Are you planning your dream wedding in Scotland? You love the capital - Edinburgh but not sure if you are ready for the busy-ness of the city and looking for a venue close by?

Look no further!

I’ve compiled a list of the most breathtaking wedding venues near Edinburgh, ranging from charming and rustic barns to picturesque coastlines and stunning castles.

I’ve personally shot at almost every single one of these venues, so I can give you the inside scoop on what makes each one special.

Here is a curated list of my favourite wedding venues near Edinburgh

(in no particular order).

Harvest Moon weddings

Harvest Moon Weddings offers two unique beach and woodland wedding venues in East Lothian, just 45 minutes from Edinburgh.

Since the venue is all about a bespoke and the best experience, the sites are yours for the weekend and they cater for different themes and sizes of wedding. The area is simply stunning with fantastic coastline views.

You can stay in a luxury treehouse with space for up to five adults and two children, or a beach cabin located next to the stunning Tyninghame beach on a wide grassy field with sweeping vistas over the farmlands and sand dunes.

If you are looking for a homey feel you may want to stay in their three bedroom cottage - warm and cosy .

Borthwick Castle

Only 30 minutes away from the bustling city of Edinburgh this truly majestic castle is one of the Scotland’s finest wedding venues. It offers an exclusive use of the interior and grounds. The castle can accommodate up to 85 guests, and its bedchambers within the castle grounds welcome 28 guests.

You can choose to have a religious, civil or humanist ceremony in the castle or if it is your desire, a number of churches are located short drive from the castle.

A dedicated team will transform the Great Hall space from a banqueting-reception room to a hall of celebration, exactly as they did 600 years ago.

Cairns Farm

Cairns Farm is a contemporary barn venue tucked into the farmland just 35 minutes drive away from the capital and it is situated on a working farm that is nestled between the beautiful Pentland Hills.

Choosing Cairns Farm Estate for your wedding will give you stay for the whole weekend, with luxurious accommodation available for ten people in Cairns Farmhouse and a honeymoon, just-for-two hideaway available in The Keep.

I personally love the fact that Cairns Farm is still a working farm and the work that had gone into making it sustainable with so much of the material, is coming from the farm itself.

If you want an exclusive-use space and you’re keen on a rustic but modern country venue with elegant amenities this is a place for you.

Restoration Yard

Located only 7 miles from Edinburgh, in a beautifully renovated 18th century stables, Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park strives to create a space for every style of wedding. Quintessentially modern and bright while having all the class and history . The orangery space is a lovely spot for a big or small wedding ceremony. There are multiple nearby portrait locations.

The venue with its gorgeous courtyard has a nice light throughout the entire day. And it's very close to forest park if you'd like to sneak away for portraits.

It hosts weddings between April and September and its capacity is 80 for the day and 100 for the evening.With its rustic charm and natural beauty, is the perfect setting for a romantic wedding celebration.

Neidpath Castle

This unspoilt 14th century castle sits on a cliff above the river Tweed and is just 45 minutes from Edinburgh, just outside town of Peebles in the Scottish Borders.

The Castle has a wonderful Honeymoon Suite in Queen Mary's Chamber for the couple, as well as the Barmkin next door that sleeps 6. There is also 3 lovely properties a mile away at Barns, that sleep a further 10 people. Peebles itself has a large variety of hotels and B&Bs and is only half a mile from the castle.

The castle can seat up to 60-90 guests inside, for both the ceremony and dinner and for a larger group of guests a marquee can be set up in the courtyard.

If you are planning an elopement or a small, intimate wedding, it is one of the most captivating, romantic venues.

The scenery is breathtaking all year round. ( I personally love it most in autumn) and you’ll find it’s pretty amazing inside the castle, too.

Thirlestane Castle

Thirlestane Castle is located in the breathtaking Scottish Borders, just less than 50 minutes drive south of Edinburgh.

It sits in the heart of the Lauderdale Estate, surrounded by mature woodland and the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders.

Inside the building, the maximum number of guests that can be seated for a ceremony and dinner is 100. However, the grounds can hold large marquees allowing for weddings of 200+ guests.

Thirlestane Castle and grounds are open to the public, however you will have exclusive use of the castle interiors for the duration of your wedding.

The beautiful gardens and grounds at the castle are absolutely ideal for wedding photos. If the weather is unfavourable, the historic and elegant interiors will provide a stunning background for your photographs.

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland is an award winning contemporary sculpture park just 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport and 30 minutes from the city centre.

It operates as a five-star visitor attraction from May to September and is closed to the public from October to April but weddings can be held all year round.

This unique venue is suitable for both elopement/micro weddings and larger weddings (up to 100 ceremony/120 evening).

You can stay at the stylish Artist’s House cottage sleeping up to six guests or choose accomodation peppered throughout near villages like East Calder (a five-minute drive), Kirknewton, Ratho or Balerno.

the barn at harburn

The barn is ideally situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow, close to all major transport links, with Edinburgh city centre 35 minutes by car and Edinburgh Airport a mere 20 minutes away.

This blank canvas, DIY, pet friendly wedding venue is perfect for making your big day unique, filling it with personal touches and the things you love the most and create your dream setting to celebrate with your loved ones.

Seating capacity is up to 90 people in the Round Room for the ceremony and 90 people in the main barn area for the meal.It is possible to erect a marquee on the grounds in case of larger guest list.

As this is a venue hire only you’ll need to organise the catering and decorations. The venue’s team will provide a list of recommended suppliers.

Whatever the season, the glorious countryside provides an exceptional natural backdrop to your unique, just-the-way-you-want-it wedding.

Dunglass estate

Dunglass Estate is a beautiful, exclusive use venue that’s within easy reach of Edinburgh, just under 50 minutes, yet feels so far away from the hustle and bustle of the Capital.

A wedding venue for all seasons and sizes. 15th Century Gothic Church for the most romantic of ceremonies, Courtyard and Stable Yard for your drink's reception dreams, stunning pavilion with sea views for your wedding breakfast and evening reception.

Capacity for daytime guests is 150 and 200 for the evening reception. This isn't to say you can’t have your dream-come-true intimate wedding for 20 guests! has ancient wild woodland, formal garden areas and close proximity to secluded beaches - endless photography opportunities!

The accommodation on the Estate has been recently refurbished to a luxurious standard, and you’ll find a comfortable but elegant country feel in the main house, cottages and a honeymoon tree house.

Glencorse house

Glencorse House is a beautiful exclusive use country wedding venue, located just under ten miles south of Edinburgh.

While you can’t use the Glencorse House’s interior itself in any significant way as it’s a private mansion, it provides a nice backdrop. Your wedding reception would take place in a marquee on the lawns adjoining Glencorse House.

Glencorse Old Kirk - beautifully restored 17th century church located within the grounds can hold up to 130 people for your ceremony. The Kirk can also be made available throughout the year for smaller , intimate weddings or elopements.There is no accommodation option at Glencorse House, however the village of Penicuik is only minutes away, and does offer a variety of hotels and B&Bs.

Carbery Tower

One of the great Castle Mansion Houses of Scotland, Carberry Tower is a well hidden, but only 25 minutes drive from Edinburgh, luxury castle hotel, situated in beautiful East Lothian countryside.

You can have your wedding ceremony in the charming within the grounds chapel which can sit up to 150 people.

The Rose Garden Rooms suite inside the Mansion House can accommodate up to 180 guests for the wedding meal and evening reception. An outdoor Champagne Terrace is located at the rear of the building and is a perfect place for an outdoor drinks reception in the warmer months.

There is also the Banqueting Pavilion with capacity to seat 150 guests for a meal and dancing.

The Royal Suites at Carberry Tower, are absolutely perfect for the bride and groom. 30 en-suite bedrooms, ranging from elegant classic rooms to larger family rooms, well equipped executive rooms and luxurious suites, are able to accommodate up to 70 further guests.

You don’t have to take Carberry Tower exclusively, but the option is there if you want to.