The Stair Arms Hotel is particularly special to us, because it’s where we got married in 2023. When it comes to planning a wedding in Midlothian, Scotland, there are few places as charming and picturesque as the Stair Arms Hotel in Pathhead. Our wedding day at the Stair Arms Hotel was unforgettable, filled with warmth, laughter, and a sense of history that truly set the scene for the next chapter of our lives.
The Stair Arms Hotel stood out to us for a few reasons. The location of the hotel is out of the way of everything, away from any distractions. With a large garden for socialising and getting group pictures and out back there are hay fields, with a small woodland area that is accessible for doing more intimate couple shots.
We also found the Stair Arms to be very reasonably priced while not really sacrificing anything you’d get from some of the more expensive venues closer to the city centre.
The Story of Stair Arms Hotel
Nestled along the A68 in Pathhead, Midlothian, the Stair Arms Hotel has been welcoming guests for generations. Its charm lies in its traditional Scottish character, from the stone exterior to the warm, welcoming interiors. The building itself dates back to the 19th century and was once a coaching inn, serving travellers journeying between Edinburgh and the Borders.
I remember first visiting the hotel when my fiancé and I were searching for the right wedding venue. We immediately fell in love with its cosy ambience, friendly staff, and the sense that this was more than just a hotel. It was a small piece of Scottish history. From its well kept grounds to the traditional decor inside, every corner tells a story of heritage and hospitality. Indeed, when you arrive, you’re greeted by a sense of tranquillity and timelessness that feels a world away from the city, despite being such a convenient drive from Edinburgh.
Choosing it for our wedding was an easy decision. Not only did it offer everything we needed. Elegant spaces, accommodation for our guests, and first-class dining. But it also allowed us to create a warm, homely vibe that many of the larger, more corporate venues simply couldn’t replicate.
Pricing
The Stair Arms Hotel has different packages, ranging in price from £1650 up to their top tier package for £5000. Making it a very affordable venue that provides immense value for money.
Ceremony Spaces: Indoor and Outdoor Options
One of the benefits the Stair Arms Hotel offers is it’s flexibility for indoor and outdoor weddings. Living in Scotland means we can’t really be reliant on the weather, so if you want an outdoor wedding, you either have to be very brave…. or have a backup. Thankfully the Stair Arms has you covered… literally!
Indoor Ceremonies
For those who prefer an indoor setting or for couples who may be wary of the weather. There are charming spaces within the hotel where you can hold your ceremony. The interior décor is tastefully done, blending classic Scottish elements with modern comforts. Think wooden beams, rich textures, and an intimate ambience. As a wedding photographer, this is ideal, as the interior lighting is often warm and flattering, perfect for capturing romantic, candid shots of the couple and guests alike.
Outdoor ceremonies
When the Scottish sun makes a glorious appearance, the grounds of the Stair Arms Hotel make for an undeniably romantic outdoor ceremony. The landscaped gardens are well-maintained, with carefully chosen greenery and flowers that bloom throughout the year. If you’re lucky to have a clear day, the natural light is stunning, gentle and diffused. It’s a gift for wedding photography, lending a dreamy softness to the images. Guests can gather to watch you exchange your vows under the open sky, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop.
Reception Spaces and Decor
The Stair Arms can have up to around 80 guests during the day and 120 guests at night. The interior is a mixture of rustic with modern hints and the staff there can work with you to tailor the spaces to your own style.
The Main Reception Room
This spacious area can comfortably host medium to larger sized wedding parties, yet it retains an intimate, cosy feel. Soft lighting, neutral tones, and tasteful furnishings set the stage for a relaxed yet elegant celebration. Many couples choose to incorporate personal touches, such as unique centrepieces, fairy lights, or vintage-inspired table settings and the hotel team is incredibly supportive in helping bring these visions to life.
Dance Floor and Entertainment
After the formalities are done, you’ll likely want to dance the night away. The Stair Arms Hotel provides plenty of space for a lively ceilidh or a DJ set-up. From a photography perspective, the dance floor is an absolute delight to capture: guests of all ages letting loose, laughter echoing through the room, and newlyweds sharing their first dance. With the right lighting, these moments transform into images that feel both intimate and grand, just what you want to look back on in your album.
On Site Accommodation
With many of your guests potentially travelling from afar, especially if you have family or friends travelling from outside Scotland, the convenience of on-site accommodation cannot be overstated. The Stair Arms Hotel offers a range of rooms, each clean and comfortable, providing a welcoming space for guests to rest after a day of celebration. When our own wedding concluded in the wee hours, it was a relief to simply walk upstairs to a cosy room without worrying about taxis or extensive travel. We just spent the whole day there, relaxing, which took the stress out of the day.
From a wedding photographer’s perspective, having everyone nearby is also beneficial for capturing spontaneous moments. Early morning excitement, last-minute wedding prep, or the delightful chaos of bridesmaids and groomsmen trying to get ready on time, these all become part of your visual story, and I love having the opportunity to document these behind-the-scenes memories.
The Food and Drink Experience
If you’re going to host a wedding in Scotland, the menu can often be a defining factor. After all, good food and drink are central to any celebration. The Stair Arms Hotel is known for offering hearty, well-prepared meals that highlight Scottish produce and tradition. The wedding packages typically include options for canapés, multiple courses, and late-night snacks, so you can design a menu that suits your tastes and dietary requirements.
- Quality Ingredients
The hotel prides itself on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. This means your guests are in for a real treat, from the first sip of welcome prosecco to the last bite of sticky toffee pudding (a personal favourite of mine). - The Wedding Breakfast
The wedding breakfast is where you and your guests sit down to share your first meal as newlyweds. Stair Arms Hotel often provides a variety of menu choices, allowing couples to tailor the courses to their preferences. Whether you love the classic Scottish fare of haggis, neeps, and tatties or would prefer a more continental-inspired dish, you’ll find plenty to choose from. The staff are also quite accommodating when it comes to dietary restrictions and will go out of their way to make everyone feel well looked after. - Drinks Reception
Before you settle down for your meal, guests can mingle over drinks in the bar or outdoor patio (weather permitting). This period is golden for capturing candid shots. People are relaxed, excited, and brimming with well-wishes, which makes for some truly heartwarming images that perfectly illustrate the joy of the day.
Photography Opportunities and Scenic Backdrops
Now, let’s talk in more depth about what makes Stair Arms Hotel wedding photography so exceptional. Since the property is set in the idyllic countryside of Midlothian, you’ll find numerous nooks and corners that are brilliant for portraits, group shots, and those quiet newlywed moments.
- The Gardens
The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with flower beds, trees, and well-kept lawns that frame you and your guests in natural beauty. Depending on the season, you might find colourful blooms or autumnal foliage, both of which provide stunning backdrops for photos. If you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset, the warm evening light filtering through the trees is simply magical. - The Hotel’s Exterior
The stone facade of Stair Arms Hotel has a timeless elegance. It gives a sense of Scottish heritage to photographs, especially if you choose to include elements like a piper or a bagpiper outside. Even subtle details, like the entrance steps or the cosy signage, add character to couple portraits. - Indoor Corners and Lounges
Don’t forget the interior! Some couples don’t realise just how many photo-worthy spots are hiding indoors. From the lounge areas with comfortable seating to the charming staircases and hallways, these interior spaces can offer shelter from the elements on a rainy day without sacrificing style. - Surrounding Countryside
Just out the back of the main gardens, joined by a small path is a field with a small accessible forest area. This makes for a great way to get away from the busy wedding areas, to a more secluded area for intimate couple shots. If you don’t mind getting your shoes/dress a little dirty, then stepping into the hay field makes for some epic shots too… Definitely pack flat shoes for this if you plan to attempt it though!
Working with the Venue Staff
An often-overlooked factor when choosing a wedding venue is the team behind it. The Stair Arms Hotel has built a reputation for exceptional service, and that makes all the difference on a day as important as your wedding. Our personal experience working with our wedding planner along side all the other staff at the venue, was absolutely flawless from start to finish. They really took the stress out of planning everything.
Practical Tips for Couples
If you’re considering the Stair Arms Hotel in Pathhead, Midlothian, for your own wedding, here are a few tips to make the most of your day:
- Plan for Weather Variations:
Scottish weather can be a rollercoaster, even in the warmer months. Have a solid plan B for an indoor ceremony if you’re hoping for an outdoor “I do,” and factor in a spare pair of shoes if you plan on exploring the grounds for photos. - Take Advantage of Golden Hour:
If at all possible, carve out ten to fifteen minutes around sunset for some private couple portraits. The light during golden hour can be absolutely breathtaking. Let your photographer whisk you away for a short session, it’s often the highlight in terms of romantic, ethereal pictures. - Personalise the Decor:
The hotel’s timeless interior provides a lovely blank canvas, so don’t be afraid to infuse your own style into the decor. Whether that means bright florals, rustic accessories, fairy lights, or a minimalist design, the staff are happy to help you achieve the look you want. - Consider Accommodation Needs:
If you have a large number of guests travelling from outside Midlothian or even abroad, discuss room blocks with the venue early on. You’ll want to make sure everyone who wishes to stay on-site can do so comfortably. - Schedule a Food Tasting:
Stair Arms Hotel is known for its hearty, flavourful menus. Make sure you schedule a tasting session if your package includes it, this will help you confirm the dishes you love, and you can also explore vegetarian or vegan options if needed. - Ask About Supplier Recommendations:
If you still need florists, hair and makeup artists, or a DJ, the venue staff can often provide recommendations from their trusted network of local suppliers. This can save you time in the planning process and help ensure smooth coordination on the day.
Closing thoughts
We have had the rare opportunity to be able to try the Stair Arms Hotel out as both a couple getting married there and soon we will be shooting weddings there, with a couple of weddings already planned in. From our experience getting married there, we found it to be an ideal venue for someone wanting a reasonably priced venue that has everything you could need, from friendly staff, to amazing photo opportunities.