Elke and Sam bonded over psych-rock on their first date. Their second was a Black Mountain gig, and they’ve been together ever since — which tells you everything you need to know about the energy of their Edinburgh city elopement.

Sam is a music producer and plays in two neo-psych bands; Elke is a dancer and model. They’re effortlessly cool in front of the camera, which certainly made my job easier. The whole day was planned by the brilliant team at Ella Mai Elopements, who put together something that was both meticulously organised and totally relaxed — exactly what you want from an elopement.

Elke wore the Rhea gown from With Love, Mirka — billowing bishop sleeves, sheer lace detailing, and made entirely from recycled lace. Boyes Botanics put together a wintery bouquet with dark green foliage and deep burgundy flowers. Ashton Easter conducted the hillside Humanist ceremony (one of the great things about getting married in Scotland — Humanist ceremonies outdoors are legally recognised here). Hair and makeup by Bonny’s Wonderland, and sustainable Scottish jewellery by Lelya.

We spent the afternoon moving through some of Edinburgh’s best spots for portraits, and if you’re planning a city elopement here, these are well worth knowing about.

Calton Hill sits about 100 metres above the city and the views are stunning — rolling green space dotted with the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, and the City Observatory. It’s an easy walk up and an incredible place for a ceremony or portraits.

The Vennel is a quiet little stairway you’ll find opposite the Fiddler’s Arms in the Grassmarket. About halfway up, turn around and you get this perfect framed view of the castle rising above the rooftops. It’s one of those spots that looks almost too good to be real.

Victoria Street is probably Edinburgh’s most recognisable street — that gorgeous curve of colourful shopfronts. We stopped at La Barantine for coffee because, honestly, if you’d have a good coffee on any normal day, why not on your wedding day?

The Writer’s Museum was our last stop, tucked just off the Royal Mile in Makers’ Court. It celebrates Burns, Scott, and Stevenson, but even setting the literary history aside, the courtyard itself is a beautiful, tucked-away spot that most people walk straight past.

Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities to shoot in. There’s so much variety within walking distance, and an elopement gives you the time and freedom to actually enjoy it. If a full Edinburgh wedding feels more like your thing, Maxine and Kieran’s recent day at City Chambers and Leith Arches is worth a look. And if something more like this appeals, I’d love to hear from you.