An intimate ceremony and big party at Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort

Katie and Ross blended an intimate ceremony with a lively marquee celebration at Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort — a luxury west-coast venue that gave them the best of both worlds

Bride and groom holding hands while walking down the garden steps at Mar Hall.

Katie and Ross Forbes chose Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort for their 23rd August 2025 wedding, blending a private daytime ceremony with a lively evening celebration on the luxury 240-acre Bishopton estate.

Mar Hall is one of the west coast’s most iconic five-star Scottish wedding venues, and its recent refurbishment made it an easy choice for the couple. The resort’s new marble-topped champagne bar and palm-canopied parlour immediately stood out – stylish spaces that felt perfect for hosting an intimate ceremony before transitioning into a much larger party.

Black-and-white image of the newlyweds sharing a quiet moment while signing the marriage schedule.

Bride and groom standing together on a garden pathway at Mar Hall, smiling at the camera.

Bride and groom posing in front of the historic Mar Hall building with landscaped gardens behind them.

Wedding Highlights at a Glance

Wedding venue | Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, Bishopton (hotel ceremony + marquee reception)
Date | 23rd August 2025
Photography | Corinne Moffat Photography
Guests | 25 day guests, 120 evening guests
Decor | Greenery, candles, pink hydrangeas; styling by Silverbirch Garden Centre
Ceremony | Personal humanist ceremony led by Mary Docherty (Fulcrum Foundation)
Entertainment | The Soul Establishment, DJ Stevie Lennon, Charlotte Sager Harpist, Capella String Quartet, photobooth

A Scottish wedding with the best of both worlds

Katie and Ross wanted a day that was deeply personal. “We wanted to have an intimate ceremony, followed by a large party at night,” says the bride. “Mar Hall ticked both boxes.”

Just 25 close family members and friends joined them for their daytime ceremony and meal in the hotel. Later, 120 evening guests arrived to celebrate with them in a marquee on the estate grounds – a setup that let the couple enjoy a relaxed, family-focused ceremony without compromising on the big-party atmosphere they both love.

“Ross and I love a party and wanted everyone there to celebrate with us,” Katie adds. “Having just immediate friends and family during the day meant we got the best of both worlds.”

Mar Hall’s extensive accommodation was also a win, allowing guests to make the most of the weekend.

Bride and groom sharing their first kiss at the altar inside Mar Hall with floral decor around them.

Family gathered at the front during the wedding ceremony at Mar Hall with children participating.

Bride and groom walking back up the aisle at Mar Hall to cheers and applause from guests.

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Florals, styling and personal details

Decor was a major element of the couple’s wedding vision. The bride’s family business, Silverbirch Garden Centre in Lanark, supplied much of the styling.

“Flowers were our main focus when it came to colour and decoration – we had lots of greenery, candles and pink hydrangeas. It was everything I’d hoped for,” says Katie. “A huge shout-out to my dad and brother who organised it all.”

Their Mar Hall wedding coordinator ensured everything ran smoothly, from timing to transitions between the daytime and evening events.

Three-tier white wedding cake surrounded by vibrant flowers and tapered candles in the reception marquee.

Close-up of tall red candles and lush floral arrangements along the wedding reception table at Mar Hall.

Wedding ceremony room at Mar Hall decorated with pink hydrangeas, greenery and a gold ornate mirror.

A personal humanist ceremony

The morning was calm and relaxed: the groomsmen headed out for matching haircuts while the bridal party got dressed and had their makeup done ahead of the 1.30 pm ceremony.

“We had a humanist ceremony, and it was lovely to be able to make it so personal. We kept it simple, though – Ross and I didn’t want anything too cheesy,” laughs Katie.

“We did make sure to include our kids. Seeing them so happy was one of the highlights of the day.”

After the vows and a celebratory cocktail, the couple slipped off with their photographer to explore some of Mar Hall’s best photo spots: the Library, the Study and the champagne bar.

Bride and groom exchanging vows in front of large bay windows with scenic views during their Mar Hall ceremony.

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Dinner and a marquee party to remember

Dinner was served on one long table, with guests enjoying chicken or beef with peppercorn sauce, followed by sticky toffee pudding or strawberry tart.

After speeches, Katie and Ross headed to Mar Hall’s marquee to greet their evening guests – and share a surprise.

“As we’d had only a small number of people present at our ceremony, we’d asked our content creator to put together a short video of it. It meant that everyone who came at night was able to see it too – it made them feel involved.

"As guests walked into the marquee, we had it playing on a massive screen.”

The marquee also featured a photobooth, and the dancefloor stayed full all night long.

“It was great to see all our plans come together, and to see everyone having a great time,” smiles the bride. “It’s not often you get all of your friends and family in the one room celebrating. It was amazing.”