TTKS visits: The Exchange in Glasgow city centre

Sometimes you can’t help wanting to escape to somewhere really special – somewhere that’s a bit of a secret, that’s for you and only you. Stepping out of ordinary life and into another world is a thrill, after all, opening a door to fun and possibility.

The Exchange wedding venue Glasgow

This, I have to confess, is exactly how I feel as I walk into The Exchange, the magical new venue in the heart of Glasgow city centre. The moment my feet cross the threshold on Royal Exchange Square, the dreich drizzle and incessant tooting of horns vanish and I’m suddenly transported to a place filled to the brim with glamour, sexiness and sophistication. I’m sold instantly.

Wedding sales coordinator Rebecca Johnson is waiting to greet me and show me round. Neither of us knows it yet, but by the end of the tour she will practically have to escort me  off the premises – by that stage I’ll be quite content to spend the rest of my day (week, actually) meandering round The Exchange.

Find out more about what The Exchange can offer

Rebecca confides that there are already more than 30 bookings in the diary for 2025 – pretty good going for a venue that only held its first official wedding in September.

Glasgow exclusive use wedding venue

She tells me that couples are immediately won over by the opportunity to have the whole place entirely to themselves, and that they are enraptured by the variety of different spaces available here.

“The first thing I notice isn’t the plush interiors or divine detailing, but the delicious fragrance that fills the air”

Rebecca explains it has been chosen as The Exchange’s signature scent, and I spend the rest of my tour of the four individual spaces, three private bars and hidden outdoor terrace dropping subtle hints that I too want my own home to smell this good.

First up on my tour is the Gallery, a grand and richly decorated space that can be set up for a ceremony or wedding breakfast. The 75ft-long aisle (imagine entering with all that drama, mama) is flooded with natural light from big windows that overlook the columns of Royal Exchange Square.

It can hold between 60 and 140 for your ceremony and up to 120 for a banquet. I’m awestruck by the carved marble fireplace at the top end. Draped in foliage (provided) or floral arrangements, it makes a striking and sophisticated focal point.

Discover other exclusive use wedding venues in Scotland 

Glasgow city centre wedding venue

Next, Rebecca leads me to the genuinely impressive Exchange Bar. It can have a starring role in your wedding, as post-ceremony drinks and delectable canapés will be served here. Marble, warm wood and glints of brass make this a chic, sophisticated watering hole.

On the subject of food, the talented on-site chefs can whip up whatever your heart desires. From a delicious four-course formal service to brilliant buffets (perfect if you go for an evening reception only or even a twilight wedding, both of which are possible here), your guests will be impressed and well fed.

Depending on which package you pick (there are several to choose from, Rebecca tells me, as well as the option to go fully bespoke), you can plan your day your way.

From additional food courses, to upgrading to champagne for the meal, adding a late licence so you can keep the party going until 3am (from £250 per hour from 1am to 3am) or booking a champagne tower, the Exchange team really have thought of everything to make your celebrations as special as possible.

Glasgow wedding reception venue

And after Rebecca shows me the Print Room, the ultimate party spot, I’m not one bit surprised that couples would want to dance into the wee hours here.

Originally the home of McCormick Printers, many of the room’s original features have been retained, including the hand- painted vaulted ceiling and exposed sandstone walls.

Now paired with a dazzling disco ball, fully stocked bar, lights to suit your colour scheme and plenty of space for chilling, I’m seriously ramping up my search for a husband just so I can dance the night away here.

Just when I think we’re done, I’m wowed one last time. We ascend the stairs to the Parlour, the dedicated getting-ready area (which can also be used for smaller celebrations).

With multiple vanity setups, changing rooms, more plug sockets than the Blackpool illuminations might need, oh and its own private bar, this is a chic oasis for stylish brides and grooms to get glamorous before embarking on their new adventure.

As I chat with Rebecca, it becomes increasingly clear that for The Exchange, the sky really is the limit when it comes to putting together the dream day.

Find more top Glasgow wedding venues

The team are knowledgeable and well connected, meaning their help extends beyond the venue, and they can offer insight into suppliers and top professionals who’ll be able to bring your whole day to life.

As I take it all in for one final time and wonder if I will ever be fortunate enough to wed at such a place, Rebecca tells me you don’t actually need to be getting hitched to hire the place – the space is also available for private functions that don’t involve saying ‘I do’.

So, you best believe I’m now considering every single occasion that I could book at The Exchange to dance under that disco ball. The publication of this issue of Tie the Knot Scotland is surely excuse enough for a party, right?