Autumnal Edinburgh Elopement wedding on Haggis Knowe

Edinburgh Wedding Photographer

Couple smile in Sefton Park Palm House during their colourful wedding ceremony. Rachel Burt Photography

Almost a year ago now, I remember squealing when I first opened Charlotte’s enquiry email. 

“We’re having a tiny wedding in Edinburgh!”, she said. “Just us and 10 guests, in Holyrood Park overlooking the city. We love your style, would you like to be there.” HELL YES!! I have been dying to shoot and Edinburgh Elopement wedding for soooo long! 

I love tiny elopements and weddings- there’s something so special about couples who just want to celebrate with their absolute favourite people, in a beautiful location. And you couldn’t get much more beautiful than standing on Haggis Knowe, in the glorious autumnal Edinburgh sunshine, overlooking the whole city, a beautiful lake and the most incredible imposing landscape. 

Edinburgh Elopement Wedding

Their ceremony was utterly beautiful and so personal- the couple had written vows and reasons why they loved each other, and unbeknownst to each other they were almost identical- so CUTE! Halde, their amazing humanist wedding celebrant led the whole thing with style and humour- so lovely! 
The Gardener’s Cottage was the perfect intimate space for the wedding breakfast too- and the food was INCREDIBLE. All locally sourced, beautifully cooked and so delicious!! One of the little quirks I adored was, because of the age of the building and its listed status, the electrics can’t be touched- so every time the oven door was opened, the lights dimmed! There is such a lovely history to the place, and it’s definitely on my must-visit list for next time I’m in Edinburgh! 

A stunning yellow wedding cake at Sefton Park Palm House

A Reception at The Gardner’s Cottage

Right from the get-go, I knew that Charlotte and Ben’s wedding would make me smile from ear to ear. We bonded over a shared love of beer, peanut butter and being history geeks, and I loved hearing about their plans. Every single thing they chose to do was so THEM. From a humanist ceremony with a beer toast, to the beautiful 7 course banquet they enjoyed at The Gardner’s Cottage, right down to Ben having their cats embroidered onto his socks, and Charlotte’s dad playing The Kinks on guitar as she walked down the aisle (or up the hill!). Everything was so beautifully and uniquely personal, and it was glorious. 

My highlights from this AWESOME Edinburgh Elopement


A Wes Anderson Inspired Wedding

Charlotte and Ben are huge Wes Anderson fans, and wanted to incorporate that into their day. They played music from many of his fabulous soundtracks during the wedding breakfast, and we tried to incorporate a few little hints on Wes Anderson style into the photos too. Its so lovely to be given so much time and creativity to create awesome portraits- we had a blast- as I hope you can see! The incredible Edinburgh landscape made just the most amazing backdrop too. 

Charlotte’s amazing two piece dress was made by Esther Couture and was so elegant- I know Charlotte felt absolutely incredible in it! I love that she bought it on Etsy too! Her stunning, autumnal bouquet was by Hedgerow flowers and I love that it included berries and thistles. Lyn McKenzie even wove some of the lovely flowers into Charlotte’s hair! I loved working with Sugar 8 films on the day too. 

A Tiny Elopement with Close Family

I felt so welcomed into the folds of their lovely families, and there was such a lovely, happy atmosphere full of laughter. It sounds cheesy to say (who doesn’t love a bit of cheese though eh?) but there really was so much love in that room- both between Ben and Charlotte, who are clearly absolutely made for each other, and their gorgeous families. It made my little eyes leak more than once I must say, big soppy git that I am!! 

Charlotte and Ben- I hope you enjoy your previews as much as I enjoyed your day!

– Charlotte & Ben

Let’s Be Friends

I can’t wait to hear all about your amazing plans!

Like what you see and want to find out more? I’d LOVE to chat about your wedding and capture your day! Shoot me an email and let’s talk!

Similar Posts