Late availability - weekdays and weekends in 2024 still available! Riddle’s Court offers an intimate and romantic setting for your wedding ceremony or special occasion. It is just a short walk from both the Royal Mile Registry Office and St Giles Cathedral in the centre of the picturesque Old Town of Edinburgh. Riddle’s Court is full of stunning details that help your day feel like a part of Edinburgh’s history – from elaborate ceilings, chandeliers and the charming courtyards to the stunning onsite accommodation where King James VI once held a royal banquet, there’s a host of opportunities to capture your special day. Prices start from £800+VAT depending on what your celebration looks like, and we have limited late availability in 2024. We also have package options which include exclusive use of the entire building and our honeymoon suite. Restored by Scottish Historic Buildings Trust in 2015-2017, Riddle's Court is a historic jewel in Edinburgh's Old Town. Hidden until recently, it is a historic and atmospheric building. A unique venue for exceptional events and spectacular entertaining, with modern amenities and full lift access.

Personal Message from the Manager

Name of Wedding Contact: Taylah Egbers

Firstly, a huge congratulations on your engagement! You must be so excited to start planning your special day. Finding the perfect venue is where the fun really starts, and we are thrilled that you have considered Riddle’s Court, (Edinburgh's Top Rated Venue 2023) in your search. We've seen plenty of different weddings over the years and we're dedicated to making your wedding personal and unforgettable!

Experience

Year Business Was Established

1985

No. of Weddings Hosted

More than 50

Public Liability Insurance

Yes

No. of People In Team

Overview of Riddle's Court

Venue Type

City Hotel

Venue

Dining Capacity

Reception Capacity

Usual Access Time

12:00 PM

Usual Finish Time

12:00 AM

Ceremony & Reception

Church Within Walking Distance

Confetti Permitted

Sound System Available

Wedding Licence

Venue

Disabled Access

Grade I/II Listed Building

Bridal Changing Facilities

Exclusive Use

City View

In-House Wedding Coordinator

Food and Drink

Alcohol Licence

Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol

Kosher Catering

Halal Catering

Asian Catering

External Catering Permitted

Pricing for Riddle's Court

Venue Hire Only

Prices Start At

£800

Maximum Price

£5,600

From intimate ceremonies to full day weddings, Riddle’s Court offers a variety of options to fit your needs- request our brochure to find out more information. Your hire will include the use of our ornate chivari wedding chairs with a choice of ivory or blue seat pads, any onsite decoration you may wish to use, and a dedicated event coordinator to help plan the special day.

What is included in this pricing:

Choice of preferred caterers

Wedding coordinator available on the day

Private room(s) included (non-exclusive use)

Exclusive use

Day before set up available

Couple accommodation included

External caterers not permitted

Furniture included

Packages
(total price)

Prices Start At

£500

Maximum Price

£5,600

Number of Guests Included

What is included in this pricing:

Exclusive use

Furniture included

Couple accommodation included

Wedding coordinator available on the day

Non consumables (e.g. linen, lights etc.)

Reviews for Riddle's Court
(43)

Lori and Nitobie

Happy couple married in September

October 2024

Wonderful to get a chance to support conservation

Riddle’s Court has the quickest and kindest events organisers, making it an easy choice and highly recommended. The location is also stunning and it’s wonderful to get a chance to support conservation. The library room was the perfect size and backdrop for our ceilidh wedding reception. Their ‘in house’ decorations made for one less thing to worry about planning for. Thank you Riddle’s Court for making our wedding reception the perfect party.

Georgie and Struan

Happy couple married in September

October 2024

The day went perfectly

The Riddles Court team were a dream to work with. Nothing was too much trouble and the team went over and above for us – Hope even ran out onto the street to meet our lost Deliveroo driver for me in the morning! We were especially impressed with how well the team organised the day, from making sure we had time for family photos, a confetti moment, a group shot – that really made a difference. The day went perfectly and it's such a testament to the team!

Natalia Swiader (Photographer)

Wedding: September

October 2024

Stunning Elopement Venue

Absolutely stunning elopement venue in the heart of Edinburgh Old town, with an abundance of natural light - where classy meets historic and cosy.

Thea Salisbury (Wedding & Events Pianist)

Wedding: October

October 2024

Beautiful venue

I had a great time working with the team at Riddles court. Excellent communication from staff in the lead up to the wedding and I was invited for a viewing of the venue, which was very helpful. The team were very friendly and helpful on the day of the wedding. There was clear communication throughout the wedding day and there was always someone around if I had any questions. Thank you for having me play at your beautiful venue!

Craig and Simon

Happy couple married in September

October 2024

HUGE thank you

HUGE thank you for everything today, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Not having to worry about décor, music or crowds was a huge relief for us and we were so happy to be married in Riddles Court today. Thanks again from us all!

Francesca and Marco

Happy couple married in September

October 2024

A daydream just a step from the castle

Organizing our wedding in Scotland from Italy was possible thanks to the choice of special suppliers. The staff at Riddles Court were wonderful, extremely supportive even during the family difficulties we had to deal with. The set-up, the welcome and above all the kindness made sure that everything was as we always dreamed. The court, a daydream just a step from the castle. Thank you for celebrating this important moment with us. We can't wait to come back!

Mel and Cam

Happy couple married in September

October 2024

We will be recommending you for years to come

We recently had our wedding ceremony and drinks reception at Riddles Court and they gave us such an amazing experience. The staff are so efficient and helpful not only on the day, but from the initial booking process. They responded very quickly to any questions we had and went above and beyond to ensure our plan for the day was organised well. The venue itself is so beautiful and unique and all our guests were so impressed. We will be recommending you for years to come.

Elspeth and Tom

Happy couple married in July

August 2024

Full of charm

Having our wedding at Riddle’s Court was a magical experience. The historical building is full of charm and was perfect for our party size. The team were so welcoming and accommodating from start to finish and made sure our day ran smoothly. My only regret is we didn’t get a photo taken in the accessible toilet with the bread oven! I cannot recommend Riddle’s Court highly enough.

Oskar Gilchrist-Grodnicki (Celebrant)

Wedding: July

August 2024

Excellent from start to finish

"The team at the Riddle's Court goes above and beyond and not only for their couples. As a celebrant, I was approached in advance of the event to check on my plans of arrival and any details that might come in handy for the team ahead of the big day. On the day itself we had a little run-through before the Grooms arrived, so I was ready to meet the couple and their guests and deliver the best ceremony knowing that the venue was prepared for all eventualities. Excellent team!"

Ochre Botanical Studios

Wedding: July

August 2024

A gem in the wedding industry

As wedding florists, we have had the pleasure of working with numerous venues over the years, but Riddles Court truly stands out as a gem in the wedding industry. From the very first interaction, the team at Riddles Court consistently impresses us with their professionalism and attention to detail. Their coordinators are always prompt with their communication, ensuring that every detail is addressed in a timely manner. We highly recommend Riddles Court to any couple looking for a wedding venue.

Location & Contact Details for Riddle's Court

Website

Phone

Wedding Venue Address

322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH1 2PG, Scotland, United Kingdom

Travel Notes

Perfect for public transport or taxi drop-off, Riddle's Court is situated on the Lawnmarket, the top part of the Royal Mile in central Edinburgh. The nearest car park is about 5 minutes' walk away, but most guests opt to be dropped off just outside.

Nearest Town

Edinburgh

Nearest Motorway & Junction

M8, Junction 1

Nearest Train Station

Edinburgh Waverley Station

Nearest Airport

Edinburgh Airport

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FAQs

Find out a bit more from our FAQs

Describe the best wedding that happened at Riddle's Court?

It’s so hard to choose, but one in particular that stands out was in July when we hosted our biggest group of guests to date. We had been working with the couple for nearly three years, and after so many postponements, to see everyone finally gathered was extremely heart-warming. From the couple and guests to the suppliers and staff members at Riddle’s Court, everyone was overjoyed to celebrate.

What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Make the planning process fun, prioritise what you want to do and don't get bogged down by tradition! Don't book yourself in to create 70 DIY favours and invitations if you hate crafting, and don't stress about a first dance or cake cutting if it's not for you. Try to keep optimistic and plan for things that will make you happy. Once you realise that there's no 'one way' to have a wedding, it makes everything so much easier!

What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?

A recent couple decided to decorate the venue with their two favourite things: Lego and quirky patterned shoes! What made it even more personal was that each Lego model had a unique story relating to the couple’s relationship for all the guests to discover.

Describe Riddle's Court in 5 adjectives

Unique, romantic, historic, intimate, unforgettable!

Where’s the best photo spot at Riddle's Court?

Definitely our picturesque external staircase - it's the showstopper as you come off the Royal Mile!

Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Riddle's Court?

Not at one of our weddings, but Riddle's Court has seen its share of famous faces over the years - from King James IV and the Duchess of Buccleuch to Maggie Smith, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

What’s your favourite canapé?

The mini potato scones with chive cream cheese and sun-dried tomato from our onsite caterers is a winner - though we've seen so many delicious canapes over the years, it's impossible to choose.

What’s your favourite midnight treat?

Any kind of ice-cream - but impartial to mint choc-chip!

What is Riddle's Court most unique feature?

This is a difficult question as there are so many unique features from throughout history at Riddle's Court. There is a spectacular painted ceiling that was commissioned in the 1890s that ties together the history of the building, the city, and the University of Edinburgh. In our onsite apartment, there are painted beams from a royal banquet held there in the 16th century - and not to mention our destination loo and great glass lift that you can only truly appreciate in-person!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is the charity who restored and who manages Riddle's Court - their mission is to restore at-risk buildings throughout Scotland for the benefit of the community and so they're sustainable and suitable for contemporary use. This means that all the profits from our weddings and venue hire go back into the charity - so a wedding with us is an investment into Scottish heritage. It doesn't get much better than that!

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