Mansfield Traquair

Mansfield Traquair is one of Edinburgh’s most extraordinary wedding venues, known affectionately as Edinburgh’s ‘Sistine Chapel’. With its breath-taking interiors, soaring ceilings and intricate murals by Victorian artist Phoebe Anna Traquair, this former church in the heart of the city creates a dramatic and unforgettable setting for weddings of all sizes. Every time I’ve DJed here as Lee Live: Wedding DJ the reaction from guests has been the same: they step inside, pause, and take in the scale and beauty of the space before the celebrations even begin. It is definitely Edinburgh's "hidden-gem".

The venue’s history and architecture give it a sense of gravitas and romance that few other city venues can match. Designed as a Catholic Apostolic Church in the late 19th century by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and later adorned with Phoebe Anna Traquair’s vivid murals, the Nave and Baldacchino areas have become iconic backdrops for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and evening parties alike. The art and stonework create a richly textured ambience that requires thoughtful lighting and sound planning, but when it comes together it’s genuinely magical.

One of the things that sets Mansfield Traquair apart is its exclusive use policy, which means you and your guests have the entire space to yourselves for your celebrations. Couples can choose to hold their ceremony under the grand arches of the Baldacchino, enjoy a drinks reception in the secluded private garden, and then bring everyone together for dinner and dancing beneath the murals in the Nave. This continuity of space keeps the flow of the day smooth and allows for cohesive production planning, which for a DJ means fewer interruptions and more time to build the party.

For weddings with significant guest lists, the venue can comfortably accommodate large receptions and dancing, while still feeling intimate thanks to the richness of the interiors. The open floorplan of the Nave is particularly suited to lively evening celebrations with a DJ set-up, dance floor and lighting rig working in harmony to bring alive the beauty of the architecture without diminishing it. Couples planning their music and entertainment will find that a well-executed lighting scheme can emphasise the space’s dramatic scale while ensuring guests remain focused on the celebration.

Practical considerations matter too: Mansfield Traquair’s central location makes it easy for guests travelling into Edinburgh by rail or air, though there is limited onsite parking, so transport planning is worth thinking about. The venue team and wedding designers are experienced at collaborating with bands and DJs to integrate sound and lighting equipment sensitively within the historic space. As Lee Live: Wedding DJ, I’ve found their coordination helps ensure that music levels, timings and transitions happen smoothly as your day moves from ceremony to dinner to dancing. I simply need to drop-off my equipment early in the day and return before the end of the Wedding Breakfast to build my rig.

Whether you want a fairytale church-like ceremony, a stylish reception under incredible murals, or a lively evening celebration with music and dancing that your guests will talk about for years, Mansfield Traquair delivers. Its combination of history, architectural drama and modern event flexibility means your wedding day can move seamlessly through every phase of your celebrations in one spectacular setting.