Marlin's Wynd

Marlin’s Wynd is one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive city-centre wedding venues, tucked beneath the cobblestones of the Old Town and forming part of the celebrated Unusual Venues of Edinburgh collection alongside The Caves and The Rowantree. This exclusive-use space combines centuries of Scottish history with intimate ceremony and reception rooms that feel atmospheric, unique and deeply memorable. From its Georgian reception area above stairs down into vaulted cellars below, Marlin’s Wynd creates a story-rich backdrop for couples seeking a wedding with character and charm.

Entering Marlin’s Wynd begins with a sense of contrast: a reception room on Blair Street set within an elegant Edinburgh Georgian tenement built in 1787, leading to ancient stone vaults that date back to the 1540s and form the core of the wedding space. These vaulted cellars, once concealed beneath the city’s streets, have been sensitively restored to reveal the original stonework, arches and atmospheric volumes that give the venue its extraordinary sense of place. The juxtaposition of historic architecture and well-appointed contemporary facilities creates a setting that feels both relaxed and special.

Marlin’s Wynd offers a flexible layout suitable for a full wedding day from ceremony through to evening reception. Licensed for civil, humanist, religious and hand-fasting ceremonies, it accommodates around 40–50 guests for the day and up to about 120 in the evening, making it ideal for couples who want a celebration that feels personal without being restricted by size. The character of the space naturally shapes your day, with guests able to enjoy drinks and conversation in the Georgian reception room before moving down the wide stone staircase into the vaults for more formal elements of the celebration.

The journey from ceremony to reception at Marlin’s Wynd feels wonderfully organic. The warm glow of restored stone arches, intimate lighting and the acoustics of the vaults create a rich sensory backdrop that complements both heartfelt moments and lively celebrations. Wedding breakfasts here have a sense of connection and immediacy, with couples and guests enjoying the historic surroundings rather than vast, impersonal rooms. From a DJ and entertainment perspective, this kind of space works especially well: evening sets can build atmosphere without feeling too cavernous, and the layout encourages guests to remain close to the dance floor and mingle naturally throughout the night.

Practical aspects of hosting a wedding at Marlin’s Wynd are straightforward, though rooted in its historic nature. The venue is accessed via original stairs, which means it is not wheelchair accessible — a factor many couples balance against the venue’s singular atmosphere and central location. Being in the heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO-protected Old Town, it’s easy for out-of-town guests to reach on foot from nearby hotels, transport hubs and the Royal Mile, adding to the convenience of the day. Within walking distance are plenty of accommodation options and additional photo locations, helping couples make the most of the city’s unique character.



Marlin’s Wynd stands out as a wedding venue that genuinely feels unlike any other in Edinburgh. Its combination of historic vaults, Georgian architecture, flexible layout and historic storytelling offers couples an unforgettable place to mark one of the most important days of their lives — a celebration that feels both intimately grounded in place and wonderfully individual.