Inside Marine North Berwick: a coastal wedding venue with sea views and flexible spaces

Planning a coastal wedding in Scotland? Marine North Berwick is one of East Lothian’s most iconic venues, known for its sea views, flexible ceremony spaces and five-star accommodation.

Staff writer Emma Simper visits the hotel to experience its wedding offering first-hand – from the Fidra Suite and walled garden ceremonies to guest stays, dining and spa facilities.

A first look at Marine North Berwick’s coastal setting

You know you’re somewhere special when, after parking up, you instinctively bundle on a few extra outer layers and head straight around the side of the building just to see the view before you’ve even checked in.

That was exactly our reaction on arriving at Marine North Berwick. Perched above the West Links’ 18th green with the Firth of Forth stretching wide and sparkling beyond, it’s easy to see why this five-star landmark has earned the nickname ‘The Grand Old Lady’.

The hotel has been carefully restored in recent years, clothing its heritage bones with a fresh, contemporary finish that feels entirely fitting for modern weddings.

My partner Luke and I arrived on a bright but brisk afternoon and, before meeting event executive Megan McKenzie, took a careful wander towards the shoreline, skirting past dedicated golfers undeterred by the breeze. Even beneath a blanket of clouds, the setting is beautiful; on a clear summer’s day, it must be truly spectacular.

Explore the best beach, lochside and waterfront wedding venues in Scotland for 2025 and 2026, from romantic retreats to luxury coastal estates 

Inside the hotel: interiors, design and atmosphere

Step through the grand entrance and the sense of occasion continues. The reception sits proudly at the centre of the building, framed by warm wood, shelves of books and those signature bay windows that flood the space with light.

"The sea remains a constant backdrop – visible from the lounge, the Bass Rock bar and the Lawn restaurant."

Since its refurbishment in 2021, the interiors feel fresh yet sympathetic to the building’s story.

The Lawn, once a rather forbidding deep red, is now a welcoming green with relaxed booth seating; elsewhere, wallpaper inspired by coastal flora and tee-box bedside tables in the bedrooms subtly celebrate the setting.

Meet the team: planning your wedding at Marine North Berwick

Megan, who has been part of the team since 2018, speaks about the hotel with genuine pride. As the main point of contact for wedding couples, she’ll guide you from first enquiry right through to the day itself, building relationships that make the experience feel personal.

The Fidra Suite and outdoor ceremony options

The contemporary Fidra Suite is the hotel’s principal wedding space. A striking wall of glass frames uninterrupted sea views, while a wraparound balcony and private entrance ensure celebrations feel self-contained. The layout allows a seamless flow from ceremony to dining, with the walled garden below offering a romantic outdoor option for vows.

The team prepare each space on the morning of the wedding, allowing you to make a final call on the weather without stress. As we chat, it becomes apparent that the outdoors has been the setting of not one but two of Megan’s favourite recent moments – sparklers at dusk and a special butterfly release in place of confetti after ‘I do’.

Whether you want to say ‘I do’ in a castle, hotel or historic building, there are plenty of amazing venues to choose from in Edinburgh and Midlothian 

Smaller weddings: the Library space

For smaller gatherings indoors, the Library offers something more intimate. Oak-panelled walls, a statement fireplace and large bay windows overlooking the water create an atmosphere that feels steeped in history – ideal for candlelight and heartfelt speeches.

Food, flexibility and personal touches

Flexibility runs through every facet of a Marine North Berwick wedding. Couples can choose from recommended suppliers or bring their own, and the in-house chef – affectionately described as a “yes” chef – is keen to personalise menus, perhaps recreating a favourite dish or the meal you ate on the night of the proposal. 

Tastings form part of the journey, adding another memorable milestone in the months before the big day.

Guest experience: bedrooms, amenities and spa

After our tour, we checked into a light-filled room with a king-size bed, embroidered robes and a hand-written welcome note accompanied by two gin and tonics for later. This is apparently one of the more modest bedrooms, which means the larger suite options must be a dream for wedding mornings, with generous windows providing that all-important natural light.

We headed down to the Bass Rock for a cappuccino and sat at the window, watching golfers in the distance while a younger guest enthusiastically tackled the hotel’s own putting green.

Later, we made use of the dedicated snooker room – one of several thoughtful additions, alongside the spa and golf course access, that I could instantly imagine as beloved elements guests won’t be able to stop talking about.

"Dinner in the Lawn was relaxed yet refined: seasonal starters, comforting mains and classic desserts, served with warmth and ease." 

Full from good food and sea air, we drifted off to a wonderfully restful sleep.

The morning after: spa, breakfast and beach walks

The next morning began in the spa, moving between the thermal pool, sauna and steam room before breakfast. Pancakes with bacon and maple syrup for me, a Full Scottish for Luke, set us up nicely for one final stroll down to the sandy beach – an undeniably beautiful backdrop for wedding portraits.

Windswept but content, we set off for home, already hoping to squeeze in a summer visit.

"Grand in outlook yet undeniably warm in spirit, Marine North Berwick offers more than a striking ceremony setting – it delivers a wedding experience shaped by sea views, thoughtful hospitality and a genuine sense of occasion."

Planning a Scottish Highlands wedding? Check out another gorgeous Marine & Lawn wedding venue with coastal scenery, golf course views and flexible spaces for ceremonies and receptions