The Intercontinental George Hotel, Edinburgh wedding photography with Pai Her and Scott

If you’re planning a wedding in Edinburgh, there are few places that do “grand, but not too fancy to relax” quite like the Intercontinental George Hotel. And Scott & Pai’s September wedding there was brilliant from start to finish. As a wedding photographer from Dundee who shoots all over the country, I’m always buzzing when I’m back in the capital — especially when the day includes Tunnock’s Teacakes, a waffle cart, a ceilidh, and a heroic battle with Edinburgh weather.

Scott and Pai live in Edinburgh, but they brought a proper mix of cultures and accents to the day. Scott’s a west coast lad and Pai is Malaysian, which meant guests had travelled from all over. The whole wedding took place at the George Hotel, which honestly makes life a dream if you want a relaxed, well-flowing day without herding folk across half the city.

Bridal Prep With a View

Me and my videographer for the day, Keiran, arrived at the George Hotel nice to start with bridal prep. Pai was getting ready in the bridal suite, and it was busy in the best possible way. Hair, makeup, family members, pals popping in and out — one of those rooms full of good nerves, excitement, and about fifteen conversations happening at once. Pai’s family had flown over from Malaysia, and there was such a lovely buzz in the room that made for cracking candid moments — the kind I love to catch as a wedding photographer in Scotland. No stiff posing, just real stuff happening. One of the big bonuses of the bridal suite at the George Hotel is access to the roof terrace. If you’re having a George Hotel Edinburgh wedding, this is an absolute gift. The views over the city are class, and it gave us a bit of breathing space for some group photos once Pai was ready — even with the clouds threatening their usual nonsense.

Scott on Meet-and-Greet Duty

While Pai was upstairs getting glammed up, Scott was downstairs greeting guests like the absolute gent he is. No pacing about nervously — just big smiles, hugs, and pre-ceremony chat. It really set the tone for the day: chilled, welcoming, and full of warmth. This is one of the reasons I love shooting weddings where everything happens in one place. Guests aren’t stressed, the couple can actually enjoy themselves, and I get to float about quietly documenting it all without rushing anyone.

A King’s Hall Ceremony… With Teacakes

The ceremony took place in the King’s Hall, and if you’ve never seen it, it’s an impressive space. High ceilings and a proper sense of occasion — ideal for a wedding in Edinburgh that feels special without being stuffy.

Scott and Pai opted for a humanist ceremony, which already means things are a bit more personal and relaxed. But then they took it up a notch with the inclusion of Tunnock’s Teacakes. Yep Teacakes. They each took a bite (romantic stuff), then proceeded to lob the rest into the crowd for guests to catch. Absolute carnage. Laughter everywhere and folk scrambling like it was Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. Honestly, more weddings should involve flying chocolate.

Waffles, Rain & Group Photos (The Scottish Trifecta)

After the ceremony, guests spilled out for drinks in the library — along with a waffle cart, which was very popular indeed. The rain was doing that classic Edinburgh thing where it can’t quite decide what it’s up to. On. Off. Sideways. Repeat. We did some group shots at the front of the George Hotel between showers, which is always worth it for that iconic entrance. It’s a cracking spot for photos, especially if you want something that says “old Scottish architecture”. Then it was time to sneak Scott and Pai away for their couple shoot.

Dodging Buckfast for Castle Views

The original plan was to head round to Princes Street Gardens for some castle views — a solid plan for any wedding photography in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, the gardens were closed for a dance event. And not a quiet, polite dance event either. We’re talking 1000 discarded bottles of Blue WKD and Buckfast littering the place like a cautionary tale. So we dodged the carnage and wandered further up the hill instead. Honestly, Edinburgh always delivers if you’re willing to adapt. We found quieter spots, got some lovely shots with the city backdrop, and finished up with a wander along Princes Street.

That’s when the weather turned biblical.

The Great Scottish Downpour & the Heroic Brolly

Out of nowhere, the rain absolutely hammered it down. Not “ah it’ll pass” rain — this was full-on seek-shelter-now rain. We dived into a shop doorway along with 100 other fearful shoppers. Massive shout-out to the legends at Fraser Hart, who very kindly handed Scott and Pai a brolly. With that, we managed to walk back to the hotel without anyone drowning or losing an eye to wind-related umbrella incidents. Moments like that are half the fun. They make the photos more real, more memorable — and very, very Scottish.

Speeches, Sunset & a Roof Terrace Glow

Back at the George Hotel, Scott and Pai spent some time enjoying drinks with their guests before heading in for dinner. There were a few speeches beforehand, packed with laughs, stories, and just the right amount of embarrassment. After dinner, the rain finally gave us peace. We nipped back up to the roof terrace just as the sun was setting, and honestly — magic. Soft light, city views, and a couple who were totally relaxed and soaking it all in. If you’re considering a George Hotel Edinburgh wedding, this alone should sell it.

Ceilidh Chaos (In the Best Way)

Then it was time for the party. Cake cut, first dance done, and straight into the ceilidh. Always a highlight, but especially brilliant with international guests getting thrown into Strip the Willow for the first time.

There was laughter, mild confusion, enthusiastic spinning, and a lot of sweat. Exactly how it should be.

A Perfect Edinburgh Wedding Day

Scott and Pai’s wedding was one of those days that just worked. Great people, a brilliant venue, and plenty moments that felt genuine and unforced. From teacakes flying through King’s Hall to hiding from the rain on Princes Street, it was a proper Edinburgh wedding — unpredictable, joyful, and full of character.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Scotland, planning a wedding in Edinburgh, or thinking about the Intercontinental George Hotel as your venue, days like this are why I love what I do. And if you don’t mind a bit of rain, some laughter, and photos that tell the story as it really happened — I’m your photographer!