TTKS Visits: Glasgow wedding venue Òran Mór

From its glittering stained glass to a dramatic confetti cannon moment, discover why Òran Mór is fast becoming one of Scotland’s most talked-about venues for stylish, unforgettable celebrations.

A historic Glasgow wedding venue

Walk into Òran Mór and you instantly feel the magic. Maybe it’s the grandeur of the stained-glass windows, or the fact that the place has hosted incredible gigs (as well as its iconic A Play, A Pie and A Pint theatre programme).

But for those in the know, it’s also one of Glasgow’s most spectacular wedding venues – a place where historic charm meets contemporary elegance. And at the heart of it all is Barry Shaw, the dedicated wedding coordinator who helps bring every couple’s vision to life.

Having previously worked in hotels, Barry was immediately drawn to Òran Mór’s uniqueness.

“It’s an arts venue – not a hotel, not just a theatre or a club – and it has this amazing atmosphere,” Barry explains

“A lot of people don’t even realise we do weddings here.”

Best known for live entertainment and bustling nightlife, Òran Mór hosted 100 weddings last year and already has 90 planned for 2025, with bookings as far ahead as 2029.

Ceremony and celebration spaces to suit all wedding sizes and styles

Marry here and your journey begins at the Bell Tower spiral staircase entrance, with your names displayed on digital screens proudly facing the pavement to welcome your guests.

From there, the next steps vary depending on the size and style of the day. Some ceremonies take place in the breathtaking Auditorium, a work of art in itself, with soaring ceilings and original stained glass.

My visit coincided with the space being decked out for an actual wedding by the talented team at Purple Willow Weddings.

Explore our supplier directory for more decor and styling companies ready to help you personalise your big day 

While this particular venue has heaps of personality all on its own, it was lovely to see the couple’s theme and taste shine through the styling, all designed to complement the existing murals, arches and lighting.

For smaller gatherings, Dan Mór offers a sophisticated setting, complete with a private bar and views over the Botanic Gardens. The Gallery, located at the highest point of the building, is a favourite for intimate ceremonies under Alasdair Gray’s ceiling mural, while Fonn Mór provides a chic cocktail bar setting for stylish receptions.

The versatility of Òran Mór means couples can mix and match spaces to create a day that truly reflects them.

Iconic indoor confetti cannon moment

Making the most of the venue’s layout, Barry has a moment he loves to recreate for every couple.

“When they come back into the Auditorium for the reception, we don’t send them straight to their guests,” he explains.

“Instead, we take them up to the Gallery where they can look down at everyone arriving. At first, the guests don’t notice, but then, one by one, people spot them, and suddenly there’s this ripple effect of clapping and cheering. It’s like a royal balcony moment!”

And of course, one of Òran Mór’s biggest draws is its confetti cannon.

“Couples are often surprised that we can do things like this,” Barry says. “The minute that video went out on Instagram, I had so many emails from couples asking, ‘Oh my goodness, can we do that?’”

As the newlyweds walk back up the aisle, two confetti cannons positioned in the Gallery send a shower of white tissue petals floating through the air, creating a moment that feels straight out of a movie.

“We do it again for the first dance – it just adds that extra bit of magic,” Barry smiles.

Where to take wedding photos in Glasgow's west end

While ceremonies often take place on-site, many couples choose the nearby Glasgow University or Botanic Gardens for their vows before returning to Òran Mór for the reception.

“The Botanics are a hidden gem for ceremonies,” Barry says. “And even if couples don’t marry there, it’s a favourite spot for photos.” Another top choice is cobbled Ashton Lane, with its fairy-lit charm."

“We often suggest couples sneak off there while we reset the room for the evening reception.”

A wedding venue that doubles as a nightclub

Weddings at Òran Mór tend to wind down around 1am, but for night owls, the party doesn’t have to stop. The venue’s nightclub, One Mór, stays open until 3am.

“Guests can get wristbands if they want to continue the celebration,” Barry says. “Plenty of mums have ended up on the dancefloor until closing time!”

Òran Mór offers generous drinks packages, with five drinks per guest included in one of the top-tier options. Some couples supplement this with drinks tokens, often tucked into napkins and doubling as a wee surprise favour.

What is the wedding planning process at Òran Mór?

When it comes to the planning process, Barry is keen to keep things relaxed. “There’s no strict timeline dictating when we need to be meeting – it’s different with every couple,” he says.

“I’ve created a ‘What’s Next?’ guidebook to help them navigate everything from menu choices to pre-ordering drinks. It’s a great reference.” Many couples also check in via Zoom for quick updates.

“Anything to make the process as stress-free as possible.”

Just like Barry, we love a good checklist! See our wedding planning timeline, perfect for keeping you and your partner on track 

Creating a dream day for every couple

One wedding that still sparkles at the back of Barry’s mind? “Kirsten and Nicky had thousands of mini glitter balls everywhere, all catching the light. It was absolutely stunning,” he says.

“We even had an auditorium manager wearing glitter-ball earrings to match!”

From the dainty details to the pivotal promises, Barry’s dedication to delivering each couple’s dream day is clear.

“Last March, Kirsty and Billy were planning an intimate 40-person wedding and originally intended to use the Gallery for the ceremony,” he shares.

“But Billy’s mum casually mentioned Kirsty’s dream of saying her vows under the Auditorium’s blue arches with the rainbow above her. I thought, ‘Why aren’t we making that happen?’

With some creative chair positioning, we transformed the space and made her vision a reality. Seeing her face light up was incredible.

“I constantly have to remind myself it’s not my wedding!” Barry laughs. “But I treat it like it is. My goal is always to create an experience they’ll treasure forever.”

Combine that attitude with Òran Mór’s breathtaking interior and prime location, and it’s no wonder couples are lining up to book a date.