The Best Edinburgh Photography Locations
Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, has long been known as a traveller’s dream. From cobbled streets and winding alleys of the Old Town to an ancient volcano towering above the city, there is something irresistible about this place. As an Edinburgh wedding and elopement photographer, I get to work with many couples who are visiting the city for the first time and do not know where they would like to have their photos taken. That is why I put together this comprehensive list of my favourite Edinburgh photography locations that are sure to make stunning backgrounds for your photos - whether it’s just a selfie or a photoshoot with a professional photographer. In no particular order…
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is located right in the Edinburgh city centre (about five minutes walk away from the main street) and as such offers incredible views of the whole of central Edinburgh. The hill is easily accessible with a set of steps on the one side and a long driveway on the other. It offers incredible 360° views of the Old Town, Leith and the North Sea, as well as being a great viewpoint for Arthur’s Seat (the aforementioned ancient volcano) and Salisbury Crags.
Tip: since the high noon sun can be quite harsh on the hill, on a sunny day it is best to have your photos taken either in the morning (sunrise can be just incredible there) or around one hour before sunset (golden hour). However, on a cloudy day it is a great photo location all day long!
The Vennel
Offering amazing views of Edinburgh Castle in any weather, the Vennel is Edinburgh’s best kept secret. Comfortable shoes are a must as there is a long set of steps to conquer before you reach your destination. However, once you are up there, you will not regret it!
Arthur’s Seat & Holyrood Park
This must be my favourite photography location in Edinburgh. A taste of wilderness for adventurous souls, the amazing scenery of the vast natural area that is Holyrood Park provides breathtaking natural backdrops for a couples session or an elopement. Not to mention the ancient volcano called Arthur’s Seat sleeping in the middle of the park or the picturesque St Anthony’s Chapel ruins overlooking a pond full of white swans. Bring your loved one, your puppy and some comfortable shoes. Let’s explore!
Tip: to make the most out of this location, visit at sunrise or just before sunset on a sunny day. You will not regret it!
Stockbridge
Another of my favourite Edinburgh locations, Stockbridge is the perfect blend of beautiful Georgian architecture and charming pockets of nature. While being a very affluent area of the city, it also has an artistic, bohemian feel. The area features a very famous little street called Circus Lane which could quite possibly be the most photographed street in Edinburgh! (pictured below) As a bonus, Stockbridge also boasts some amazing artisan shops, bakeries and boutiques that are well worth visiting.
Dean Village
If you follow the Water of Leith from Stockbridge, you will reach Dean Village - a beautiful oasis with lots of pretty little houses situated around the river. This area is actually where my husband and I chose to have our wedding photos taken! The beautiful architecture of the village combined with surrounding nature helps to create timeless looking photographs.
Princes Street Gardens
Just a short walk away from Calton Hill you will find Princes Street Gardens. Not only are the gardens beautiful in themselves, but from them you will also get a great view of the Edinburgh Castle and some other historic architecture. The main highlight of the gardens is the recently restored Ross fountain which is a great photo location with the Castle towering right above it.
Tip: as an Edinburgh photographer, I would recommend visiting the gardens in either Autumn or Spring when the trees are decorated with colourful leaves or cherry blossoms respectively. However, it’s also a great photo location in summer!
Walter Scott Monument
This monument, which dominates the main street of Edinburgh, was built in honour of the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. The steps next to the monument, as well as the views towards the Old Town from the top of the steps make for beautiful historic backgrounds.
Victoria Street
Definitely one of the most beautiful streets in Edinburgh, Victoria Street is located in the Old Town, just off George IV Bridge. Its most defining feature is its architecture. Built on two levels with a beautiful terrace-balcony on the second level and a winding, crescent shape, this street has long been rumoured to have inspired the Diagonal Alley in Harry Potter books. You will notice there are quite a few Harry Potter shops about as well! Another significant feature of the street is lots of bold-coloured houses and shops on the ground level that look really pretty as a background for your photos.
Tip: book your photoshoot here for early in the morning, just after sunrise, to avoid getting lots of passers by in your photos.
The Royal Mile
Another short walk and you will find yourself in the Royal Mile - the main historic street of the Edinburgh Old Town. It stretches between Edinburgh Castle on the one end, and the Holyrood Palace (the Queen’s palace in Edinburgh) on the other. There are many photo worthy locations on the Mile so I’ll mention just a few.
Lady Stairs Close
Just a little turn off the Royal Mile and you'll find yourself in Lady Stairs Close (where the famous Writers Museum is also located). It is a beautiful historic square with an ancient looking lamp post in the middle that makes for a perfect location for any type of photos - portraits, romantic couples photoshoots or wedding photography.
St Gile’s Cathedral
St Gile’s Cathedral is a beautiful 12th century cathedral and one of the most prominent features of the Royal Mile. The beautiful architecture and the intricate stone work of the outside of the cathedral makes it a great place for romantic couples or wedding photos.
Tip: During the opening times, the square hosting St Gile’s can get very busy. If you would like to take some photos in front of the cathedral, I would highly recommend doing it early in the morning with few people around.
Bakers Close
Best known as an Outlander filming location (remember Alexander Malcolm’s (aka Jamie’s) print shop?), this little close has a special historic feel to it. Definitely a must for Outlander fans!
Dunbars Close
Dunbars Close is a beautiful garden, hidden away in a close just off the Royal Mile/Canongate. It is somewhere you could just walk past without noticing it. As such, it makes a great location for secret elopements or a more intimate space for a couples session. As an Edinburgh elopement photographer, I would recommend it to couples eloping in Edinburgh who would like to have a “first look” or just a private portrait session in a beautiful green space.
Tip: to get the most out of the garden, visit in summer, late spring or early autumn. However, there will still be some greenery even in winter, because a lot of the bushes and hedges in the garden are evergreens.
Portobello Beach
Portobello beach is the perfect Edinburgh location for couples who are looking for a romantic beach photoshoot. As an Edinburgh couples photographer, I would especially recommend this location if you would like a dreamy sunrise session - think bare feet, light flowy dress, wind in your hair.
Tip: The beach gets very busy during the day so early morning or just before the sunset would be the best time to have your photographs taken here.
Ready to book a photoshoot in one of these stunning locations? Get in touch and let’s plan your adventure!