Located on Blair Street, just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Marlin’s Wynd is a wedding venue defined by atmosphere, intimacy, and a strong sense of history. Hidden beneath the streets of the Old Town, it offers a setting that feels secretive and immersive, making it ideal for couples who want a wedding that is personal, distinctive, and unmistakably Edinburgh.

The venue spans several centuries of Scottish history, and that layering is felt immediately. The Georgian Reception Room provides a refined, welcoming space for guests to gather, while the Main Vault, dating back to the 1540s, forms the dramatic heart of the venue. Thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and a sense of enclosure create an environment that feels timeless rather than themed, grounding modern celebrations in a much older story.

Marlin’s Wynd is particularly well suited to smaller weddings, with daytime numbers typically between 20 and 50 guests and evening celebrations expanding to around 120. This scale encourages closeness and connection, allowing the day to feel gathered rather than dispersed. From a photographic perspective, that intimacy makes a real difference, as moments unfold naturally and relationships remain central to the story being told.

Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere here. Candlelight and carefully integrated LED lighting work together to enhance the stonework without overpowering it. The result is a romantic, softly lit environment that photographs beautifully, producing images with depth, warmth, and a strong sense of mood. Knowing how to work with this light is essential, and experience allows it to be used to support the narrative rather than distract from it.



Having photographed weddings at Marlin’s Wynd, I understand how the spaces connect and how the energy of the day moves through them. It is a venue that rewards subtlety and sensitivity, where the smallest gestures often carry the most weight. My approach as Lee Live: Wedding Photographer is to lean into that atmosphere, capturing a wedding story that feels rich, intimate, and full of character, with the venue enhancing the experience rather than defining it.