TTKS staffer Nicole spent a night at this grand Victorian mansion and leisure resort near Edinburgh where romance, fine food, stunning photo ops and relaxation are guaranteed
I’ll admit it, I’m a creature of habit. Even after careful deliberation at my favourite restaurants, I’ll pick the same thing from the menu every time, and I love nothing more than rewatching comfort TV shows even though I can practically quote them by heart. The reason? I know they’re good.
It makes me think that if I was picking a wedding venue, I wouldn’t want it to be somewhere I’d only ever go to once – namely, on the big day itself. I would prefer to know I’d be going back again and again, not just to relive the happy memories, but because this was a place where I’d be sure to get delicious food, where the staff are attentive and a relaxing evening is guaranteed. No wonder Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club in Edinburgh felt so right to me.
My partner and I had a night booked in Her Ladyship’s Room. It’s a huge suite in the opulent Victorian manor house, with a plush four-poster and views across the golf course. Waiting for us was a bottle of champers, a selection of cakes and a lavish Rituals gift set – all part of the hotel’s Date and Dine package.
If you’re marrying here, it would be a lovely treat in the run-up to your big day and a great excuse to have a nosey round your venue again. And if you’d already tied the knot? Well, you might just fancy booking in for a romantic getaway – you wouldn’t be disappointed.
We headed to the Pentland restaurant for dinner as the sun set. As we wandered downstairs, I couldn’t help but notice just how many perfect spots there were in the hotel for pics, such as the oval balcony with its cascading chandelier (serious Bridgerton vibes!). The immaculate grounds and dreamy exteriors (including a spiral staircase at the back of the hotel that will delight your photographer) means there are loads of photo opportunities outside too.
But back to the food: we started with the haggis croquettes, followed by braised beef for me and blackened cod steak for him, with chocolate mousse and apple tart to finish. It was all beautifully cooked and presented. Executive chef Andy McQueen has a whole host of showstoppers on the wedding menu too, and if they’re anything like our dinner, your guests will be in for a treat.
There’s no danger of anyone getting bored at Dalmahoy if you’re here for an extended wedding. Hit the golf course or outdoor tennis courts for a blast of fresh air, or hire the Dalrymple Room as a ‘grooms’ room’ for the wedding morning – it can be set up with table tennis and video games to take the mind off any nerves. There’s also a lovely pool, spa and sauna to indulge in.
The following morning I met up with senior wedding and event coordinator Jordan Young, who showed me the hotel’s impressive wedding suites, starting with the Dalmahoy, a bright and airy room accessed via its own private entrance.
In contrast to the cosy, rich interiors of other parts of the hotel such as the Douglas Lounge or the cocktail bar (which is used for the drinks reception when the main suite is being set up), this space is a blank canvas where couples can go to town with the decor. It can be partitioned too, so you can make it smaller for the ceremony and then back to full size for an evening of dancing.
The sun was shining as we set off home. Dalmahoy is very accessible, just 20 minutes from central Edinburgh and close to the airport and M8, so our journey to Glasgow was under an hour. Needless to say, the only topic of conversation in the car was when could we come back again…
What do you need to know about Dalmahoy Hotel?
The Dalmahoy Suite has ample room to throw the most lavish of bashes, with space to invite 250 people (a minimum of 60 guests is needed to have your celebrations here). More intimate weddings can be hosted in the Lothian Room or the Boardroom, which can each hold a maximum of 50 guests.
There are two options: the Morton package, based on a minimum of 80 guests, starts from £11,925 in summer; the Earls, meanwhile, caters for smaller weddings (summer prices start at £7,175). Both include a wedding planner, a three-course meal and floral centrepieces. Enhancements such as fireworks, bridal showers, golf experiences, pipers and outdoor ceremonies can be added.
Dalmahoy has 215 bedrooms so anyone who wants to stay over either before or after the party will be able to do so (and pay preferential rates). You can book the bridal suite for the night before the wedding; it sleeps up to six people, and has loads of space for getting ready in the morning with your bridesmaids. The newlyweds, meanwhile, get a complimentary night in the honeymoon suite.
As you might imagine, the in-house catering is fabulous. Choose from options such as smoked salmon or goat’s cheese terrine to start, confit pork belly or chicken breast stuffed with truffle mousse as a main, topped off with old favourites like sticky toffee pudding or lemon cheesecake. Outside caterers are not permitted, but with menus like this, you really don’t need to look elsewhere.
Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Kirknewton, near Edinburgh
