Blending Scottish charm with Japanese traditions, Sam and May’s Edinburgh city-centre wedding at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh was filled with romance, history and international flair
Sam and May’s summer wedding blended Scottish and Japanese traditions in the heart of Edinburgh, surrounded by 70 friends and family who had travelled from across the globe. Their wedding on 5th July 2025 was held at one of the city’s most prestigious venues – the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh – complete with a ceremony in the stunning New Library and a reception in the Great Hall.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Wedding venue | Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Date | 5th July 2025
Photography | Loraine Ross Wedding Photography
Theme and decor | Classic, romantic and intimate with floral accents
Guests | 70 international guests
Ceremony | Civil ceremony in the New Library with Japanese traditions
Entertainment | Speeches, open bar, limbo dancing and a late-night ceilidh
Read on for the full story...
A historic Edinburgh wedding venue filled with character
When the groom is an architect with a love of old buildings, it makes sense that the wedding venue would be rich in history. Edinburgh – with its Georgian and Victorian architecture, ornate libraries and elegant ballrooms – was the perfect location for this couple.
“Sam and I wanted a venue that had character and soul,” says May. “We also wanted somewhere that would be easy for our international guests to get to. Edinburgh was the first place we’d visited in the UK together, and it had always meant a lot to us.”
With many guests travelling from Japan, the US and the UK, accessibility and nearby accommodation were key. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, set in the city centre, ticked all the boxes.
Ceremony in the New Library – a forest of books
The couple were immediately enchanted by the College’s New Library, with its towering bookcases, Victorian design and unique green ceiling.
“We were told that the architect who designed the library wanted the room to be reminiscent of a forest with warm wood tones and a green ceiling to mirror the tree canopy,” explains May. “We just loved the idea of getting married in a forest of books.”
The historic setting meant little additional decoration was needed beyond carefully chosen flowers to suit the classic and romantic mood.
Seamless planning and support
“The staff were incredibly helpful during our planning journey. They answered any questions we had very promptly and, on the day, were on hand to take care of everything. We didn’t have to worry about a thing,” shares May.
The day began with a relaxed morning, a 3pm ceremony in the New Library and a joyful reception in the Great Hall. “We fell in love with the venue because of the library and knew we wanted to say our vows there,” May explains. “The ceremony felt so personal to us, and we incorporated some Japanese elements too.”
Japanese touches and international flavour
Instead of a traditional guestbook, guests signed a Daruma doll, a Japanese symbol of perseverance and good luck. “We had five speeches – by the groom, his two best men, my brother and me,” says May. “In Japan, the bride traditionally closes out the speeches.”
Food and drink were also important. “Our caterers, Saltire, did an exceptional job with the food. In Japan and the US, an open bar is standard, so we opted for that, and it definitely kept our guests dancing,” they laugh. Guests enjoyed champagne, canapés and Asahi beer during the drinks reception.
Memorable moments and Edinburgh photo opportunities
From heartfelt speeches to a spontaneous limbo-dancing contest, Sam and May’s wedding was full of fun, laughter and international flair. The couple also made the most of the photogenic Royal College of Physicians and the private Queen Street Gardens opposite the venue for portraits.
“It’s a brilliant location, and everything felt so stress-free on the day,” they smile. “We had guests travel from all over the world to be at our side – it meant so much to us.”
Wedding Suppliers
Venue Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Photography Loraine Ross Wedding Photography
Celebrant Mark Archibald, Humanist Society Scotland
Catering Saltire Catering
Flowers Pollination Flowers
Wedding dress Rolling in Roses
Shoes and accessories Betsey Johnson
Hair and makeup Moni Tan, Olympia Artistry
Groomswear Beggars Run, London
Wedding rings Vintage family bands
Cake Keiki Bakery, Edinburgh
Favours Konpeito (traditional Japanese sweets) from Satouden
Ceremony and drinks reception music Scotia Strings
Evening entertainment DJ Otiks
