If you are looking for 5 star luxury in the very heart of Edinburgh, look no further than the Balmoral Hotel. It is conveniently located next to the main rail station, where the Old Town ends, and the New Town begins and opposite the city's Apple Store; the mark of the true centre of a modern city. The hotel's majestic clock is an iconic feature of the Edinburgh skyline, with kilted doormen adding to the overall appeal.
Getting Married at The Balmoral
As a wedding venue, there is everything to like about The Balmoral. They can host weddings and receptions for anything from 6 to 350 guests in a variety of rooms.
The ceremony
Throughout Scotland you can choose to get married anywhere that you can persuade someone to carry out the ceremony, and can opt for a religious, civil or humanist ceremony.
Within The Balmoral there are several obvious places for your ceremony, from the suites overlooking the city and castle to the Palm Court lounge with a harpist playing from the minstrels gallery.
The reception
Choose between the Sir Walter Scott Suite, Holyrood Suite or the Beauly Suite for your reception. The Sir Walton Scott has a wooden dance floor, and can hold up to 280 guests for a reception whilst the Holyrood can hold 130 guests. If you're planning a smaller wedding reception, the Beauly suite offers views over Edinburgh Castle for 20-60 guests. Guests can enjoy a delightful wedding banquet, designed and created by the Michelin star Chef, Jeff Bland. A wedding coordinator will also be on hand to arrange every last detail and they are happy to work with brides or wedding planners from far afield via skype and email.
Wedding packages
The Balmoral offer a Diamond, Platinum and Sunday wedding package. The Diamond (currently £57 per head) and Platinum (£68 per head) packages offer a master of ceremonies, red carpet arrival, food, wine, table linen, seat covers and flowers. The packages also include an overnight stay for the newlyweds and a champagne breakfast.
We love ... free firework displays! The function suites overlook Princes Gardens and the Castle. On at least 12 nights of the year you and your guests will have the perfect view of a magnificent firework display that won't cost you a penny.
Accommodation
Offering a wide variety of room and suite grades, each of the 168 rooms is unique, offering modern furnishings in keeping with the hotel's period charm. With many rooms boasting stunning city views, the rooms are the perfect base for a romantic getaway or wedding. We loved the mix of a traditional building with fresh modern feel from the bottles of rhubarb smoothie on arrival to the stunning floral displays.
Restaurants
The Balmoral is home to the Michelin Starred restaurant "Number One", open 7 days a week, in addition to the less formal Hadrian's Brasserie.
Activities
With the city of Edinburgh literally on your doorstep you won't be short of things to do, and when you are ready for a bit of relaxation the hotel offers a stunning award-winning Spa with a range of treatments. There is also a well equipped gym with personal trainers, a steam room, sauna and 15 metre swimming pool with loungers, refreshments and relaxation areas.
The whisky bar has the largest collection of single malts in Edinburgh. It is a great option for a stag weekend with resident Whisky Masters on hand to take you on a tasting journey. Prices vary depending on the types of whiskies you would like to sample, and focus on getting a better understanding of the tastes and aromas, rather than on how it is produced.
