A relaxed, fun-filled Norton House Hotel wedding in Edinburgh

Louise and Tiernan hosted a weekend of celebrations for 160 loved ones on 1st February this year at Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

With international guests arriving from Ireland, London, New York, Texas, Vancouver, India and Dubai, the couple wanted a venue that was welcoming, stylish, and practical. Norton House Hotel ticked every box.

Wedding highlights at a glance

Wedding venue | Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
Date | 1st February 2025
Guests | 160 from across the world
Ceremony | Humanist ceremony with celebrant Kevin Drysdale
Photography | Michelle Malone Photography
Entertainment | Live band, pipers, impromptu jam session at the residents’ bar
Theme & styling | Seasonal spring flowers with Scottish thistles and Irish shamrocks, pub-inspired table names, wine-label seating chart

Read on for the full story...

Choosing the perfect venue

Louise and Tiernan had three non-negotiables when they set out to find a venue for their wedding.

“The aesthetic was first on our list. We wanted somewhere visually stunning with plenty of spots for indoor and outdoor photos,” says bride Louise.

“Second was location. Tiernan is from Ireland, so we needed somewhere reasonably close to an airport so travelling would be easy for his family.

“Lastly, we were looking for accommodation so guests could stay on-site for a ‘big celebration’ feeling. We didn’t want anywhere too large or impersonal, though, so were looking for somewhere with a cosy, intimate atmosphere.”

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Finding 'the one'

With 160 guests joining them, it was important the couple got it right – and Norton House’s wedding coordinator was the one to seal the deal:

“Kayleigh was so genuine when she showed us around. We felt the hotel was a great fit for us. Location and accommodation were key, but it was the charm and character of the place that won us over.”

With a bespoke package that included the use of all Norton House’s rooms, a drinks reception and canapés, plus a three-course meal and wedding night accommodation, the couple were well taken care of.

“We loved the idea of having guests stay on-site at our wedding venue to really create a ‘big celebration’ feeling.”

Styling and flowers

“For our theme, we focused on our favourite things: table centrepieces were named after some of our favourite pubs from around the world, and our table chart was made up of custom wine labels.

“Our flowers reflected the season with spring blooms, along with our birth flowers and shamrocks and thistles for our Irish and Scottish roots. The Norton House team were happy to accommodate anything we requested. It was really such an easy planning experience.”

Check out more stunning photography by Michelle Malone

A full wedding weekend

Arriving on the Thursday (before their wedding on Saturday), Louise and Tiernan made the most of their weekend celebrations by kicking off with a family-fun night of watching the Six Nations rugby together.

The wedding day itself went without a hitch.

“The ceremony was so personal and meaningful, and so many of our guests told us how much they enjoyed it,” recalls the bride. “The whole day just flowed, thanks to the incredible staff who managed every detail.”

Drinks reception and photos

Next up was a drinks reception (including prosecco, beer and wee drams of whisky) followed by photographs.

“A picture on the staircase was a must for us – when you walk through the main doors of the hotel, you’re greeted by its grand staircase. There are so many lovely little corners around the venue that are perfect for photos.”

A lively evening reception

After an amazing meal (the happy couple say they “converted” a few Irish guests into loving haggis!), it was time to get the party started.

“The whole evening was full of energy and good fun. Our band kept the dancefloor buzzing. Once the main party wrapped up, we made our way to the residents’ bar for a few more drinks. Some of our guests broke out their guitars and harmonicas, treating us to an impromptu jam session!”

Wedding suppliers

Venue & food Norton House Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
Photography Michelle Malone Photography
Filmmaker Kev Meenan Films
Celebrant Kevin Drysdale, Caledonian Humanist Association
Wedding dress Essense of Australia, Kudos Bridal Dunfermline
Shoes Jimmy Choo
Hair NC Hair
Makeup Nadine Grant Makeup Artist
Bridesmaid dresses Six Stories
Flowergirl dresses Next
Groomswear MacGregor and MacDuff
Sgian dubh Eight Yards
Cufflinks Belonged to the groom’s late grandfather
Wedding rings Liam Ross & Ryan Thomas Jewellers
Flowers Daisy D Does
Cake Bevis Bakes
Stationery & favours DIY by the couple
Ceremony music Pianist Chris Kincaid
Ceremony pipers Darragh Carey and Neill Carey
Evening entertainment Los Perros and Saltire Beat
Transport Happy Days Minibus and Coach Hire, Falkirk