoors, with a guest taking a photo in the background.
tie the knot botanics feature
A woman in sunglasses, a light-colored dress, and high heels stands in a doorway holding a bouquet of flowers, smiling.
A bride holding a bouquet smiling at a man, outside under a tree on a sunny day.

“Absolutely obsessed. All round, absolutely love them. You nailed it! Thank you so much. Seriously, thank you.”

Kim & Pete

❋

weddings at Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

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