Kaid Milligan and Sean McGunnigle said ‘I do’ at 23 Montrose Street on 20th March 2026, followed by a city-centre wedding reception at The Exchange
Kaid and Sean combined an intimate Glasgow civil ceremony with the big evening celebration they wanted, marrying in front of just 12 guests at 23 Montrose Street before partying into the early hours at The Exchange.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Ceremony venue | 23 Montrose Street, Glasgow
Reception venue | The Exchange, Glasgow
Date | 20th March 2026
Photography | Gemma Purdon
Dinner | The Spanish Butcher
Decor | Personalised matchboxes, Polaroid cameras and an audio guest book
Entertainment | DJ supplied by The Exchange
A small Glasgow wedding ceremony with a big party afterwards
It’s a familiar wedding-planning dilemma: keep the ceremony intimate or invite everyone you love and throw a big celebration?
Kaid and Sean decided there was no reason they couldn’t do both.
“We always knew we wanted a small ceremony with just our immediate family, but we also loved the idea of a party with friends and extended family afterwards,” recalls Kaid.
Their solution was a 12-person civil ceremony at 23 Montrose Street, part of Glasgow’s City Chambers complex, followed by an evening reception at The Exchange in nearby Royal Exchange Square.
“It was the only venue we viewed, actually,” says the bride. “We booked the wedding for one year in advance and then got started with our planning.”
Private vows before their Glasgow civil ceremony
The celebrations began before the wedding day itself.
Kaid and Sean stayed at the neighbouring AC Hotel the night before they married, where they exchanged personal vows privately rather than incorporating them into the following day’s civil ceremony.
“I’ll treasure it forever,” smiles Kaid. “It was so lovely, just the two of us in our own little bubble.”
The next morning, Kaid got ready with her sisters and friend before heading to 23 Montrose Street, where Sean was waiting.
“Our civil ceremony was great, although to be honest, some of it was a blur as I was so nervous!
“My favourite moment was signing the paperwork, when we had a little moment to chat to each other. It helped to ease my nerves – I honestly don’t know why I was so nervous!”
Glasgow city-centre wedding photos and dinner
Now officially married, Kaid and Sean headed into Glasgow city centre with photographer Gemma Purdon and content creator Mood Creative Weddings for their newlywed portraits.
Rather than going straight to their evening venue, they then joined their closest guests for dinner at The Spanish Butcher on Miller Street, one of their favourite restaurants.
It meant the first half of the wedding remained deliberately small and personal before the guest list expanded for the evening celebration.
A late-night wedding reception at The Exchange
Then it was time to switch gears.
The Exchange provided the setting for the larger reception, with friends and extended family joining the newlyweds for an evening that continued until 3am.
“We took The Exchange’s reception package, which included late access (the party ended at 3am), a cake, plus drinks and a buffet for 100 guests. Sean and I added extra drinks tokens too.”
Having coordinators at both venues also helped take the pressure off the couple.
“Everyone was so welcoming and helpful throughout the planning process,” recalls the bride. “It was nice to be able to fully relax in the evening.”
Personal touches and plenty of party energy
The interiors at The Exchange meant Kaid and Sean didn’t feel the need for lots of additional styling.
Instead, they concentrated on smaller details, including personalised matchboxes, Polaroid cameras on the tables and an audio guest book where friends and family could leave messages.
And one existing feature of the venue required no improvement whatsoever: its famous disco ball.
“It screams iconic!” laughs the bride. “Our guests loved dancing underneath it.
“There’s nothing we’d change about our wedding day. If I could give a piece of advice to any couples currently planning their own day, it would be ‘don’t worry’. Honestly, try not to stress. It all works out in the end!”
Wedding suppliers
Ceremony venue and registrar 23 Montrose Street, Glasgow
Reception venue and evening food The Exchange, Glasgow
Photography Gemma Purdon
Content creation Mood Creative Weddings
Wedding meal The Spanish Butcher
Wedding dress Adwen by Reformation
Hair ByChelsi
Groomswear Charles Tyrwhitt
Shoes and accessories ASOS and Vinted
Flowers With Love Flowers, Paisley
Cake Special Days Cakes
Evening music DJ supplied by The Exchange
Favours Personalised matchboxes from Etsy
