Edinburgh elopement photography at The Scotsman HotelAllie & Carl

A small wedding, a first look and a wander around Edinburgh

13 July 2023The Scotsman Hotel · EdinburghPhotography by John Clark

From Canada to The Scotsman

Allie and Carl fell in love with my work on Instagram and chose me to photograph their wedding at The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh. They travelled from Canada for a relaxed celebration with their closest family and friends. I was so pleased to be part of it.

It had that lovely elopement feel, with a small guest list and time to do things their own way. A first look before the ceremony, a walk around Edinburgh for photographs, and a fabulous party back at the hotel. Such a warm, welcoming bunch of people.

Getting ready at The Scotsman

Allie got ready at The Scotsman Hotel with her bridesmaids. There was plenty of laughing, a bit of jumping on the bed and then a rather different reaction when her dad saw her. Those are the wee moments I love being there for.

Her dress was by Jacquelin Bridals, with flowers from Garlands Florist Edinburgh and hair and make-up by Circles Bridal. Carl and the boys were looking the part in Slater Menswear.

Allie smiling in her bridal robe beneath her wedding dress and lilac bridesmaid dresses.

Allie reading a card beside the window while getting ready at The Scotsman Hotel.

Allie and her bridesmaids laughing together on the bed in their matching robes, photographed in black and white.

Allie and her bridesmaids jumping on the bed as they get ready for the wedding.

Allie sharing a laugh with her bridesmaids in their room at The Scotsman Hotel.

Allie’s dad wiping away a tear as he sees her on the wedding morning.

Allie looking back over her shoulder in her wedding dress beside the tall suite windows.

Carl laughing while sitting on the marble staircase in his black wedding suit.

Carl seeing Allie for the first time

These two chose to see each other before the ceremony. Allie walked up behind Carl in the Garden Suite, and his face when he turned round said everything. What a lovely moment to be part of.

A first look gave them time together and meant we could head out for photographs before their guests gathered for the ceremony. It suited the relaxed day they wanted.

Allie approaching Carl from behind for their first look in the Garden Suite.

Carl covering his mouth as he sees Allie in her wedding dress for the first time.

Black-and-white photograph of Carl wiping away a tear during his first look with Allie.

A few photographs inside the hotel

There’s so much character inside The Scotsman. We made use of the marble staircase and then headed into the Picturehouse cinema. Those red seats, the little lamps and that ceiling gave us something completely different.

We had a laugh, let them enjoy a few moments together and made the most of the spaces around us. I love that we could do all of this before even stepping out into Edinburgh.

Carl taking Allie’s hand as she walks down the marble staircase at The Scotsman Hotel.

Allie and Carl smiling at one another on the marble stairs, photographed in black and white.

Allie and Carl embracing beside the curved balustrade inside The Scotsman Hotel.

Allie and Carl laughing together in the red seats of The Scotsman Picturehouse cinema.

A wide view of Allie and Carl sharing a kiss beneath the ornate ceiling of The Scotsman Picturehouse.

A wander around Edinburgh

Then it was out into the Old Town. We stopped on the Royal Mile by St Giles’ Cathedral and made our way to the Vennel for that brilliant view of Edinburgh Castle. The stone arches and quieter corners gave us plenty more to work with along the way.

The wedding party joined in too, and we grabbed some lovely photographs outside The Scotsman before heading back inside. A bit of walking, a taxi when we needed one, plenty of laughs and a city full of places to stop. What a way to spend part of your wedding day.

Carl dipping Allie for a kiss on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with St Giles’ Cathedral behind them.

Allie and Carl kissing on the Vennel steps with Edinburgh Castle rising behind them.

Allie and Carl walking along Edinburgh’s cobbled Royal Mile with their wedding party.

The wedding party cheering as Carl dips Allie for a kiss outside The Scotsman Hotel.

Allie and Carl walking beneath the stone arches of an Edinburgh Old Town arcade.

Allie and Carl kissing outside The Scotsman Hotel as their wedding party walks past.

Planning your Edinburgh elopement photographs

Allie and Carl’s day shows how a small Scotsman Hotel wedding can include time with your guests and a wander around Edinburgh. Whether you call it an elopement or an intimate wedding, let’s make it fit the day you actually want.

Tell me about your plans and we can talk through the photographs, the places you love and how much time you’d like to spend exploring.

Can we have photographs before the ceremony?

Yes, if a first look feels right for you. Allie and Carl chose that approach, so we had time for the hotel interiors and city portraits before their ceremony. We’ll allow time for getting ready, travelling between spots and being back without a rush.

Which Edinburgh photo spots should we choose?

The Vennel’s castle view and the Royal Mile worked beautifully for these two. I’d choose a few places that matter to you, rather than trying to fit the whole city into one outing. We’ll consider the light, the crowds and the route, with room to stop when we find a lovely wee corner.

What about the steps, cobbles and weather?

The Vennel has steps, and an Old Town photo walk can involve slopes and cobbles. Comfortable shoes for getting between locations are a good idea. Tell me about any access needs so we can choose a suitable route. We can also use the hotel interiors available on your day; access to spaces such as the cinema needs to be agreed with the venue.

Can we plan the photographs from overseas?

Absolutely. Allie and Carl found my work on Instagram while living in Canada. Send me your date, venue, guest numbers and the parts of the day you’d love photographed. We can chat before you travel and agree a plan that leaves time for both your photographs and your family and friends.

Back for the ceremony

Back at the hotel, their nearest and dearest gathered in the Garden Suite for the ceremony, led by James Vandereerden. A small wedding still has all those big reactions: happy tears, proper belly laughs and everyone right there with you.

Carl had written a song for Allie too. Such a personal thing to do for your wife, and another lovely part of their story.

And that walk back down the aisle! Carl was practically flying. Then came the confetti, the hugs and time to celebrate with everyone.

Carl smiling with his hand to his mouth during the wedding ceremony, photographed in black and white.

Allie and Carl smiling at each other while seated together at their wedding.

Allie’s dad wiping away a tear beside her mum during the ceremony.

Allie laughing beside Carl and their wedding party in the Garden Suite.

Allie and Carl kissing as their closest family and friends applaud in the Garden Suite.

Carl jumping with joy as he and Allie walk back down the aisle together.

Allie and Carl laughing as their guests throw white confetti around them.

Carl dipping Allie for a kiss beneath a shower of white confetti.

A small wedding with a proper party

There were speeches over dinner, glasses raised and plenty of time to enjoy the people who had come to celebrate with them. Then the glow sticks came out and everyone got stuck into the dancing.

Allie and Carl, thank you for having me. You made me feel like one of the family. My new Canadian cousins — what a day and night.

Allie holding a microphone as she and Carl raise their glasses at the wedding reception.

Allie and a bridesmaid singing along and laughing with glowing party sticks on the dance floor.

Allie dancing beneath colourful lights as guests wave glow sticks around her.

See their wedding on Instagram

The wedding team

The people behind Allie and Carl’s wedding in July 2023.

Venue & coordinationThe Scotsman Hotel — Cassie McGregor & the team
DressJacquelin Bridals
FlowersGarlands Florist Edinburgh
Hair & make-upCircles Bridal
SuitsSlater Menswear
CeremonyJames Vandereerden
DJBig Al
CakeCuckoo’s Bakery

Planning an Edinburgh elopement or a small wedding?

If you’d love relaxed photographs, a few beautiful portraits around the city and all those moments with your favourite people, I’d love to hear from you.

Check my availability

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