A last minute elopement wedding at Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens

The lovely Leah and Michael chose to have an intimate Edinburgh elopement at Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens. Leah first got in touch with me six weeks before their wedding date, her parents and sister were coming over from America, so she wanted to use this opportunity to elope to Edinburgh while they were here! Miraculously, the pair managed to pull the Edinburgh wedding together in this time and honestly it was the most beautiful day. They hired Scotland Elopement planner Coorie, from my recommendation, to plan the day and find suppliers. This day was the perfect example of a last-minute elopement and why, with the right suppliers, you can pull together your dream elopement in no time.

Couple eloping in Edinburghs royal botanic garden. Dancing together after their ceremony.

Bridal prep at the Tigerlily Hotel

The couple chose to get ready at the gorgeous Tigerlily Hotel. As is traditional, they stayed in serperate rooms the night before the wedding. I met Leah with the girls, getting their make up and hair done – the whole room was filled with excitment. Leah chose a beautiful, sleek, lace wedding gown, paired with a pretty, fingertip length veil.

I then went across the hall to spend a bit of time with the lads, before it was time to get the taxis over to Edinburgh Royal Botanical Garden.

Tigerlily always has an amazing floral installation at the front door and I couldn’t leave without stopping Leah and her dad there for a quick picture.

A wedding dress hanging up in the tigerlily hotel before an Edinburgh wedding

Bride and here dad stood outside Tigerlily before her Edinburgh elopement.

The ceremony at Edinburgh Royal Botanical Garden

Leah & Michael chose to have their ceremony outdoors between the famous Redwood trees. The ceremony itself was a celebrant led ceremony (my favourite kind of ceremony!) carried about by the lovely Tim the celebrant. Tim created the perfect ceremony, unique to them, and even got all of their family members involved by having each of them stand and talk about what makes a marriage work for them. Straight after the ceremony, Leah & Michael had their first dance, right there on the aisle! Their song was played by the brilliant Stuart Mclean. They also had a little drinks reception and everyone had a dance. I loved this untraditional approach; it made the day so unique to them.

Edinburgh Wedding Pictures

After a few snaps around the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens, we dashed off into Edinburgh city centre for their couple pictures. The pair had hired a beautiful vintage car and driver to take us to all my favourite picture spots around Edinburgh city. A wander along Cicrus Lane and a trip to the top of the vennel steps for an unbeatable view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Bride and groom stood closely gazing at each other in front of Edinburgh castle during their Edinburgh elopement.

Bride and groom walking along circus lane during their Edinburgh wedding

Wedding Breakfast in Edinburgh

We then headed to Mono restaurant to meet back up with their guests. The pair had one final surprise for everyone – their wedding cake. Leah and Michael were secretly expecting and had their wedding cake made to be a gender reveal cake. Everyone gathered round as they cut the cake and it was blue for a boy! There were lots of hugs and tears.

Leah and Michael thank you so much for asking me to be a part of such a personal day. Here are your previews!