From cobbled streets to castle views, Edinburgh has long been a city of storybook moments, perfect for romantic strolls and even more perfect for unforgettable weddings. In this edition of Polka Dot Honeymoons, Lisa Perkovic is taking you inside one of the city’s most romantic stays: The Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh. Whether you’re dreaming of a garden ceremony or a peaceful honeymoon tucked away from the tourist trails, this hotel offers the best of both worlds. Let’s join Lisa as she explores how The Glasshouse delivers on both big-day magic and post-wedding bliss.

Whether you’ve heard about Hogmanay, are keen on seeing Harry Potter’s inception city for yourself, or perhaps you’re just big on bagpipes and beautiful things, Edinburgh goes high on the list as a honeymoon city for lots of different couples.

Why Edinburgh Makes a Perfect Honeymoon City

What makes a “honeymoon city?” In my mind, it’s somewhere small enough to be walk-able, established enough to be easily accessible and most important, romantic enough to fit the mood.

Checking In: The Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh

The Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh is where we’re sequestered away for the weekend in Edinburgh and it’s ticking all the boxes not just for honeymoons but for the big day too.

That’s clear before we even walk through the front door. The hotel sits behind the Lady Glenorchy Church just 15 minutes walk from the historic city centre. The church dates back 170 years but became a hotel in 2003. The Georgian façade is a fabulous first impression. Inside, we’re back in this century, with electric fireplace, touches of tartan and modern art pieces adorning the walls. It’s cosy modern aesthetic runs right through the 77 room hotel.

A Rooftop Garden Made for Weddings

Like Edinburgh itself, the hotel is split across different levels revealing their secrets as we explore. Our room on level three steps out onto a rooftop garden that’s so large it would be better described as a field. The springy grass hosts lawn games, afternoon teas, and of course weddings when the weather is fine. With views straight up to Calton Hill, it’s the perfect spot for a party. Especially given there’s the Calton Suite, a 120 sq m permanent pavilion that sits outside too. The lawn has played host to plenty of weddings, with couples saying I do out on the grass.

An Effortless Wedding Day Experience

It’s an easy way to run your big day – wedding parties usually book into the Calton Hill Suites so when they’re ready, they simply open their glass doors to the garden and walk straight out to the ceremony. Even better, the hotel is part of YTL Hotels, and couples who host weddings at the property with a spend of more than £10,000 are given a free 7 night honeymoon at one of the YTL sister properties in Malaysia or Borneo. Check out the hotel website for all the terms and conditions.

Staying in the Calton Hill Suite

We’re settled into a Calton Hill Suite for two nights and looking out at the greenery each day is a nice break from the bustle of the tourist centre. We start each day with breakfast down in The Brasserie. Tucked into a lower level of the hotel, but still elevated above the city, the dining room is chic and tasteful. It’s often used for wedding receptions. The fresh fruit, eggs and salmon are an excellent way to fuel up for the day, and that’s just the continental breakfast. Avocado on sourdough with poached eggs and a bacon and pancake stack have us rearing to hit the city.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Enchanting Old Town

Most tourists will start their adventures at the top of the Old Town, at Edinburgh Castle, working their way down through the city via the Royal Mile. You’ll find plenty of character in the old sandstone doorways, with beautiful shops selling everything from Scottish skincare to wizardry wardrobes.

Evenings in The Snug

We save time for a jaunt around the lush Princes Street Gardens, where there’s a spectacular succulent garden (including a working succulent-covered clock) before returning to the hotel for a drink in the Snug. The bite sized bar is home to an exponentially large whisky and gin collection from Scotland and all over the world. Work your way through the menu for an in-house tasting.

With the city on our doorstep for tomorrow, and an evening ahead in the Snug, The Glasshouse Edinburgh has us falling in love with this honeymoon city.

About Lisa Perkovic: Lisa has spent the past decade travelling the world writing for Australia’s leading newspapers, magazines, and blogs about all things travel. Her own honeymoon was her pièce de résistance – an epic journey to the Maldives and South Africa. Now she loves nothing more than sharing destinations and tips to help other newlyweds work out how to have the honeymoon of their dreams.