We start our list with the Mansfield Traquair, “Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel”. This beautiful venue is a dream come true for those who want a more traditional-style wedding with a magical twist.

Mansfield Traquair is not your typical church venue, as its indoor architecture has been modified into a more modern and refined structure. It keeps the magic alive through wonderfully preserved murals, high arches, and stained glass windows.

The venue also offers a secluded garden option should you wish for an outdoor wedding or reception. Being built in 1885 and having undergone painstaking restoration since then, Mansfield Traquair boasts a rich history that is sure to impress guests.

Another aspect we especially liked is that they have a lift to every floor, making the venue disability-friendly despite its older build. We are also impressed that their catering and photography partners of choice are Heritage Portfolio and Blue Sky Photography.

A couple of negatives we’d like to point out: first, some toilets are hard to get to; the ladies’ loo is two floors down. 

Second, because the ceilings are quite high, acoustics aren’t this venue’s strongest suit – you’d have to take that into consideration when planning.

Mansfield Traquair is also not the cheapest option on this list, with it being glorified as Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel, and not being open to the public on a regular basis. Of course, this also makes this venue extra-special.

Just a short stroll from the world-famous Princess Street is The Glasshouse, a five-star boutique townhouse hotel in Edinburgh. This venue is a blend of colourful history and fashionable, modern luxury.

Indeed, rates here are on the more luxurious side as well, thanks to its proximity to the heart of Scotland’s capital and its gorgeous backdrop of the historic Calton Hill. Even its 140-year old gothic facade is a sight to see – definitely telling of its lengthy history. 

We have to say, we’re most impressed with its two-acre rooftop garden and luxury accommodations. The Glasshouse also offers wedding packages to take away the toll of planning, as well as wedding breakfasts and receptions.

Their package prices range from £6,000 to £12,500, depending on the number of guests you wish to accommodate and the inclusions you want. Glasshouse weddings can be very versatile, and you can choose to have a simpler or fancier setup.

However, there are no parking or valet services in The Glasshouse, which we think is a little underwhelming for a five-star hotel with expensive rates. There is also an issue of understaffing, which sometimes poses a problem for large-scale events.

Still, The Glasshouse is a fabulous choice if you want an all-in-one venue where you can hold your rites, host your reception, and also be able to book into a hotel for the night. It’s also an undeniably gorgeous place – classic, but with a modern twist.

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel seamlessly blends its 18th-century heritage with modern charm. It’s a former Victorian railway station that was transformed into one of the most iconic buildings in the West End, popularised for holding weddings.

This venue has three licenced spaces for weddings: The Boardroom, The Versailles Suite, and The Pompadour Room, which can accommodate 85, 35, and 140 guests, respectively. There are also other suites that you can rent depending on the event.

The Castle Lounge, one of its most popular lounges, has a spectacular view of Edinburgh castle. The Castle Suite itself features sculpted brass eagles, frescoes of Scottish wildlife, and a grand chandelier.

The Waldorf Astoria Hotel is also home to the only Guerlain Spa in the UK, so it’s the perfect place for pampering before and after the wedding. This also makes it a great venue for hen parties, should you wish to hold one.

As for cons, The Caledonian is also a historic venue, but unlike Mansfield Traquair, the venue isn’t very accessible to those with disabilities. Couples wed here in the past have disclosed being charged for utilities that they have been told were included in packages.

Rates can be quite expensive, so we further advise readers to ask for transparency regarding prices. That said, The Caledonian is a picture-perfect venue and is a great match for couples who want to splurge on their special day.

If a fairytale wedding is what you’re looking for, what better place to hold your wedding than a castle? Dundas Castle is one of the most beautiful and versatile castle locations in Edinburgh, and you’re sure to fall in love with it.

This 15th-century castle is located close to the city, but far enough to let you appreciate its rolling hills and manicured gardens in peace and quiet. Of course, nothing can be more fairytale-like than taking photos with the picturesque castle in the background.

Our favorite part of Dundas Castle is that you have free rein over what kind of wedding you want and where you want it to take place. You can choose between its vaulted hall, gardens, courtyard, or even its library if you want a more unique option.

If family and friends are coming over to Edinburgh, this venue also has 17 bedrooms available, all in different themes. We also commend how attentive the staff is to guests, treating them warmly from the moment they arrive.

However, we highly recommend checking out event managers that have good reviews online, as some of them can be a hit-or-miss, especially when it comes to communication. This can make planning difficult, especially if you’re from abroad.

Additionally, rates are also on the more expensive side, but we believe the price is well worth the venue, accommodations, and service you get from Dundas Castle. With this venue, you wouldn’t want to miss a single moment.

We’re closing off our list with The Old Dr Bells’ Baths, a more unique venue nestled in Leith, Lothian, and Borders. Like other venues on our list, this place is equally as rich in Victorian heritage, but at a more affordable price.

The Old Dr Bells Baths is a listed former bathhouse. Now it’s been transformed into a multi-purpose event space that’s bathed in natural light and neutral black-and-white finishing perfect for a wedding.

To hold a wedding at The Old Dr Bells’ Baths, you must utilise their catering services. But everything else, such as venue dressing, flowers, DJ services, and others, can be sourced separately.

Of course, they also have flexible packages which we highly recommend. These come complete with a wedding designer, a catering team, and a master of ceremonies. We love their affordable rates, with their Gold package coming in at around £89 per person.

The venue is a bit smaller compared to other entries on our list, so it’s better for couples who want a more intimate setting. Moreover, they don’t offer accommodation, so it can pose a problem to guests coming in from afar. 

Nonetheless, The Old Dr Bells’ Baths is quickly rising as one of the best places to hold more affordable weddings, without sacrificing venue quality. We highly recommend checking them out.

The Royal Scots Club, founded in 1919 as a tribute to those who fell in The Great War, offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern luxury. Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic New Town, the club provides an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a country house hotel. Its rich heritage and prime location make it an ideal venue for various events, particularly weddings. 

We like that the classic Georgian ambiance creates a fairytale setting, perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations of up to 160 guests. The venue offers access to the beautiful Queen Street Gardens for photographs, adding a touch of nature to the urban setting. Additionally, the club provides a red carpet welcome, a master of ceremonies, and the use of a silver cake knife or dirk, ensuring every detail is covered to make the day special. 

Furthermore, the staff is known for their professionalism and dedication, ensuring that every wedding runs smoothly. From the initial planning stages to the day of the event, the team offers comprehensive support, including reduced overnight accommodation rates for guests and luxurious bridal suites with stunning views of Queen Street Gardens. The club’s attention to detail and commitment to delivering a seamless experience are highly praised by couples who have held their weddings there.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The exclusivity and high standards of the Royal Scots Club may come with a higher price tag compared to other wedding venues in the area. While the services and amenities provided justify the cost for many, budget-conscious couples might find it challenging to fit their wedding within their financial constraints. 

In conclusion, The Royal Scots Club offers a superb wedding venue with its blend of historic charm, prime location, and exceptional service. The stunning Georgian architecture, comprehensive wedding packages, and dedicated staff ensure a memorable and stress-free experience for couples and their guests.