A central venue takes the hassle out of getting there for many, and offers prestige and style in every shape and size
If you have guests travelling from all over, great transport links might be the best starting point when deciding on a venue. And nowhere has better links than our city centres. Throw in glamorous ceremony and reception spaces, and an added cultural spark, and you might wonder why anyone would bother with barns, castles or country houses. Here are ten of Scotland’s top city-centre venues in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth:
The Hub
At the very top of the Royal Mile, within touching distance of Edinburgh Castle, is The Hub, a landmark of the capital’s skyline and, every August, the epicentre of the Edinburgh International Festival. If you’re a creative type, the venue’s interior and its colourful history will serve as the perfect backdrop for your day.
Malmaison Dundee
The Malmaison is one of Dundee’s most glamorous venues. “It’s a gorgeous hotel with iconic furnishings and chic décor, our menus are a feast for the senses and our bar has some of the best cocktails and fizz in town,” enthuses the hotel’s Kane Savage.
The Principal Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s famous George Hotel might have a smart new name, but its spectacular 18th-century architecture and stunning details are still intact after an extensive facelift. “The Principal Edinburgh on George Street sets the stage for a beautiful wedding day in the city centre,” says general manager Andreas Maszczyk. If you want a luxury reception in the capital, there are few places that can compete.
St Andrew’s in the Square
Glasgow’s eminent St Andrew’s in the Square is a beautifully restored 18th-century former church. “It’s steeped in history,” says the venue’s Jacqui Laurie.
The Glasgow Art Club
The Glasgow Art Club is a private club with a difference – all the members are either artists or art-lovers. It has recently had a facelift and makes a very stylish venue for a wedding. “We pride ourselves on providing a service tailored to each couple,” confirms the venue’s Naomi Brown.
Òran Mór
Sitting proudly in Glasgow’s west end, Òran Mór is a cultural hot spot in a prestigious converted church. The auditorium and gallery are both ideal for ceremonies, while the private dining room is suited to small gatherings.
The National Piping Centre
You don’t have to be a bagpipe enthusiast to appreciate all that The National Piping Centre has to offer. “This beautiful Italianate church gives you a Highland house party experience,” says the venue’s Helen Wilkinson. Unlike the Highlands, though, it’s right in the middle of the hustle and bustle, close to main transport links and loads of places where your guests can stay overnight.
23 Montrose Street
Glasgow’s answer to America’s City Hall, 23 Montrose Street is a beautiful listed building in the heart of the Merchant City is ideal for small-scale ceremonies. It offers a choice of two rooms, for 15 and 30 guests respectively.
29 Glasgow
The epitome of city-centre chic, and boasting the only rooftop terrace in Glasgow, 29 Glasgow is a smart and sophisticated place to tie the knot. “Our 19th-century building combines old-world sophistication with modern-day attention to detail,” says wedding co-ordinator Louize Hollywood, “and we have many different areas that can be used to host your celebrations.”
Salutation Hotel
“When you choose the Salutation for your wedding, you are choosing to become a part of history,” says the hotel’s Louise Hamill. Believe it or not, this Perth institution has been welcoming guests since 1699. “Not many venues offer you the chance to walk the same corridors that Bonnie Prince Charlie did.” That calls for a full Highland outfit for the groom, we reckon.