The Caves

The Caves is one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric and unforgettable wedding venues, hidden deep beneath the Old Town streets in the historic vaults of the South Bridge. Far from conventional, this multi-layered space feels more like an underground world than a traditional banquet hall, with its arched stone vaults, original terracotta floors and rooms that once served as stables, whisky storage and even early Enlightenment social spaces. With a blend of rich history and flexible event design, The Caves offers a wedding setting unlike any other in the city.

Stepping into The Caves is like walking into a story. The venue makes up part of the sub-structure of the 18th-century South Bridge and has been meticulously restored to preserve its character while enabling modern celebrations. Every room has its own tale, from the winding vaults and alcoves to the remnants of pre-Bridge houses, creating an environment that’s atmospheric, exciting and supremely photogenic without the need for elaborate decoration. This unique backdrop means couples often find that the venue itself sets the tone for the entire day.

The Caves can accommodate weddings of a variety of sizes and styles. Larger celebrations — typically those with 70 to 150 daytime guests and up to around 200 in the evening — take place in the expansive main vaults, where the space is adaptable for ceremony layouts, seated wedding breakfasts and lively evening receptions. Smaller, more intimate weddings are hosted in The Rowantree, a co-located vaulted room that feels cosy and personal without losing the character of the venue. Both spaces are fully licensed for civil, humanist, religious and even hand-fasting ceremonies, giving couples flexibility in how they choose to celebrate.

One of the strengths of The Caves as a wedding venue is how well the day’s flow works across its spaces. Drinks receptions can spill between vaulted rooms, allowing guests to explore the venue’s character while mingling, before moving into dining and then into the evening party. The architecture naturally breaks up the day into distinct moments without feeling disjointed, making transitions feel organic rather than staged. The result is a celebration that feels immersive and dynamic from ceremony through to dancing.

Practical considerations are also thoughtfully handled. The venue’s central Old Town location means it’s easy for out-of-town guests to reach on foot or by transport, and the venue team are experienced at guiding couples through planning and logistics. While the historic nature of the space does mean that access varies between rooms, with ground-floor vaults being most readily accessible for guests with mobility needs, the unique environment more than compensates for these quirks.

Whether you’re drawn to The Caves for its history, its dramatic architecture or its capacity to host both intimate and grand celebrations under one roof, it delivers a wedding experience that feels bold, memorable and distinctly Edinburgh. There really is no other venue quite like it in the city — and that’s what makes weddings here so special. .