I’ve been photographing weddings in Glasgow for a few years now, and have put this guide together to share some small Glasgow wedding venues, perfect for an intimate wedding.
I’ve also shared insights into the best spots for wedding photos, along with some photo tips to help you have an unforgettable special day.
What is a Small Wedding
Based on my 19 years of photographing weddings (and this wedding size research from Hitched) an average size UK wedding is around 80 people, but numbers of 60-100 are considered average. Whilst what is classed as a small wedding is subjective, generally speaking, a small wedding would be guest numbers of 60 or less.
Small Wedding vs Micro Wedding
A micro wedding is a wedding with 20 or fewer guests, so your wedding will fit in the small category if your guest numbers are between 20-60.
For this guide on small wedding venues in Glasgow, I’ve included both wedding venues suitable for micro weddings as well as for small weddings. Each venue is labelled with both capacity and ‘micro’ and or ‘small’ for usefulness.
23 Montrose Street
23 Montrose street is part of the Glasgow City Chambers complex, and offers two petite but beautiful rooms to exchange your vows in front of guests. The Clyde room can fit up to 15 guests, with the Kelvin room having capacity for up to 30 guests. Both rooms are equally great for photos, with timeless and classic interiors that look great with no additional styling needed.
Where to have group photos? There’s enough space right outside the entrance, but John Street can also work really well, and provide shelter for guests if it’s raining.
Photo Tip: John Street, with it’s grand sandstone arches and ornate stone details is only a couple of minutes walk away is a great location for both couple portraits and group photos.
Capacity: Up to 30 guests
Location: 23 Montrose St, Glasgow G1 1RE
Website: 23 Montrose Street
Blythswood Square Hotel
Situated in a stunning Georgian style square in Glasgow city centre, Blythswood Square Hotel offers a luxurious and contemporary space for your wedding day. One of my favourite things about Blythswood Square is that it’s pet friendly. The last wedding I photographed there had their dogs in attendance and it made for lots of fun moments. There’s also a hotel dog that hangs out in the lobby, how cool is that?
Where to have group photos? There’s space on the stairs at the entrance for a big group photo of everyone, and smaller groups can also be done here. It conveniently faces east, so guests won’t be looking directly into the sun in the height of summer. There’s also access to the square (the hotel have a key, so no need to be scaling any fences) and the Georgian backdrop beyond the leafy square provide a timeless and classy backgrop for both group photos and portraits.
Photo Tip: Use the square for couple portraits. There’s loads of cute spots both inside and around the perimeter.
Capacity: Up to 64 ceremony guests.
Location: 11 Blythswood Square, Glasgow G2 4AD
Website: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
The Corinthian Club
The Corinthian Club is a stunning bar and restaurant on Ingram street, spread over 5 floors. There’s a range of options to choose for your wedding day, with three different rooms that are perfect for small weddings. There’s an amazing central staircase that’s a great location for group photos and couple portraits alike, and you’ll be protected from the elements. A great choice for a winter wedding!
Where to have group photos? There’s the huge internal staircase, but I’ve also used the lane to the left of the entrance for a photo of everyone.
Photo Tip: Make use of the surrounding streets for couple portraits! There’s some really beautiful buildings in the surrounding area, including Glasgow City Chambers.
Capacity: Langley, Hempel or Mercer rooms can seat up to 60 guests
Location: 191 Ingram St, Glasgow G1 1DA
Website: The Corinthian Club
The Citizen
The Citizen Glasgow is a Scottish restaurant with private dining rooms available for both wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions. One of these rooms is the Macallan Editor’s Suite, a stunning space with luxurious furnishings, lots of soft natural light and it’s own bar.
Where to have group photos? There’s space at the front of the building for group photos, and plenty of nooks and cranies inside as well.
Photo Tip: Make the most of the surrounding architecture in this area with having your portraits in the city – there’s lots of alleyways as well that can be an alternative location for couple portraits.
Capacity: Up to 50
Location: 24 St Vincent Pl, Glasgow G1 2EU
Website: The Citizen
Glaschu
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar is a gorgeous restaurant serving modern Scottish cuisine, with private dining spaces. You can have your wedding ceremony here, or just the wedding reception. It’s located in the architecturally beautiful Royal Exchange Square, so loads of cool spots for portraits. The have wedding packages for both micro and small wedding celebrations.
Where to have group photos? There’s space on the stairs inside for small groups, or outside the restaurant the stairs on the art gallery could be used.
Photo Tip: The space around the restaurant shows Glasgow’s architectural heritage at it’s finest, you’ll definitely want to make the most of this in your couple portraits. In the evening, the Glaschu sign is lit up and makes for a nice evening wedding day portrait (shown below)
Capacity: Up to 22 in the Kelvin room, or up to 68 in the restaurant. 68 is a bit of a squeeze though, the space is perfect for 50-60 in my opinion.
Location: 32 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AB
Website: Glaschu
The Hidden Garden
Nestled behind the Tramway Theatre, The Hidden Garden is a secret Oasis of greenery featuring beautiful gardens and tranquil spaces in the garden area.
Where to have group photos? There’s loads of space within the Hidden Garden, so you won’t need to leave the venue. The garden is quite sheltered as well, so that makes for better group photos if it’s windy.
Photo Tip: Make the most of the various garden locations by taking a walk around the Hidden Gardens and making the most of the space. Different sections have quite a different feel so there’s quite a bit of variety on offer in quite a small space.
Capacity: Up to 30
Location: via Tramway, 25A Albert Dr, access, Glasgow G41 2PE
Website: The Hidden Garden
Number 10 Hotel
A cute boutique hotel in Glasgow’s south side with picturesque views of Queens Park, and a pretty garden to the rear. Ceremonies take place in a garden room space, perfect for a micro wedding.
Where to have group photos? There’s plenty of room in the garden for group photos, so there’s no need to take guests over to the park.
Photo Tip: If you’d like couples photos in Queens Park, I’d recommend jumping in a car and travelling to the other side of the park on Langside Avenue. The Langside Avenue side has more trees and plants and is great for couple portraits, whereas the side near the hotel is more open and – whilst still pretty, doesn’t have the same leafy vibes, so well worth a quick trip in my opinion.
Capacity: Sunday to Friday for 40 adult day guests, minimum of 60 on Saturday’s.
Location: 10, 16 Queen’s Dr, Glasgow G42 8BS
Website: Number 10 Hotel
Karen Julia Wedding Photography
Hey! I’m Karen! I’m a wedding photographer based in Glasgow’s west end. I specialise in natural, unobtrusive coverage of relaxed and informal weddings. I team this documentary coverage with as many group photos as you’d like with your friends and family, and a few creative portraits that will make the most of the light and the details of your chosen wedding venue. Every package includes a planning meeting and venue visit so that I can personalise your coverage to be the best fit for you and your unique wedding day.
If you have any questions about any of these wedding venues, or you’d like to check my availability for your wedding, feel free to get in touch.
