Looking for the best wedding venues Glasgow and nearby? I GOT YOU! Get a wedding photographer's perspective on which are the best!
Best Wedding Venues in and around Glasgow
I’m going to take a wild guess and say you’ve landed on this page because you’re looking for the very best wedding venues in Glasgow. Am I right? Glad you found me, because I can definitely help! Read on to find out (amongst other things) why Glasgow is officially the greatest city in the world, what the heck a Weegie is, and why you’ll often find me lurking around the city’s car parks…
Glasgow, a few great reasons to get married here…
First things first, why should you think about getting married in Glasgow? Apart from the obvious – it’s the greatest city in the world (yes, I will keep repeating that throughout this post!) – there are many reasons you should be considering a wedding here. Here are just a few of them.
→Get married wherever you like
Yes, it’s true. You can get married anywhere. Literally, ANYWHERE. One of the best things about Scottish weddings is that Humanist ceremonies are legal here so if you fancy saying your vows on top of a mountain, pledging your love for each other in your garden, or taking over your favourite pub to get wed in then go for it. Heck, why not exchange wedding rings at the bus stop where you had your first kiss together?! Honestly, wherever you can think of in Scotland you can get married there!
Obviously, you can still have your civil or religious wedding too, the main thing is there is so much choice. Check out Fuze Ceremonies, they’re a fab company that will help you design your perfect wedding. Fancy mixing a religious or civil ceremony with something a bit more out there? They’re the ones for you! We shot an amazing wedding recently, the couple’s best friend conducted the main part of the ceremony while Fuze stepped in at the end to make everything legal. What could be cooler (or more hilarious) than your best mate marrying you?!
→ “The World’s Friendliest City”
Yes, it’s official. Back in February 2021 Rough Guides voted Glasgow the World’s Friendliest City. For the second time! This makes me think there is nowhere better to get married – you’ll be surrounded by your loved ones and by a whole load of mega friendly strangers who couldn’t be happier for you.
There is nothing like walking down a street in Glasgow whilst wearing a wedding outfit. People go WILD. Now, you might be super shy and can’t think of anything worse than a load of randomers shouting “Congratulations!” or some more ‘colourful’ (but still cheery!) terms of endearment. I promise you though, you’ll actually love it. I photographed a Kiwi and Spanish couple and they were pretty shy, definitely not ones for a big old fuss. We ended up walking down Ashton Lane (a crazy busy Glasgow hotspot for those who don’t know) and the whole Lane erupted into cheers. Well, our couple just loved it. They thought it was so special and it absolutely made their day. It’s an extra bonus when you get married in Glasgow, you definitely don’t get that kind of raucous welcome when you get married in Edinburgh, they’re far too posh and refined haha!
→ Home from Home
Because the people are so fab and the city is so warm and welcoming people who aren’t from Glasgow will often travel up here just to get married. It might be that you’ve been on holiday here and have got fond memories of the place or you went to university here. Once you’ve been to Glasgow it’s somewhere everyone wants to visit again and again. This is why so many couples want to celebrate one of the biggest days of their lives in our super friendly city. Basically, Glasgow becomes home, even if you’re just visiting for a wee while.
→ Weather
Now, Scotland isn’t known for it’s warm and sunny climate so this might feel like an odd reason. But hear me out…we might not have 24/7 sunshine but what we do have is changeable weather. And this, in my humble opinion, is the very best kind of weather to have. In over ten years I’ve only ever photographed two weddings where it rained non stop all day (and you know what – they enjoyed the heck out of it anyway!). Because the weather changes from one minute to the next, it might be tipping it down at one point, but within ten minutes the sun will be out and there’ll be blue skies overhead. 20 minutes later then it could be snowing, or hailing. Who knows, it keeps us on our toes that’s for sure!
Glasgow also provides some of the best sunsets (thank you West Coast). They’re amazing and our golden hours are nothing short of incredible.
Still need convincing? Well, Glasgow isn’t windy for one thing. No one likes wind. It’s just, frankly, annoying. Rain, meh, we’re all happy to grab an umbrella and brave the rain but wind, nah!
→ Joy Story – Why you need me for your Glasgow wedding
Allow me to gently toot my own horn here. I have a LOT to offer when it comes to Glasgow weddings.
Firstly I have a pretty superior knowledge of the city. Being a local, I’m in the know. I was due to shoot a city centre wedding a few years back when I realised there was a road race happening in town and half the roads would be shut. For non locals, this would be a disaster, nightmare times. However, I was able to let the couple know in advance and saved the day. Guests were given new directions and everyone made it to the wedding on time. Result!
This encyclopedic knowledge of Glasgow also means that I know all the nooks and crannies in town. I can take you to all the best spots and hidden gems for your portrait shoot. Car parks are a particular favourite of mine. I know the car park roofs with the best views and the greatest spots for sunsets. People would never normally think to go exploring up there but when you know you know!
I also have a little black book of fab suppliers – not just any suppliers but the best in town. And I’m more than happy to share them with you. Want to know who the coolest florists are or the best makeup artists? I got you.
Last, but by no means least, I’m fluent in Weegie. This comes in very handy (especially for international couples!) and I’m always on hand to translate for you should the need arise!
Venue Showcase
And finally, here they are, the very VERY best venues that Glasgow has to offer. Believe me when I say you are spoiled for choice and this blog could’ve been far longer if I’d tried to fit in every single wedding spot that I love. Here are the absolute best of an excellent bunch.
Best Glasgow Wedding Venues
1. Eden Leisure Village – This is one for glamping fans or couples wanting that barn party vibe
2. The Engine Works – What a venue! Perfect for super cool couples who want a warehouse to party in!
3. Sherbrooke Castle – A fairytale venue in the suburbs of Glasgow
4. Blythswood Square Hotel Gardens – couples looking for modern luxury right in the city centre
5. Trades Hall – A hidden gem in the city centre, next to those rooftop car parks!
6. The Bothy – For wee West End weddings
7. Pollokshields Burgh Hall – Set in a lovely local park and perfect for DIY weddings
8. House for an Art Lover – For architecture lovers and fans of the Art Deco era
9. Your House – Perfect for couples who love their home comforts!
Venues Within an Hour of Glasgow
10. The Cruin – If you love the outdoors then getting married on the shores of Loch Lomond will be right up your street!
11. Killearn Village Hall – The perfect blank canvas to put your own stamp on it
12. Dumfries House – Fancy rubbing shoulders with Royalty? Dumfries is owned by Prince Charles so you never know who might drop by on your wedding day…
13. Dalduff Farm – For couples who want an informal, homely barn wedding
14. Cornhill Castle – Fairytale vibes just a short trip from Glasgow
15. Rowallan Castle – Two castles for the price of one? Sign me up!
16. Culzean Castle – Legit the most impressive castle you’ll ever see! Set in stunning grounds on the Ayrshire coast
17. Holiday accommodation / Air BnBs – Now, I’m slightly biased here as this is what I did for my wedding (that’s me below!). Why not rent somewhere amazing? We found a holiday home, had a humanist ceremony, and then celebrated with a BBQ. It was an amazing low-key, DIY wedding.
Disclaimer, obviously if this is the route you’re going down then get the permission of the person who owns the accommodation first. You never know how they can help too, we were provided with a cheap and cheerful marquee by the owner of our holiday home!
Still not found the one?
If you’re looking for somewhere specific, if you’ve got an idea in mind but haven’t managed to pin down the location that works for you, then feel free to drop me an email. I can put my thinking cap on, consult my little black book and send you some ideas. I love me a bit of research!!
