Merchants Hall Edinburgh: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

There are endless supplies of beautiful country wedding venues in Scotland, but there are also some fantastic city wedding venues too.

And if you are looking for something special in our nations capital, then the Merchants Hall Edinburgh is definitely worth your consideration.

You can hire the entire property exclusively, and use their spectacular Hall for both your ceremony and reception.

There’s even a Master Suite on the top floor, which can be used for bridal preparation and wedding photos.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Merchants Hall Edinburgh wedding would be like.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Location

There are lots of wedding venues in Edinburgh, but not many can boast such a central location.

Literally a few steps from Princes Street, the Merchants Hall Edinburgh is right in the heart of the city.

Your guests will be able to arrive by train, and only have a few minutes walk to the venue.

And should they want to bring their car there are numerous carparks in the area, but they will be very expensive.

Coach access is good, however it may be a challenge getting stopped on Hanover Street.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Setting

First of all this is an exclusive use wedding venue, so you will be guaranteed absolute privacy on your wedding day.

It is however right in the centre of Edinburgh, which means out with the calm of the building you will have the busy city.

And if you choose to get married in the summer, the excitement of the Edinburgh festival could be in full swing.

Princess Street Gardens is just across the road though, which does provide a nice green space for some fresh air.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh

Built in the 19th century, this beautiful A listed building combines both art and architecture.

It’s owned by the Merchant Company of Edinburgh, and was until recently a members only club.

Should you choose to get married here, you will have the use of the Hall, Court Room, Master Suite, and Kitchens (for caterers).

The spaces are very versatile and work for both large weddings and smaller gatherings.

In addition to this the decor is spectacular, steeped in rich history, and will create a real sense of occasion.

As far as city centre wedding venues go, this is a pretty special one.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Accommodation

The Merchants Hall Edinburgh does not provide accommodation as such, however there is a lovely Master Suite on the top floor which you can use.

It comes complete with an ensuite shower room, and is perfect for bridal preparation and perhaps some wedding photos.

It’s also a nice place to store your wedding gifts.

In terms of actual accommodation the city of Edinburgh provides for all tastes and budgets, with the luxurious Balmoral Hotel right across the road.

Just be aware that during the Edinburgh festival, hotels can get booked up well in advance.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Ceremony

Religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies are all welcome at the Merchants Hall Edinburgh.

And with a capacity for 150 seated guests, you certainly won’t be short of space.

The Hall has a fabulous domed ceiling, and a Minstrels Gallery where you can situate musicians to welcome the bride.

In addition to this the ornate plasterwork and beautiful pillars provide all the decoration you need.

And your wedding photographer will be able to capture it all from high up in the Gallery.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Reception

For your drinks reception there is the Court Room, which is warm and opulent with great views of the city.

Your guests can mingle here, whilst the Hall is being transformed for dinner.

You can actually use the Court Room for smaller weddings too, with its capacity for 40 guests.

However the stunning Hall still works, even if you don’t fill its 150 seated capacity.

After your meal the tables and chairs can be moved aside to create a dance floor.

Still leaving plenty of room for cutting the cake, and an evening buffet.

Worth noting is that you get the Hall until 1am, which is later than most wedding venues allow.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Catering

If you would like to get married at the Merchants Hall Edinburgh, then you must use one of their carefully selected caterers:

• Ginger Snap Catering.
• Pinkerton’s Cooks & Caterers.
• Saltire Hospitality.
• Appetite Direct.
• MacKenzies Catering.
• Hickory.
• Prestige Venues & Events.
• Wilde Thyme.

Each of them is familiar with the facilities, and will help to create the perfect menu for you.

Whether that’s a buffet or a three course meal, it can all be achieved.

They can also provide a fully stocked bar, or if you would prefer to bring your own alcohol, this can be done for a small corkage fee.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Wedding Photographs

When it comes to your all important wedding photographs, the Merchants Hall Edinburgh offers you plenty of indoor options.

Whether it’s the Master Suite during bridal preparation or the spectacular Hall for the group shots, the intricate interiors will provide fabulous backdrops.

If you are keen to get some outdoor wedding photographs, a number of brides choose to go down to Princes Street Gardens, using Edinburgh castle in the background.

It’s without question a lovely place for pictures, but be prepared for lots of prying eyes.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Unique Feature

Ok so this one’s unique to all central wedding venues in Edinburgh, by given just how central the Merchants Hall is, I think it has to be mentioned.

If you do choose to get married during the festival, then the energy in the city will be palpable.

You quite literally won’t be able to step out the door without getting caught up in the excitement, and if you have out of town guests then this is going to be a real bonus for them.

They might want to extend their stay and take advantage of all the fun.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Wedding Prices

For accurate Merchants Hall Edinburgh wedding prices, you should contact the venue directly.

Their wedding packages can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

However to give you an approximate Merchants Hall Edinburgh wedding cost:

• Exclusive use of Merchants Hall Edinburgh (ceremony & reception), price £2,800.
• Merchants Hall Edinburgh (ceremony), price £1,200.
• Merchants Hall Edinburgh (reception), price £2,500.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.

Merchants Hall Edinburgh Conclusion

So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Merchants Hall Edinburgh as your wedding venue.

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for an exclusive use wedding venue, right in the heart of Edinburgh, with a fabulous Hall for ceremonies and receptions, and a fantastic Master Suite for bridal preparation; then Merchants Hall Edinburgh just might be the place for you.

Whilst you are here, you should take a look at some of the other wedding venues in Scotland, featured on White Rose.

You can also find Merchants Hall Edinburgh’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.