YSW on tour | Elegant Marine North Berwick
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Picture this – it’s the morning of your wedding, you pull back the curtains of your plush hotel room and look across the golf course to the sparkling Firth of Forth.
You decide to start the day with a quick 18 holes or, and remember it is your wedding morning, you settle for a few laps of the pool and some relaxation time in the thermal suite.
If this sounds like wedding morning goals to you, then I urge you to seriously consider holding your big day at my home for the night, Marine North Berwick.
Or even better, book in for the entire weekend and enjoy treatments in the spa the night before and perhaps a catamaran trip to the Bass Rock the day after to blow away the cobwebs!
Old money elegance
Arriving on a sunny Friday afternoon in June, I’m getting to see this beautiful Victorian hotel at its very best.
Entering on the street-side of the hotel, it’s only when you reach the lobby with its huge bay windows that you’re treated to a full view of the Forth.
The hotel was reopened in August 2021 after a transformative refurbishment.
Owner Marine & Lawn has concentrated its efforts on iconic Victorian-style properties situated next to championship golf courses by the sea, with a design-heavy approach.
And believe me, it shows.
The hand of a skilled interior designer is everywhere you look, from the eye-catching floral wallpaper to the inlaid wood and dark panelling.
The lobby captures the feel of an elegant New England country club with cosy Chesterfield sofas and Windsor chairs arranged in sociable clutches, ideal for afternoon tea.
The ground floor is also home to the stylish Bass Rock Bar, named after the famously white island you can spy from its windows, and I’m assured this is where wedding guests can be found after the formal festivities.
Next door, The Lawn Restaurant is reminiscent of a classy Edinburgh New Town establishment with statement lighting and fun dog pictures adorning the walls – a fitting reminder the hotel is dog-friendly should you wish your four-legged friend to accompany you down the aisle.
Incidentally, this is where you’ll begin your wedding march into the adjoining Fidra Suite and Gallery, the hotel’s dedicated wedding spaces.
The gallery comes with a private bar and separate entrance, affording you privacy away from other hotel guests.
Exclusive use weddings are also possible if you wish to take over the hotel, but if not, there is plenty of space in the Fidra Suite alone, which can accommodate up to 150 guests.
If the weather is on your side however, the walled garden with its views over the four islands is an idyllic ceremony setting.
Then after your vows I love the idea of an al fresco drinks reception.
Why not tie it in with a friendly game of pitch and putt in the garden before dinner?
Small and intimate
If your guest list is more petite, you’ll be thrilled with the lounge where weddings for up to 20 guests are held.
The Library is perfect for a private dinner the night before your wedding, while the snooker room can be reserved for pizza and beers.
This is also where many grooms can be found pre-ceremony!
Relax in luxury
I’m joined on this trip by my daughter, and we’ve been treated to a stay in the gorgeous honeymoon suite.
The rainfall shower and separate bath are bliss after our two trips to the pool, while the living room with its enviable view is perfect for getting ready before a relaxed dinner.
I highly recommend the hay smoked duck, and my charred asparagus starter was heaven.
And the best way to top off a fabulous stay?
Sitting in bed looking out to sea with a coffee.
The hotel offers one wedding package with opportunities to add upgrades
Get in touch with Marine North Berwick to discover more about their wedding offerings – Website | t. 01620 897 300 | Email
