Not only does this iconic St Andrews landmark welcome the great and good of the golfing world, it also plays host to some pretty spectacular weddings, discovers Steph Boyle
There’s something quite magical about the coastal town of St Andrews, particularly on a warm summer’s day.
It has all the component parts of a picture-perfect Scottish destination: beautiful sandy beach, ancient churches and castle ruins, the faint sound of bagpipes lingering on the sea breeze.
Quaint cafes and bookshops are peppered with students, and tourists saunter the cobbled streets, marvelling at the beautiful surroundings.
Getting married there is pretty special, too. The Old Course Hotel is the jewel in St Andrews’ crown, poised at the end of the town’s world-famous golf course, and frequented by celebrities and international golf enthusiasts alike.
Everything about this hotel is five-star, from the furnishings and the food to the service and the location.
It doesn’t feel aloof or pretentious, though. A warm welcome awaits from the staff and the décor is a lovely mix of traditional and modern styles. It’s the epitome of laid-back luxury.
Laura Russell, the venue’s wedding manager, gives me the grand tour. There had been a huge wedding here the day before, but already every space is back to its immaculate, pristine best.
“We don’t have multiple weddings every weekend; getting married here feels quite exclusive, and that’s what a lot of our couples like about it,” Laura tells me.
It’s not easy to pick just one, but my favourite space has to be the conservatory. This bright, light-filled room, with the golf course vista as your backdrop, is a dream ceremony space.
Saying your vows as the light streams through the windows would be such a pinch-me moment.
The Ballroom is stunning too and can seat 130 for dinner, while the Hall of Champions (which has recently been extended and redesigned) can seat up to 450.
There’s also an outdoor terrace for alfresco drinks as you watch the golfers out on the greens.
It becomes clear that the Old Course has all you could want from a wedding venue. The resort has so much on offer that it would make sense to spend a weekend here rather than just a day.
The night before could start in the Roadhole Bar (so called because it overlooks the course’s famous 17th hole of the same name), enjoying a cocktail or two before dining in the Swilcan Loft.
This new restaurant, opened last year as part of a programme of renovations, has the most spectacular uninterrupted views across the course to West Sands beach and the hotel’s iconic Hamilton Grand building.
Marry here, and you and your guests can enjoy local produce such as Loch Duart smoked salmon and Black Isle beef in a relaxed setting.
The golf enthusiasts among your crowd will be in heaven, and there’s only one thing they’ll be interested in doing (followed by a pint at the Jigger Inn).
For anyone else who wants to unwind before the celebrations, there’s the Kohler Waters Spa. It’s the only one of its kind outside of the USA, and specialises in therapeutic experiences inspired by the natural restorative properties of mineral-rich water.
It’s hard to imagine a better pre-wedding pamper for a bride and her party, and there are packages available to make the most of your time there.
The bedrooms, as you might imagine, are also nothing short of immaculate. There’s a variety of rooms to suit budget and preference, including the Eden Suites with glorious views of the course and beyond, and the premium-tier Penthouse Suite.
The latter would be a memorable place to spend the morning getting ready, and of course the wedding night itself. It’s accessed by a private lift, has a balcony with outdoor seating, and there’s a freestanding bath in the bedroom.
As Laura and I part ways, she tells me that the parents of one of her brides are at the hotel that weekend.
She’s going to meet them now for a coffee, to catch up on how the newlyweds are doing. “I think they might be about to tell me their daughter is expecting a baby,” she says excitedly.
“It means so much to me that my couples and their families still feel such a connection to the hotel, and to me.”
That, I reckon, could all be down to the dedication and passion of Laura and her team.
Where is the Old Course Hotel?
The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is located in St Andrews, Fife. The hotel overlooks the Old Course golf resort, offering amazing views to their guests.
What accommodation is there?
As well as the aforementioned Penthouse Suite, there’s a wide variety of rooms and suites for guests staying at the Old Course. We were booked into an Eden Suite with views across to the beach.
What is the Old Course Hotel wedding menu like?
You’re in for a treat when choosing your wedding menu. We were lucky enough to enjoy a mock tasting and every mouthful was delicious.
Carefully crafted canapés were followed by loin of venison and pink peppercorn mousse. The baklava tart with pistachio crémeux was outstanding. And it was all paired with expertly chosen wines. Your guests will be raving about this meal long after the day is done.
What wedding packages does The Old Course Hotel offer?
You might think a venue this grand only hosts huge celebrations, but you’d be wrong. Yes, if you have the numbers, 450 guests can be catered for, but just as important to the staff are the small, more intimate affairs – it can even be just the two of you.
Laura’s dedicated wedding team are on hand to help with anything at all. Her exact words are “We never say no to our couples!”
The team want to make the day as stress-free as possible, and the packages reflect this, including things like signature cocktails and a red-carpet arrival.