This is the newly fitted out Marriage Suite at the City Chambers. The council moved out of Lothian Chambers on George IV Bridge meaning that they had to find a new venue for the Registrars office.
The new Marriage Suite at the City Chambers High Street
The new area has two wedding rooms and a reception area to greet guests. The reception area looks over Princes Street and has views over the New Town and to Fife. The interior incorporates some of the lovely oak furniture from the Grassmarket Community Project. The décor features contemporary velvet upholstery by Scottish Designer Mairi Helena, Scottish Tweed from the Isle of Bute.
Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Finance and Resources Convener, said: “It’s wonderful to see these beautiful new rooms now in use. Far from the back-room feel of 80s and 90s registrar offices, this attractive, stylish suite is more in line with wedding venues around the country.
“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to use locally-sourced, Scottish materials in the refurbishment, including some expertly-made oak furniture from the Grassmarket Community Project.
“I look forward to welcoming many more couples to spend their special day here – and I’m delighted to be able to say congratulations to Corinna and Fabian, who were the first to be married there – all the best!”
Edinburgh Napier student Corinna Lehrke and Fabian Wegener were the first couple to be married in the new suite of rooms. They are from Germany and travelled here to get married in the heart of Edinburgh.
Corinna Wegener (formerly Lehrke), said: “Right after the engagement happened we knew that we wanted to get married alone in secret, in a special place. Edinburgh is such a special place for us, as we both fell in love instantly with the city when I first came here to study for my master’s degree in 2014, and Fabian when he first visited me.
“The City Chambers immediately felt like the right choice because of the beautiful building and the perfect location, close to the Royal Mile and the Castle. We are thrilled that everybody at the City Chambers made it so easy for us to get married here – this is a special day that we will always and forever remember.”
Following the leasing of the Lothian Chambers to the French Consulate last year, Registration Servicesmoved to 253 High Street (part of the City Chambers).
The French Consulate made a capital payment of £3 million which allowed the council to transform existing offices for the Registration Service. There is also a special area for registering births, deaths and marriages as well as a private room for the European Passport Checking Service.
Edinburgh is second only to Gretna Green for its popularity as a wedding location.
Previously the registrar’s office was housed in India Buildings which will now be home to a Virgin hotel.
