Magical winter wedding at Òran Mór in Glasgow

They say home is where the heart is – and for Georgina and Gerard, there was no better place to begin their next chapter than where their love story first began.

The couple returned to Glasgow’s vibrant west end, choosing the iconic Òran Mór as the backdrop for their winter wedding. Set between Christmas and New Year, their celebration was filled with warmth, personality, and festive magic.

From hand-painted guestbook alternatives to music that set the perfect mood, every detail reflected their shared journey – and thanks to the Òran Mór team, especially their coordinator Barry, the day went off without a hitch.

Planning a winter wedding at Òran Mór

They say home is where the heart is – and that is certainly the case for Georgina and Gerard, who returned to the scene of their first date to say ‘I do’.

“We spent so much of the early part of our relationship in the west end of Glasgow that it felt very fitting to get married back where it all started,” laughs the bride.

The couple were set on having a romantic winter wedding, booking Òran Mór for the end of December and inviting 97 guests (plus a further 34 in the evening) to celebrate with them.

Find out more about Glasgow wedding venue Òran Mór here

“We organised our venue two years in advance and coordinated it around Georgina’s university holidays,” Gerard explains. “We both love winter and magical twinkly lights, so between Christmas and New Year seemed like the right time for a joyous celebration.”

“The location was ideal too, as there are so many accommo­dation options close by for every­one. Georgina and I stayed at One Devonshire Gardens by Hotel du Vin for two nights.” 

Why Òran Mór is one of Glasgow’s most unique wedding venues

Other than a few personal touches, the couple didn’t need to add much decor to Òran Mór; it is, after all, one of Glasgow’s most spectacular venues, with a winning blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance.

“We love what a colourful and unique place it is – everywhere you look there is a quirky detail that is part of the building’s story,” says Gerard.

“The wedding team were really happy to agree to any personalisation we wanted. For example, we made a seating chart based on the countries we’ve visited together. We also made a welcome mirror, and Georgina hand-painted a tree for guests to sign instead of us having a traditional guest book.”

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Personal touches and DIY wedding décor ideas

There was one person in particular who brought “big wedding energy”, say the couple: Barry Shaw, their dedicated coordinator.

“We had our ceremony earlier than most people do, but that was so we could take advantage of the short hours of daylight for our pictures. This was no problem for Barry and his team,” says Georgina.

“In fact, no request was ever too big. Barry was the best wedding hype man we could ask for!” 

With the dream team by their side, the only thing left for Gerard and Georgina to do was to tie the knot.

Their ceremony, dinner (their package included a three-course meal and drinks) and evening reception were all held in Òran Mór’s Auditorium – which has soaring ceilings and original stained glass – while the drinks reception took place in the venue’s chic cocktail bar, Fonn Mór. 

Check out this wedding at Òran Mór stopped the traffic in Glasgow’s west end!

A ceremony full of heart, vows and magical music

“The ceremony was really relaxed and fun, and writing our own vows gave us an opportunity to reflect on why we were getting married,” says the bride. 

“It was beautiful. And the music from Sedona Park created such a magical atmosphere.”

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Winter wedding photography in Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens

The newlyweds then made their way across the road to the Botanic Gardens for some pictures, while their guests enjoyed drinks and canapés.

“The reception was an absolute hoot,” laughs Gerard. “The dancefloor was never empty – and it is a big dancefloor!

“There’s absolutely nothing we’d change about our day. If something hadn’t gone to plan, we’re confident that Barry and his team would have sorted it. They were amazing at making sure our day was perfect from start to finish.”

Wedding suppliers

Venue and catering Òran Mór, Glasgow 
Photography Mark Wild Photography 
Celebrant Pauline Muir, Fuze Ceremonies
Wedding dress Woná Concept from Amy King Bridal
Shoes and accessories Rainbow Club
Hair and makeup ARK Bridal
Groomswear MacGregor and MacDuff
Bridesmaid dresses Six Stories, Coast and Sisterhood Bridesmaids
Flowers New Bud Floristry
Venue lighting Make Believe Events
Stationery and decor DIY by the couple
Favours Donation to Strathcarron Hospice
Engagement ring Fenton
Wedding rings Austen & Blake
Ceremony and drinks reception music Sedona Park
Reception music Whisky Kiss