This happy couple viewed over 20 different wedding venues before they found the perfect one – Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – and fell in love with its location in Edinburgh's Old Town
This fun city-centre wedding at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh included a generous wedding package. In fact, Rory and Abigail couldn't rate the hotel's wedding coordinator enough.
The couple decided to have a short but meaningful humanist ceremony and also made the most of the incredible photo opportunities with Edinburgh Castle in the background, as snapped by Gary Bonar Photography.
See in the pictures below how Rory and Abigail planned their dream wedding...
Rory and Abigail, now Mr and Mrs Leigh
12th October 2024
Venue | Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Photography | Gary Bonar Photography
Gary Bonar Photography
Finding the right venue is no simple task. Just ask Rory and Abigail, who viewed over 20 different places before they struck gold.
“We visited Virgin Hotels Edinburgh at the 11th hour, and amazingly we both knew right away it was the one,” says Rory.
“To be honest, we have no idea why we viewed so many places – castles, halls, hotels, manor houses and everything in between – but it did help clarify what we didn’t want.”
What's included for a wedding at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh?
The hotel’s wedding coordinator Jo, whose services are included when booking with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, as well as Virgin’s hospitality blew them away.
“Jo explained the benefits of having Virgin take care of everything (from bigger things like catering, to smaller features such as table dressing) rather than us juggling different suppliers,” recalls Abigail.
“We also fell in love with Greyfriars Hall church and its modern features. The rest of the hotel felt quirky too, with marble corridors and a cosy library. Every room felt unique.”
The couple were offered a date 18 months away, which they were delighted to accept, inviting 125 guests to celebrate with them, with some friends travelling from as far away as Bangkok and Nashville.
City centre wedding venue, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Rory and Abigail felt the hotel’s location in Edinburgh’s Old Town and its outstanding vistas from Victoria Street really suited them.
“The view from the rooftop terrace that overlooks the castle made us realise how much being in the city centre was important to us,” says Rory.
“We are both ‘city people’ and this felt like the right place for us.”
With that in mind, the couple allowed the venue’s charm and distinctive decor to take the lead.
“Rory and I didn’t want to interfere too much with the hotel’s theme, but did keep in mind the time of year when thinking about flowers and colour schemes,” says Abigail.
See more amazing hotel wedding venues in Scotland
Wedding packages at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Rory and Abigail opted for Virgin’s standard package (which includes an MC, room hire, cake stand, canapés and dinner, white carpet arrival, chair and tableware options, PA system, stationery and a night in the honeymoon suite), and added extra drinks for their guests.
“As the big day approached, we had numerous meetings with Jo, which put us at ease,” says the bride. “She was even there on the morning of the wedding to help Rory build a darts board for the drinks reception!”
Another person who deserves a special shout-out was their ‘personal waiter’, Alessandro, who was always on hand to help.
The couple loved everything about their day, but say the best moment was their “short but sweet” ceremony where their celebrant kept it very relaxed and “had everyone laughing."
Take a look at the first ever wedding at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Catering at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Rory and Abigail sat at a sweetheart table for dinner as everyone tucked into a delicious meal (burrata, chicken with fondant potatoes, apple tarte tatin and more).
Then it was time to dance. “We cut the cake, launched into a ceilidh and then our band got the party going. The dancefloor was never empty – and that is always the sign of a good night!”
Wedding suppliers
Venue and food Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Photography Gary Bonar Photography
Second photographer Garry Fitzpatrick Photography
Videography Craig Heaslip Wedding Films
Celebrant Stewart MacDonald-O’Brien, Independent Humanist Ceremonies
Wedding dress Eva Lendel from Pretty Woman Edinburgh
Shoes Dune London
Hair Daniella at Jason Hall Hairdressing
Makeup Fiona Park Makeup Artist
Nails At the Studio Edinburgh
Bridesmaid dresses Olivia & Rose
Groom’s kilt Made by his mum
Groomswear MacGregor and MacDuff
Master of ceremonies Man in the Red Coat
Cake Juniper Bakes
Flowers Pixie Rose Flowers
Favours DIY by the couple
Wedding rings Jewellery by Liam Ross
Piper Bob Differ (family friend)
Ceremony music String quartet (Claire Louise Taylor and friends)
Reception music Cloud 9 Wedding Band
Transport Edinburgh Classic Wedding Cars
