Affordable Wedding Venues for Hire in Edinburgh

Holding a wedding on a budget is always a bit of a juggling act, balancing the ceremony and reception venues with caterers, wardrobe, guests and all the rest. Sometimes it may seem impossible to get married anywhere in Scotland, let alone Edinburgh’s city centre or Old Town without dipping into the life savings. So let’s have a look at some options to get you thinking. A good place to start (if you’re not doing a church ceremony) is holding the ceremony at a local registry office and then the reception at a nearby pub or municipal building such as a library or the City Chambers. You might also look into hiring space at a nearby university, which often are priced quite low, or splurging a tiny bit on hiring a pavilion and hosting your wedding outdoors. This often beats the price of hiring an indoor wedding venue and makes for some excellent photos! Edinburgh is packed with cheap wedding venues, especially if you’re willing to get a bit creative so see what you can find.

So now that you’re thinking of a few options, how about figuring out where you should look to find the best cheap wedding options in Edinburgh? For those of you with a lot of out of town guests, have a look between Edinburgh airport and the city centre. You’ll also want to check out all of the area around Southside and the area surrounding Holyrood and George Square. Heading north towards Canonmills and Bonnington along Dundas Street will also net you with a few good options. 

Affordable Wedding Venues in Edinburgh FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a wedding venue in Edinburgh?

If you’re looking to hire a wedding venue by the hour, the prices begin as low as £15 per hour. Per person prices range between £37 and £115. Daily venue hire starts at £400 per day. If you’re interested in a minimum spend hire, the prices start at £150 but can go up to £5000. Remember that the prices may vary depending on the size of the venue, the number of people attending and whether your chosen date is during peak season. Many venues offer affordable wedding packages as well, so be sure to ask about them before finalising your booking. (All data from Tagvenue.)

How can I make my wedding more affordable?

Weddings can be expensive, but there are several ways you can reduce the cost of your wedding while still creating a beautiful and memorable day for you and your guests. Here are some tips:

• Prioritise - Decide which aspects of your wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, you may want to invest more in your wedding dress and wedding photos but cut costs on decor or catering.
• Go off-peak - Booking your wedding during off-peak seasons or weekdays can often result in lower venue costs and vendor fees.
• Choose a non-traditional venue - Consider using a non-traditional venue such as a pub or a community centre. These venues can be more affordable than traditional venues like hotels or banquet halls.
• Reduce your guest list - If you keep your guest list small, you'll spend less money on food, decorations and other party expenses.
• DIY decorations - Consider making your own wedding decor, such as centrepieces, table runners, or bouquets. This can save you money and add a personal touch to your wedding.
• Consider a cash bar - Instead of offering an open bar, consider having a cash bar or limiting the types of alcohol available to save on costs.

Can you recommend any affordable wedding venues in Edinburgh?

Sure, take a look at these spaces:

• The Salisbury Centre - This venue offers a number of indoor and outdoor spaces of various sizes, including a garden, with hiring prices starting at as low as £10 per hour. Since it’s a self-service venue, you can be sure you will not only cut costs but can truly make your big day just the way you imagined.

• Hanover Tap Edinburgh - A cosy classic pub offering a range of craft beer, ales and cider. A cosy decor, central location in the heart of Edinburgh, and a reasonable minimum spend starting at £100 make it a perfect venue for a laid-back wedding celebration.

• Season Quayside - This stylish venue has numerous rooms available for hire, and with a minimum spend starting at £500, you're sure not to break the bank when booking your wedding. Enjoy the stylish decor, charming atmosphere and local produce for your big day.