Set within rolling Midlothian countryside, Arniston House offers a wedding setting that feels elegant, private, and deeply rooted in history. As a family home rather than a commercial hotel, it carries a sense of authenticity and calm that immediately sets it apart. Weddings here tend to feel considered and unhurried, with the house and its grounds providing a dignified backdrop rather than competing for attention.

The house itself is a fine example of Palladian architecture, with balanced proportions, classical detailing, and interiors that feel light and refined. From a photographic perspective, this architectural clarity is a real strength. Rooms are well scaled, lines are clean, and natural light plays gently across pale walls and tall windows. This creates images that feel timeless and composed, allowing emotion and interaction to take centre stage.

Ceremonies and receptions at Arniston House benefit from the sense of continuity the venue offers. Moving through the house feels natural rather than managed, helping the day unfold with ease. Because the setting is not overly ornate, couples are free to shape the atmosphere to suit their own style, whether that leans towards formal elegance or something more relaxed and conversational. This flexibility often results in weddings that feel personal rather than prescribed.

The surrounding grounds are an integral part of the experience. Sweeping lawns, mature trees, and open views provide space for guests to wander and for couples to step briefly away for portraits. These outdoor moments often become some of the most reflective images of the day, balancing the sociable energy of the celebrations with a sense of quiet and scale. The landscape here never feels forced into use; it simply invites itself into the story.



Having photographed weddings at Arniston House, I understand how the venue rewards sensitivity and restraint. It is a place where subtlety matters, and where the strongest images often come from allowing moments to unfold rather than directing them. My approach as Lee Live: Wedding Photographer is to work discreetly within the house and grounds, capturing a wedding story that feels elegant, grounded, and genuinely connected to its setting and the people within it.