City slickers | city centre wedding venues you’ll fall for
- ThePlus Audio
Please click here to listen to this article
If you’ve started stalking Scottish wedding photographers on Insta, you won’t need us to tell you city weddings are super-chic and make for some of the coolest images you can get on your big day.
From the bright lights and buzz of traffic to the architectural masterpieces that double up as breathtaking backdrops, urban weddings are a photographer’s paradise.
Not to mention the fact they’re really convenient too.
Transport links are (sometimes literally) right on the doorstep, there’ll be a range of accommodation options nearby and you’ll find plenty of shops on hand – because you’re bound to have forgotten something, like tissues, mints or safety pins!
Tying the knot in one of Scotland’s cities definitely gives you a winning wedding formula…
Located in the heart of Merchant City yet tucked away within Citation’s towering columns is Glasgow’s best kept wedding secret – The Balcony.
Iconic yet understated, this is the perfect place from which to appreciate the grandeur of your surroundings (and the ideal spot for some incredible golden hour photographs with your new spouse)!
Chic backdrop aside, this luxurious venue has so much to offer.
It’s elegant and historic, vibrant yet rustic and it’s all yours.
Enjoy exclusive use for you and up to 130 of your faves – plus 70 more at night.
Whatever your wedding vibe, the team will make it fit.
They host intimate nuptials and grand affairs, and offer everything from midweek packages to twilight weddings.
The Exchange
Standing proudly on The Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow, nestled between Buchanan Street and Queen Street, you’ll struggle to find somewhere with more of a metropolitan mood than The Exchange.
One of the city’s newest wedding venues, this A-listed sandstone building boasts rich, luxurious interiors, unrivalled urban views and a sophisticated neutral backdrop you can style to suit your wedding.
Capacity at The Exchange ranges from 60 guests to 120, and each versatile space (there are four rooms, three private bars and one hidden outdoor terrace) is totally gorgeous.
We must admit we’ve fallen for The Parlour, a multi-functional penthouse that’s spacious, light-filled and all about sleek design.
It’s the perfect spot for relaxed, fun-filled bridal party prep!
The Georgian House
You may have visited this magnificently restored Edinburgh town house to appreciate its fine collections of paintings, costumes and period furnishings, or to see a fashion show or even to meet Santa Claus!
But did you know The Georgian House is a stylish city wedding venue too? Set in the heart of Edinburgh, just a stone’s throw from the west end of Princes Street, the grand 18th century building is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
Perfect for smaller celebrations, you can invite 50 guests to your ceremony and drinks reception (imagine sipping Champagne and enjoying beautiful views over Charlotte Square Gardens) whilst 30 people can tuck into an intimate wedding breakfast in the elegant Drawing Room.
Charming, quirky and ever-so-picturesque, Edinburgh’s Grassmarket area is an iconic part of the city for wedding photographs and Virgin Hotel is ideally placed to take full advantage of this!
Formerly Cowgatehead Church, the unique venue blends iconic Victorian architecture with distinctive contemporary design and has so much to offer.
From Greyfriars Hall – a beautifully restored space with vaulted ceilings and a magical intimate atmosphere – to the luxe Scarlet Lounge, which oozes style with its plush red furnishings, to the dreamy roof terrace with iconic skyline views, you’re going to be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding where to say ‘I do’.
Then there’s the accommodation… The rooms and suites are to die for with castle views, sumptuous lounge areas and décor that’s both daring and distinctive.
Unusual Venues Edinburgh
Looking for a quirky, atmospheric and totally magical venue where you can celebrate your marriage, hidden underneath the hustle and bustle of city life?
Well, we’ve got three for you!
Let us introduce you to Unusual Venues Edinburgh, a family-run company with a trio of exclusive use venues in Edinburgh’s Old Town – perfectly positioned for Royal Mile photos.
For weddings of 70 to 150 (and 200+ in the evening), The Caves feels like a romantic fairy tale castle.
Tucked under the 18th century South Bridge, it’s full of historic charm, modern facilities and a lot of flickering candles!
Equally moody and dramatic, The Rowantree has space for between 50 and 70 day guests, and up to 110 later on.
Marlin’s Wynd, meanwhile, is a characterful space for a more intimate wedding.
If you’re looking for an unconventional and industrial yet chic celebration, meet The Weaving Shed.
It has all the charm of a country barn but sits in a convenient city centre location.
With roots in Dundee’s historic textile industry, the funky former factory is a light and bright building.
And its super-flexible layout is a gorgeous blank canvas on which to paint your wedding vision.
That said, the lovely team will supply fairy lights, and handsome wooden tables and benches – all of which beautifully complement the building’s exposed brickwork, beams and skylights.
In terms of your guest list, this one-of-a-kind city space hosts 140 during the day and 60 more to get the party started later on.
Oh – and did we mention the outdoor courtyard? It’s the cherry on top!
How do you fancy getting married in the springtime?
We’ve rounded up our pick of 10 Scottish venues that are picture-perfect for a wedding in the spring here
