This blog post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we get a little bit of money when you purchase something through one of our links. Thank you for helping support a small business just by reading! You can read more about our affiliate disclosure policy here.
Recently, the lovely David and Ken contacted me to photograph their fabulous spring wedding at the snazzy Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club just outside of Edinburgh, and what transpired was nothing short of a romantic countryside union!
So, those planning a Dalmahoy wedding – start taking some notes, because here’s everything you need to know.
Dalmahoy Wedding: Ken & David
Dalmahoy Hotel Wedding: Everything You Need to Know
Here’s the Dalmahoy deal, folks….
Where is the Dalmahoy Hotel?
The Dalmahoy is a fabulous 4-star hotel and country club, which, despite its rural surroundings, is a mere 7 minutes away from Edinburgh – ideal for guests and members of the bridal party who may be flying into Edinburgh International Airport.
Located in the village of Kirknewton, the Dalmahoy Hotel also has not one but two plush 18-hole golf courses. The hotel itself boasts an impressive 215 suites, as well as an indoor swimming pool, 2 restaurants and bars, and a luxury leisure club – all draped over 1000 impressive acres of parkland.
Dalmahoy Deets:
Address: Edinburgh, Kirknewton EH27 8EB
Phone: 0131 333 1845
Email: reservations@dalmahoy.co.uk
Wedding Ceremony
First things first: Dalmahoy holds the required licenses for whatever ceremony you desire – be it a traditional, same-sex, or humanist wedding. This includes religious ceremonies, as the venue has its very own chapel (more on that shortly).
Indoor Ceremonies
Those wanting an indoor ceremony can take advantage of the numerous elegant historic rooms, which can cater to weddings or elopements of varying sizes.
For example, those favouring a bigger affair can say their vows in the Dalmahoy Suite, which can hold up to 300 guests.
Outdoor Ceremonies
Although Scotland’s weather can be somewhat unpredictable, nothing beats an al fresco wedding in the countryside, and the 1000 acres of parkland make for the ultimate nature-based location for a summer wedding in a marquee.
St. Mary’s Church
Those opting for a religious ceremony can tie the knot inside the quaint chapel on the grounds of Dalmahoy. This pretty little church dates all the way back to 1850 and is just a few minutes walk from the main venue and accommodation.
Wedding Function Rooms
Now, let’s get down to the fun stuff: the wedding reception! Those wanting to stay on-site for the whole wedding day can say their vows, cut their cake, and dance the night away – all under the same patch of sky.
Dalmahoy Suite
Room Size: 19.9m x 23m | 65.3ft x 75.4ft
Capacity: 250 (Dancing), 300 (Dinner/buffet)
Considered the hotel’s main function room, the Dalmahoy Suite is the place to be for big weddings.
Catering to a minimum of 50 guests (and a maximum of 300), the Dalmahoy Suite offers a private bar facility, dance floor, moveable partitions, and plenty of tables for the wedding breakfast/dinner.
Suite Key Features:
- Air-con
- Natural light
- Feature lighting
- Built-in AV equipment
- Private bar
- Outside patio
Boardroom
Room Size: 10m x 6.5m | 32.8ft x 21.3ft
Capacity: 50 (dinner), 50 (buffet reception), 50 (ceremony)
Ideal for smaller-scale weddings (maximum 50 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast), this lavish suite boasts towering ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and incredible panoramic views that stretch as far as Edinburgh.
Suite Key Features:
- Natural light
- Outside spiral staircase (perfect for romantic wedding snaps!)
- Views of the manor & golf course
- Historical/period decor & features
The Lothian Room
Room Size: 9.8m x 6.5m | 32.1ft x 21.3ft
Capacity: 50 (dinner), 50 (buffet reception), 50 (ceremony)
Similar to the Boardroom, the Lothian Suite is best suited for small weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements.
Featuring stretching ceilings, period decor, glistening chandeliers, and old-fashioned fireplaces, the Lothian Room brings to life the manor house charm of the estate as a whole, with the intimacy that is often lost with bigger weddings/venues.
Suite Key Features:
- Natural light
- Air-con
- Views of the golf course
- Historical/period features & decor
The Castle Room
Room Size: 8.7m x 4.8m | 28.5ft x 15.7ft
Capacity: 20 (Dinner), 20 (buffet reception)
Last but not least is the stunning Castle Room, which is designed for micro-weddings and elopements only.
Suite Key Features:
- Golf course & manor views
- Natural light
- Interconnecting
- Period decor & features
Wedding Packages
Wedding packages are a godsend for those tearing their hair out at the thought of planning every minute detail of their big day – and thankfully, Dalmahoy has you covered.
Whether you’re planning a large-scale wedding or something more intimate – and irrespective of your budget – Dalmahoy has a range of packages and bundles to make organising your wedding a doddle, some of which include:
“Intimate I Do’s”
As the name suggests, this package is designed for micro-weddings and elopements. Aimed at weddings with a maximum of 40 guests, this package starts at £110 (per person) and includes:
- A glass of bubbly upon entry
- A 3-course meal
- Wine with dinner (plus top-ups)
Earls Package
Still keeping it small, but with a guest capacity of up to 50 people, the Earls Package isn’t one specific bundle but has packages to suit different budgets.
Morton Package
Did somebody say champagne drinks reception?! Because that’s one of the features of the Morton Package. As well as this, you also get:
- Evening buffet
- Floral table centres & draperies
- Traditional Scottish piper
- Chair covers & ties
Winter Weddings
There is something truly magical about tying the knot during the snowy season, and this package includes some features that will enhance the beauty of your winter wedding, including:
- Flambeaux torches
- Traditional Scottish piper
- Roaring fires
- Festive-themed canapés
External Catering
For a more bespoke approach, Dalmahoy allows external caterers to use the kitchens to prepare a feast of your design.
Wedding Open Days
The Dalmahoy Hotel offers periodic wedding open days, which are free to attend – although, these are appointment dates and require booking. These dates get snapped up fast, so don’t dilly-dally!
The 2024 appointment dates are:
- Sunday, 21 April 2024
- Saturday 25 May 2024
- Sunday 30 June 2024
- Sunday 21 July 2024
- Sunday 18 August 2024
- Sunday 29 September 2024
- Sunday 20 October 2024
Grooms Room
Gents, Dalmahoy has a treat for you!
Grooms-to-be have access to the impressive Dalrymple Room – AKA, the Grooms Room – which is yours (and your groomsmen’s) for the day.
We know that the ladies of the wedding party tend to take a little longer to get ready than the chaps, so the groom and his merry men can kick back and enjoy a few leisurely activities, including:
- Table tennis
- Foosball
- Whisky tasting
- Kilt styling
- Bagpipe lessons
- Video games
- Archery
- Golf
- Buckets of beer
- Buffet food
Places to Stay Near the Dalmahoy Hotel
Although the Dalmahoy Hotel has plenty of accommodation options, you or your guests may wish to stay more central to Edinburgh to perhaps indulge in a spot of sightseeing before or after the wedding.
If this is the case, we recommend the following options:
Coach House Ratho Park Steading
1.2 miles from the Dalmahoy Hotel
This gorgeous accommodation, which is less than a five-minute drive from the wedding venue, is courtyard goals, if ever we saw them!
As well as being super chic, the Coach House is conveniently located near many of Edinburgh’s popular attractions (including the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, and the Real Mary King’s Close.
Popular Amenities:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Very good breakfast
- Garden views
The Bridge Inn
1.2 miles from the Dalmahoy Hotel
Located in the Ratho area, in between Edinburgh and the wedding venue, this charming 4-star inn is situated very close to Edinburgh Airport (but not so close that your sleep is disturbed by air traffic!) and is ideal for some post-wedding peace and quiet.
Popular Amenities:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bar & restaurant
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
JustB Edinburgh
1.9 miles from the Dalmahoy Hotel
Located in the beating heart of Edinburgh City, this fabulous guest house is within walking distance of all of the city’s best-loved hotspots, such as the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura & the World of Illusions, and Edinburgh Castle.
Popular Amenities:
- Hot tub
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Family rooms
- Terrace & garden
- BBQ facilities
The 1820s Converted Stables
1.2 miles from the Dalmahoy Hotel
Featuring four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this spacious holiday home is perfect for bridal parties, families, or those just needing a little extra space.
As well as being super close to the wedding venue, local Edinburgh attractions are a short drive away, including Edinburgh Zoo, Old Town, Holyrood Palace, and more.
Popular Amenities:
- Entire home
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Views
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace & garden
- Laundry facilities
Wildling Weddings Photoshoot - Scotland Wedding Photographer
If you like what you see with lovely Ken and David’s special day, let’s talk. I offer vibrantly colourful or atmospheric black-and-white wedding photography to suit your wedding aesthetic.
From the rugged and dramatic landscapes of the Highlands to the historic and romantic cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for truly memorable weddings – and what better way to document that than with a local photographer?!