Professor's Room, Botanic Cottage

Wedding ceremonies and receptions

Steeped in the history of the Scottish Enlightenment, the Professor’s Room within the Botanic Cottage offers an intimate and characterful setting for wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

Originally built in 1764–65 at the Garden’s former home on Leith Walk, the Cottage was carefully dismantled, moved stone by stone across Edinburgh, and rebuilt within the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, preserving one of the city’s most remarkable botanical and educational landmarks.

At the heart of the Cottage lies the oldest surviving classroom of its kind, where Professor John Hope, the Garden’s first Regius Keeper, once taught botany to medical students during the height of the Scottish Enlightenment. Rich in heritage and thoughtfully restored, the space combines authentic Georgian character with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, creating a setting that feels both deeply personal and connected to centuries of discovery.

Surrounded by the productive landscapes of the Demonstration Garden, the Professor’s Room is ideally suited to smaller ceremonies and gatherings, offering a distinctive alternative to traditional wedding venues. From its carefully preserved architectural details to its handcrafted furnishings, every element reflects a story of craftsmanship, community and renewal, providing a memorable backdrop for couples seeking a celebration with meaning, history and a strong sense of place.