YSW on tour | The Exchange
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Katie Bletcher revels in the beautiful surroundings and discovers the flexible approach that makes this hotel a real gem.
City centre weddings have a certain magical appeal.
Couples who choose to marry in the heart of the city have the scope to capture their wedding photographs against the backdrop of some very impressive landmarks.
How many Glasgow couples have you seen immortalise their newlywed status with a picture in front of the iconic Duke of Wellington statue?
Or Edinburgh couples wandering among the tourists on the Royal Mile?
Then there’s the style. A city wedding provides the perfect setting for suave grooms to rock exquisitely-tailored Highlandwear or perhaps black tie, while brides have the freedom to push the boundaries and opt for something uber-glamorous and fashion-forward.
Of course, such elegant weddings demand a suitably sophisticated setting.
Step forward The Exchange.
Located right in the heart of Glasgow, in the corner of Royal Exchange Square, the venue only opened its doors last August but has quickly established itself at the forefront of the city’s prestigious wedding venues.
Everything about The Exchange’s aesthetic whispers quiet luxury.
This is a place to celebrate your love in the most refined manner, with 60 to 140 of your loved ones. (A total of 200 guests can be accommodated at night.)
Occupying the upper floors of the A-listed blonde sandstone building that was once McCormick Printers it boasts enviable views of the square below and The Gallery of Modern Art.
Stepping through the impressive front doors you’re immediately enveloped in a world of luxury.
We’re talking wood panelling, art deco-style lighting and plush furnishings – and that’s just the entrance hall.
Yet in its transformation into a wedding and events venue The Exchange has retained thoughtful nods to its past.
The main evening reception space is aptly named The Print Room and still has a slightly industrial feel (with an added disco ball), while one wall of the outdoor terrace still carries printed lettering.
Then there’s the McCormick Package, one of four wedding packages available.
Luxury as standard
The Exchange may only have opened last August but its appeal is already established, with 44 weddings in the 2025 diary at the time of writing.
Part of that appeal is of course down to the aesthetics.
This is a venue that exudes elegance at every turn.
From the beautiful herringbone wooden floors and gilt-edged mirrors of the light-filled Gallery where your ceremony and wedding breakfast is held, and the marble of the Exchange Bar, to The Parlour – the haven on the third floor which comes with its very own bar, reserved for brides to get ready with their besties or couples to steal a quiet moment – everything has been finished to the highest standard.
Add to that the beautiful floral arrangements throughout The Exchange and this is a venue that you don’t need to spend extra time and money bringing extra décor elements to. It’s perfect just as it is!
Another major draw is that couples are free to choose anything from the menu offering, whatever wedding package they opt for.
And let me tell you, the menu speaks for itself.
With a heavy leaning towards traditional Scottish fare, local and seasonal produce is at the fore. Fillet of beef and Balmoral chicken are among the most popular choices while there’s an extensive list of vegetarian and vegan options too.
Many of the dishes are gluten free as standard and The Exchange offers couples a choice menu, meaning you can send options to your guests with your RSVPs.
Then when it comes to the wedding day, the venue will print a bespoke menu for each guest on The Exchange branded paper (they’ll also take care of your place cards and other on-the-day stationery), making things as easy as possible for you.
Most of the wedding packages here include canapés and there’s also a premium list of canapés to choose from.
You could even go all out and impress your guests with oysters!
And while Champagne is served as standard at The Exchange and drinks reception packages include a choice of Champagne, bottled beer or soft drinks, you can also upgrade to cocktails.
Packages to suit everyone
There’s a choice of four packages here beginning with the luxurious The Royal Exchange Package.
This includes all your food and drink for day guests, exclusive use of the entire venue including The Parlour, a piper for the day, a DJ, drinks miniatures favours and a floral package which includes a top table arrangement, two thank you bouquets and four buttonholes.
In fact, this package includes absolutely everything to make for a luxurious wedding and stress-free run-up.
The McCormick Package is a slightly reduced version which includes use of the second floor.
However, you can still hire The Parlour if you wish to use it too.
The Twilight Package caters to weddings which begin at 5pm and includes exclusive use of the second floor, a drinks reception, a finger food buffet, DJ and a late licence, meaning the party can go on until 3am instead of 1am.
Incidentally, you can opt to extend the late licence to all the other packages.
Finally, the Evening Reception Package gives you use of the Print Room for the evening, allowing you to celebrate in chic style with all your loved ones.
To find out more about hosting your dream day here contact The Exchange directly:
Website: www.theexchangeglasgow.co.uk
Telephone: 0141 225 6654
Email:Â weddings@theexchangeglasgow.co.uk
