Small Wedding Venues for Hire in Edinburgh

Your Guide to Hiring Small Wedding Venues in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that boasts some of the most picturesque landmarks and historic buildings in the region, many of which are the perfect spot for a city-centre small wedding location. Small weddings and receptions are trending – not only because they are easier on the wallet, but also because they grant the bride and groom more quality face time with each guest. These intimate gatherings actually have a lot going for them. To start, it’s much easier to plan and organise an event with 50 people or less than a huge wedding with hundreds of people. Many couples are opting for smaller guest lists. It’s both friendly to the budget and dramatically opens up your venue options for both the wedding and reception! 

Because of the smaller size of the guest list, when planning a small wedding, you have the opportunity to consider venues that would otherwise be out of the question. Consider a wedding ceremony at lovely Holyrood Park, or check out some of the waterside venues near Leith that offer wedding packages and dinner. There are several beautiful churches in Edinburgh that will allow you to use their sanctuary for the ceremony and their church hall for the reception. If you would like to throw an exquisite but intimate celebration then consider one of Edinburgh’s historic castles with event hire space.

FAQs about Small Wedding Venues in Edinburgh

How much does it cost to hire a small wedding venue in Edinburgh?

The final price for hiring a wedding venue in Edinburgh will depend on the venue type you choose, as well as the number of guests you invite. Some places charge hourly fees with prices ranging from £100 to £625+ per hour. In restaurants, bars, and clubs you can often find  per person packages with rates start at around £69+. Many wedding venues also work on a minimum spend basis, and their prices vary between £500 to £3000+. (All data from Tagvenue.com.)

Any tips for having a small wedding?

Anytime! Here are a few tips for having a successful small wedding:

• Choose an intimate venue - Pick a location that's just the right size for your small guest list. For example, you can consider a unique venue like a garden, a gallery, a historic mansion or a cosy restaurant that reflects your style and personality.
• Keep it simple -  Hosting a small wedding allows you to focus on the details that matter most to you and have a more reasonable approach to other wedding elements. For example, if you don’t care about the food that much, consider having a buffet or a very simple menu, and if you don’t mind minimalism, you can DIY your decorations or use those guaranteed by the venue. 
• Personalise your celebration - A small wedding provides a great opportunity to add personal touches to your celebration. Write your own vows, have a special song played during the ceremony, or choose a funky theme that reflects your shared interests and tastes.
• Get your guests involved - With a smaller group of guests, you will have the chance to spend quality time with each of them. Consider having a pre-wedding gathering or post-wedding activity, so everyone can spend time together and make new memories.

What is considered a small wedding?

According to many wedding experts, a wedding is considered small when the number of guests falls anywhere between 10 to 50. Small weddings usually have a much more intimate atmosphere, and they’re a great option for those who don’t feel comfortable around big crowds of people and value privacy. Also, they give you a chance to celebrate with everyone you care about without fearing that someone might feel left out!