Is the College easy to find?
The College is very centrally located. We are just five minutes walk from the bus and train stations and approx eight minutes from the Edinburgh Q-Park car park.
Is there parking available on site?
Parking may be available for disabled guests in one of our parking bays. This cannot be reserved prior to your event. However, we will endeavour to facilitate your requirement on the day. Please note, there are no other parking spaces on site.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
All historic rooms are wheelchair accessible and there is also access to an accessible toilet. The lift is situated at the front of the building.however we do ask that you advise your event coordinator to ensure the stair lift located at pavement level is prepared.
Will our wedding be the only one taking place on the day?
Yes it will. You will have exclusive use of all the historic rooms (Great Hall, New Library and Cullen Suite). If a conference is taking place on the same day we will arrange a separate entrance for delegates to access the Conference Centre which is in a different part of the College. Please note that if your wedding takes place on a weekday College staff may need access via some of the corridors but not the main function rooms.
I'm having a Civil Wedding Ceremony, what do I need to do?
We will provide you with the AP1 form which you complete and take to the Registrars Office. They will confirm availability of a Registrar on your chosen date. Please find more information on the Edinburgh Council website here or call 0131 334 0380.
I’m having a Religious Wedding Ceremony, what do I need to do?
The College does not require you to do anything. All arrangements should be made through your celebrant.
What does my quotation fee include?
Your fee includes exclusive use of all the historic rooms, hire of our tables and chairs; services of a duty College Officer and Doorman. VAT is not charged as we are a registered charity. You will need to budget for catering, flowers, entertainment, insurance and other incidentals separately. View the Suppliers page here.
Can a Master of Ceremonies be provided?
We suggest you appoint the chief usher to carry out master of ceremony duties or alternatively your caterer will be happy to provide a member of staff to perform this role. Our duty College Officer is principally there for your safety and not to perform other duties such as this.
Who will look after my booking?
The Events Department is made up of a team of four and, once confirmed, your Wedding will be assigned to a member of the team who will be your main contact in the run up to the day. Approximately one month before the wedding we will go through a checklist with you to confirm your requirements. You are very welcome to contact us at any point if you have any queries or would like to come in to view the College.
Where can we have photographs taken?
Photographs can be taken in any of the historic rooms. In addition, if the weather is suitable, photographs can be taken in the Physic Garden or by prior arrangement in Queen Street Gardens.
Who will provide my catering?
We have a panel of three catering companies from whom we ask you to choose. They will be able to provide sample menus, will be able to answer all of your catering queries and have worked within the College many times. View the Caterers page here.
Can I supply my own catering?
No. We ask you to choose from our list of approved caterers to maintain standards and also to comply with the necessary health, safety and insurance regulations.
Can I supply my own drinks?
Yes, with agreement from your caterer, as corkage charge will be made by them. The caterer will provide staffing for the bar.
Can I have a cash bar?
Yes but please advise your caterer as a license has to be obtained when selling alcohol within a venue.
Can you supply additional items such as table linen, chair covers, cake stand and highchairs?
The caterers can assist with supplying these items.
Can you supply a crèche facility?
We can set aside a room for use as a crèche. However, all children must be supervised at all times. We also have a special room with a fridge for milk & babies food and baby changing facilities are available.
Is there a quiet area for guests?
Guests usually find that the New Library and Cullen Suite are quieter areas to sit in but we can tailor our spaces to best match your individual requirements.
Am I free to choose the music/band/DJ and florist etc?
Yes, however if you need a bit of guidance please see the list of suggested companies that has been compiled using suppliers previously used by clients.
Can my photographer, florist or DJ visit the venue in advance of the wedding?
Yes, we would be pleased to show them around. Please ensure they contact us to make an appointment.
Do you have preferential pricing with local hotels?
Yes we do. Please ask our team for the Recommended Hotel list and quote the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh when booking.
Is there a place we can store presents?
Yes, we can provide an area to store presents for the evening. The College cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to the presents. You should appoint someone to be responsible for the collection and removal of the presents. As the College often has bookings the day following a wedding we would ask for everything to be taken away on the evening.
Do I need to take out Wedding Insurance?
Whilst it is not a condition of our let, we would suggest looking into taking out insurance. This is especially formulated and covers items including damage to bridal wear, loss of wedding rings, damage to wedding cake, failure of suppliers etc. The College has public liability insurance but this does not extend to any of the above mentioned items.
Do you allow confetti to be thrown and candles at the venue?
We do not allow confetti to be used inside our venue but we do allow biodegrade/eco-friendly confetti to be used at the grand front entrance. Candelabra and candles in holders are permitted to be lit on tables only and not on the marble or floor areas , please use LED candles in these areas.
What decorations can I have at the venue?
As a historic venue we naturally need to preserve the fabric of the building but there are ways to decorate without causing damage. Helium balloons are not allowed as we are unable to retrieve any that escape up into the high ceilings. Please discuss your requirements with our Events Team.
Is there a PA system?
Yes, we have a PA system in the Great Hall and New Library and can provide stand, handheld and lapel microphones for speeches as required. We also have screens available for speeches or to entertain children with a film if you would like to make a children's quiet area later in the evening.
Can we play our own background music?
You are welcome to use the PA system for background music in the Great Hall and New Library. We have adapters for Andriod and iPhone/iPad.
What if guests want to smoke?
In accordance with the law in Scotland smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the College or in the Physic Garden. Guests wishing to smoke should make their way outside to the front of the building onto Queen Street.
Can we deliver items before or on the day?
Yes, deliveries can be made the day before and on the morning of your Wedding in agreement with your coordinator. We will have a designated space for you to store items on the day prior and throughout the day of your wedding.You are also welcome to store items on site and collect these on the Monday following your wedding.
