Skip to main content
Weddings

Discover Weddings, Minimoons & Couples Spa Breaks at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

Is a fairytale wedding in your vision? The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is a charming urban retreat brimming with luxury. It is ideal for both wedding and as a place for minimoons.

The Balmoral Hotel from outside

The Balmoral Hotel from outside

Dreaming of a wedding venue where you can feel whisked away into a storybook? If so, The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh is just the ticket. 

Imagine a stately home wedding venue with ornate moulding and a lofty tower. There, a clock ticks away, though, at this majestic place, nothing is turning into a pumpkin after midnight. Weddings at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh allow couples and their guests to gaze out at the Old Town, the Scott Monument, and Edinburgh Castle, all while enjoying a glamorous wedding day.

The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh: A Beautiful Wedding Venue & Minimoon Location

Ready to find out more about this Scottish wedding venue? We sure are - and, spoiler alert - it's not just weddings that can be enjoyed here. The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh also makes for the perfect minimoon location and relaxing pre-wedding getaway too. Read on to find out more...

Weddings at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

The Holyrood Suite decorated for a ceremony at The Balmoral Hotel

Sound like the perfect backdrop to your Scottish wedding? There is even more in-store inside this majestic hotel. Inside the hallowed halls is a total of 10 event spaces, leaving nearly weds spoiled for choice. Weddings with up to 400 guests can be celebrated here, making this the ideal large-capacity wedding venue for those with a lavish gathering in mind.

For example, guests can dine under the twinkle of ornate chandeliers in the Sir Walter Scott Suite. The largest suite in the hotel, it features a wooden dance floor and intricate moulded details that harken back to days gone by. Similar elegant details frame the Holyrood Suite, another grand setting for celebrations.

The dedicated wedding planner at The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh brings ample industry experience to help couples curate an exceptional celebration. They welcome ceremonies, receptions, or both, along with other gatherings related to the occasion.

Whether you had a small group in mind or perhaps a lavish soiree, the professional team here, backed by their list of top suppliers in the area, are passionate about crafting dream weddings. You can start your festivities with elegant canapés and Champagne, followed by a multi-course meal, for an unforgettable dining experience.

Here, the team delights in the details. They can even assist with booking treatments at The Balmoral Spa or make arrangements for you and your wedding party to take your photos on the private rooftop. With the Edinburgh capital as your backdrop and a hotel seeped in history and hospitality, you have the recipe for a wedding that leaves an impression.

One nearlywed loved their experience and said, “We wanted to say a massive thank you for giving us the best wedding day we could have ever asked for. From start to finish your services were professional, genuine and truly outstanding. From wedding planning, to menu tasting, and onto the big day where all our guests felt extremely cared for, nothing was ever too much.

"Your staff were efficient and friendly and the food was just divine. All in all, everything was just stunning. Your expertise and passion is something to be admired and we cannot thank you all your staff enough. You are all a real asset to The Balmoral Hotel. We cannot recommend the venue highly enough.”

Who Owns The Balmoral Hotel?

Sir Walter Scott Suite decorated for a wedding at The Balmoral Hotel

Established in the golden era of steam, The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, initially rose to prominence as a railway hotel. Originally, it was called The North British Station Hotel and was owned by the North British Railway Company. In 1895, architects W. Hamilton Beattie and A.R. Scott won a competition in which they got the chance to design this elegant urban retreat.

Hailed as a link between old styles and emerging architectural trends, the hotel wedding venue opened in 1902 with a clock that ran three minutes fast to ensure guests made their trains on time. This tradition continues to this day, except for December 31st when the clock tower plays a role in New Year’s Eve festivities. 

The Balmoral Hotel has seen its fair share of celebrity guests. Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor are just a few of the star-studded names to have had a booking here. Another regular visitor was the Queen Mother, whose routine roast lamb lunch still lives on in the hotel’s memory.

In the early 1990s, the building was refurbished and opened again as The Balmoral Hotel, with “Balmoral” translating to “majestic dwelling” in Gaelic. But who owns The Balmoral Hotel now? Well, today, the hotel is owned by Sir Rocco Forte and was the first hotel to become a part of his Rocco Forte Collection.

Where is The Balmoral Hotel?

Greenspace and iconic buildings in Edinburgh

As if this hotel weren’t enough, its Edinburgh location only enhances its splendour. Referred to in the past as The Athens of the North, Edinburgh is steeped in history. From museums with a global reputation, to the blend of architectural styles from throughout the ages, this charming city is bustling with life.

Entrenched in myths and legends, the city offers numerous things to see, such as the Stone of Destiny at Edinburgh Castle and the grandeur of Holyrood Palace. It was also the inspiration for JK Rowling's Harry Potter settings, so if you're planning a Harry Potter themed wedding, The Balmoral Hotel Would make the perfect film wedding venue

Prices & Rooms at The Balmoral Hotel

A beautifully decorated room at The Balmoral Hotel with floral wallpaper

After the dining and dancing are through, the experience can continue into the hotel’s guest rooms. But how many rooms does The Balmoral Hotel have? Well, this wedding venue with accommodation has 167 rooms and 20 suites, meaning everyone can spend the night after your wedding. Inspired by Scottish heritage while weaving in contemporary touches, these rooms are designed for relaxation.

Thoughtful colour palettes, detailed textiles, and a sense of effortless sophistication make them retreats suited to relaxation. Couples and their loved ones can choose from classic rooms and suites ranging in size. Other amenities to complete the stay include valet parking, airport transfers, packing and unpacking of your luggage, same-day laundry service, 24-hour in-room dining, and more. #

The Balmoral Hotel has parking, and all guests of the hotel are guaranteed a parking space with no need to pre-book too. Talk about a win!

So here comes the big question... How much is it to stay at The Balmoral Hotel? The prices vary, depending on how far out you are booking your stay, and there is the option to include breakfast. There’s a two-night minimum, which is important to keep in mind. Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh prices tend to average at £555 for a two-night stay but there are deals to be had for last-minute bookings. 

The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Restaurant Menu

A man pouring tea on an afternoon tea trolley filled with sweet treats and delicious food at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

Other amenities at the hotel include dining options to appease a range of palates. Take a journey through artistically presented cuisine at Number One or delight in the food traditions of France at Brasserie Prince. Number One is the proud owner of four AA Rosettes and offers dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.

Chef Mathew Sherry and his award-winning team offer a seven-course set menu to let your tastebuds experience a selection of Scottish-inspired and modern dishes. Think North Sea squid, lemon, alliums, and sea herbs or Yorkshire rhubarb, almond crumble, and caramelised pastry ice cream.

If afternoon tea is more what you had in mind, then sip and savour, surrounded by the sophistication of Palm Court, an elegant and memorable setting. There, loose-leaf teas are poured delightfully right at your table, which can be complemented by petite sandwiches and fresh-baked pastries.

Not to mention they have a wonderful selection of Champagne. A classic afternoon tea runs for £55 per person, while a bottle of Champagne starts at £89. One guest who loved their experience said, "I had afternoon tea with my best friend and it was such a lovely treat. The service was quite outstanding and the whole experience was amazing.

"The gluten free scones with the clotted cream... Oh boy! Totally stuffed at the end of it and I have to say it was really excellent value for money. Lovely calming surroundings, great for people watching and all in all a great experience."

The Balmoral Hotel Spa & Facilities

There are many other reasons to visit The Balmoral Hotel. This worthwhile retreat is ideal for guests seeking a luxurious place to stay the night. Couples, too, looking to unwind in comfort and enjoy white-glove service throughout their wedding experience are sure to appreciate this hotel’s offerings.

Enjoy a couples spa break at The Balmoral Hotel Spa, offering you the chance to indulge in a gorgeous spa retreat right in the heart of the city. The facilities are second to none and couples can choose from a number of packages and deals, some of which include overnight stays and tasty food, too!

Setting the tone for your big day can be about more than the day itself, and this elevated hotel is all about refinement. Besides staying here during your wedding, this hotel is great for couples searching for a minimoon destination. Explore the sights and sounds of Auld Reekie before returning to the hotel’s luxury and soothing, nature-inspired interiors.

To make your getaway even more special, you can choose their Celebration Break with Breakfast package when booking your room. It includes breakfast, chocolates, and a bottle of Champagne. Cheers!

For more inspo similar to The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, check out more hotel wedding venues in Scotland