Ceremony Guide Glasgow
Ceremony Guide Glasgow
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About us
We are Saf & Mona, the creative minds behind Wild Petals. Known for our modern floristry approach, our flowers stand out and are remembered. Elevate your special day with our bespoke wedding services. Experience our personalised consultation service, where we create floral magic tailored just for you. With passion for our work, we promise to deliver on your special day.
Our contact details: Website: www.wildpetals.co.uk
Email: order@wildpetals.co.uk
Phone No: 07850420400
Instagram: @wildpetalsflowerstudio
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Welcome to Glasgow
Your marriage or civil partnership will be one of the most important days of your life.
We, at Glasgow Registrars, are here to ensure that your day is one to remember, no matter what type of ceremony you are planning.
Our experienced team will guide you through the process of organising your ceremony - from the moment you begin your journey, to the moment you say “I do” - making sure your day is as special and memorable as possible.
Our team of Registrars are not only able to conduct your ceremony but can also provide advice and guidance on all aspects of the legal preliminaries to marriage, civil partnership and the other types of ceremonies we offer.
We have a range of ceremony rooms at our 23 Montrose Street venue and in the renowned City Chambers complex, or we can arrange to conduct your ceremony at any agreed venue throughout the city of Glasgow.
Your ceremony is personal to you both, whether you want intimate, elaborate, traditional or contemporary, we can
help create that special day - your day, your way!
To make your ceremony more personal, couples may wish to incorporate readings, poetry, or their own vows, or include a symbolic gesture like handfasting, or a quaich or ring warming ceremony. You may also have your own ideas that our team will be happy to discuss with you.
The following pages will tell you everything you need to know about what we can offer for your big day and the other types of ceremonies you may wish to hold. We have a wide range of options to suit everyone.
We hope you choose to have your ceremony with us at Glasgow Registrars.
To enquire or book, please visit our website at www.glasgow.gov. uk/registrars where you will find information on all of our Registrars’ services along with our online enquiry forms.
Follow our Instagram: @23montrosest
Why Choose Glasgow Registrars?
Glasgow is a city of culture, bursting with experiences, charm and personality. From grand architecture to green spaces, colourful street art to contemporary cuisine, Glasgow is a city stamped with warmth, creativity and lots to discover. It is the perfect setting for your ceremony.
Glasgow city centre has excellent public transport links including bus, train and subway services, as well as on-street pay and display parking. There are also various multi-storey car parks located within a short distance of Glasgow’s Registration Office, 23 Montrose Street.
Glasgow Registration Service is the largest registration authority in Scotland and offers competitive pricing which includes the processing of all legal paperwork, your ceremony itself and any legal certificates. Please visit our website to see our full fees list.
Our wonderful team of staff and Registrars are here to make your day one to remember. Organising your ceremony can be a daunting time. That’s where we come in. Our Registrars will talk you through your big day step by step, so you know what to expect and when, making the process considerably less stressful.
23 Montrose Street
23 Montrose Street is located within the east side of the iconic City Chambers complexthe focal point of Glasgow city centre.
Our ceremonial suites were refurbished in 2012 to meet more modern requirements, however, their original beauty has been expertly preserved, offering a traditional venue with a modern decorative twist.
This venue is ideal for smaller groups, offering two ceremony suites - The Clyde and The Kelvin. These rooms are elegantly designed to host an intimate and romantic exchange of vows in the heart of the city.
In addition to the two ceremony rooms, the building provides a dressing room, reception area and a private room for the Registrar to meet with the couple prior to their ceremony.
Adjacent to Merchant City and surrounded by a variety of restaurants and hotels, 23 Montrose Street is the perfect central venue for your celebration.
Both of our ceremony suites are ground floor level and wheelchair accessible.
Ceremonies are available at 23 Montrose Street from Monday to Saturday at various times throughout the day, with the exception of public holidays.
Bookings for 23 Montrose Street can be made up to two years in advance of your ceremony.
The Clyde Suite
The Clyde Suite is our most intimate ceremony room, comfortably seating up to 15 guests. It is the prime choice for smaller ceremonies.
The sleek and sophisticated room is filled with charm, character and romance.
With a striking white stone fireplace, two vast arched windows and polished mahogany woodwork features, this is the perfect backdrop for the happy couple to tie the knot.
The suite is dressed with a silk flower arrangement and lots of other decorative and ornamental finishing touches.
The Kelvin Suite
The Kelvin Suite is our largest ceremony room at 23 Montrose Street, equipped to accommodate up to 33 guests.
The elegantly styled room marries together a bright and contemporary style with more traditional elements, striking the perfect balance between modern and classic.
This timeless suite is flooded with natural light. Its neutral décor is complemented by fabulous chandeliers, that light up the central aisle, to give guests the best view of the wedding party.
Our stylish Kelvin Suite also benefits from a cosy, white wood fireplace and an impressive black window mirror to top it off, making it the perfect setting for your nuptials.
The City Chambers
The City Chambers was designed by Glasgow architect, William Young and opened by Queen Victoria in August 1888. The building is one of the main features at the very heart of the city centre. Across four floors, the opulent building provides space for working offices and the hosting of civic functions and events.
The interior of this prestigious building is even more impressive than the exterior.
Upon entering the building, your guests will be met with the grand reception hall, where the colourful mosaic tiling is inspired by the city’s Coat of Arms.
To the left of the main reception sits western Europe’s largest marble staircase. The world-renowned staircase was expertly crafted using white Carrara marble imported from Italy. These spectacular steps lead guests up to the second floor where the two grand ceremony suites are situated.
Glasgow City Chambers provides a stunning and unique venue where your guests will revel in the building’s rich history and magnificent beauty.
Ceremonies are available in the City Chambers on Saturdays, Sundays and most public holidays apart from Christmas, New Year and Easter Sunday.
Bookings for the City Chambers can be made up to one year in advance of your ceremony.
The building has a lift and is wheelchair accessible.
The Satinwood Suite
The Satinwood Suite is the perfect place to hold your ceremony. Looking out over George Square, this bright room is beautifully designed using the now extinct Satinwood, originally imported from Australia during the City Chambers’ construction.
Your guests will be instantly impressed by the room’s main feature – the Alabaster fireplace.
The west-facing, ceiling to floor length windows make the natural light in this room particularly pleasing.
The two large double doors will certainly ensure the wedding party ‘make an entrance’, and the decorative ceiling completes the classic design of the room.
The Satinwood Suite can comfortably seat up to 100 guests.
The Banqueting Hall
The Banqueting Hall is the largest and most grandiose of the ceremony rooms within Glasgow’s City Chambers. The room is 16 metres in height, 27 metres in length and 14 metres wide.
The ornate arched ceiling is adorned by paintings and gold leaf, and the walls decorated with large murals depicting the rich history of the city.
All artworks featured come from famous students of the ‘Glasgow School’ including Sir John Lavery, Alexander Roche and George Henry.
The intricate design of this lavish ceremony room will leave your guests in awe of their surroundings.
The Banqueting Hall is typically used by the city to host important civic functions and events. This venue is ideally suited to hold larger ceremonies, comfortably seating up to 300 guests.
Encore Hospitality Services
After your ceremony we welcome you to continue your celebrations with canapés and drinks, hosted in the magnificent City Chambers building.
The award-winning team at Encore Hospitality Services will ensure everything is perfect for you and your guests on your big day. Our dedicated hospitality professionals have a proven track record of delivering a high quality and friendly service ideal for your special occasion.
Our expert chefs have crafted a range of menus which feature exquisite canapés and delectable drinks for your guests to enjoy after your ceremony has concluded. We can also work with you to create bespoke menus and will ensure all dietary requirements are catered for. The City Chambers is a stunning venue and boasts a classic interior. If you wish to add to this with additional décor such as chair covers, our team would be happy to arrange this with our trusted suppliers.
For more information or to chat to a member of the team about a drinks and canapés reception, please visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/ encorehospitality
Please note that the City Chambers is available for a canapés and drinks reception only.
City Halls and Old Fruitmarket
Situated in the heart of Merchant City, Glasgow’s City Halls and Old Fruitmarket offers a spectacular setting for your special day.
From the authentic Old Fruitmarket to the beautifully intimate Recital room, this venue caters for all weddings, no matter how big or small. The oldest purpose-built performance and meeting space in Glasgow, City Halls recently underwent an extensive redevelopment which has enhanced the beauty of the original features whilst maximising and modernising the Halls’ excellent multi-purpose facilities.
The Recital room is the definition of a hidden gem. Discovered only recently during renovations, this room was hidden for over 50 years. The intimate space exudes understated elegance and refined features, allowing you to create a truly bespoke celebration. This venue is ideal for smaller weddings, accommodating up to 80 guests.
The Old Fruitmarket is a venue with huge character; with its lofty vaulted roof, listed cast iron columns, original signage, festoon lighting and balcony. It is an incredibly versatile
venue, perfect for any wedding accommodating up to 300 guests.
The venue is fully accessible and has lift access to all floors, as well as accessible toilets located throughout.
You can also take advantage of our experienced Wedding Coordinator, from the initial request right up to the day itself, with regular meetings inbetween to help ensure your special day goes without a hitch.
Our beautifully designed menus are provided by Old Fruitmarket’s inhouse suppliers, Encore Hospitality, showcasing the very best of Scottish produce from finger buffets to wedding banquets.
Please note a Ceremony Only Hire cannot be accommodated at this venue.
Contact venuehire@glasgowlife. org.uk today to discuss booking The City Halls & Old Fruitmarket.
The Old Fruitmarket
The Recital room
Glasgow Life Museums
Turn your dream wedding into a reality at some of Glasgow’s most iconic venues. Celebrate your special day surrounded by the exquisite treasures of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, The Burrell Collection, or host an unforgettable reception at the dynamic Riverside Museum.
To make your special day truly unique, contact Glasgowmuseumshire@ Glasgowlife.org.uk for more details.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Riverside Museum and Tall Ship
Your Ceremony
Here at Glasgow Registrars, we want your ceremony to reflect you as a couple. Our team are here to help you design a ceremonial celebration that is right for you, incorporating personal touches, where possible.
Music
Music is one of the most popular additions to wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.
Couples are more than welcome to bring along their own selection of music to play through our Bluetooth speaker system, have a live musician present or both!
Most couples choose a song for entering the room, another for signing the schedule and a final song for exiting the venue.
Music that is considered inappropriate will not be permitted.
Confetti
Confetti is a customary element of most ceremonies. We ask that your guests wait until they are outside the venue before showering you with it.
Photographs and filming
Most couples will want to capture images of their special day to treasure forever.
Photographers and videographers are welcome to photograph or film throughout your ceremony. The Registrar conducting your ceremony will liaise with them directly on the day.
If you require to livestream your ceremony, please let the Registrar know in advance and they will provide you with the relevant paperwork to allow you to do so. Please note, couples are responsible for bringing their own equipment to enable them to livestream.
Pets
We know just how important your furry friends are and you may want them to be part of your special day.
We love seeing your four-legged friends, however, couples must make a request to the Registrar to bring pets along prior to their ceremony date.
Readings and Vows
Couples may opt to exchange personalised vows or incorporate meaningful poems and/or readings throughout their bespoke ceremony.
Ceremony Enhancements
Couples may also like to personalise their ceremony by including a ceremony enhancement. These are symbolic rituals designed to honour your union.
Handfasting
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual popular in both Scotland and Ireland.
The symbolic act involves tying together the hands of the couple with ribbon, cord or scarf to represent their commitment to one another and the binding of two lives.
Quaich Ceremony
The Quaich is a special two-handled drinking cup.
The ceremony follows an ancient Scottish tradition where the couple both drink from the cup, sealing the bond between them. This acknowledges the blending of two families.
Typically, the Quaich is then used for the first toast at the reception.
Ring Warming
During a ring warming ceremony, the couples’ wedding bands are passed around their guests. Loved ones ‘warm up’ the rings with a wish, prayer, blessing or positive intention for their future together.
By the time they make their way back to the couple, the rings are saturated with love from their friends and family.
If you have any additional requests then the Registrar will be happy to discuss this with you. Our team will endeavour, where possible, to accommodate.
Legal Preliminaries
All weddings and civil partnerships require legal paperwork to be completed ahead of the ceremony. This applies regardless of whether you are having a civil, religious or belief ceremony at any venue across the city.
By law, both parties are required to give notice of their intention to marry or register their civil partnership by each submitting a M10 form for marriage or a CP10 form for civil partnerships.
The completed forms should be submitted to the Registration Office 8-10 weeks before your ceremony is due to take place. These should be accompanied by the required supporting documents and the relevant fee.
The minimum notice period is 29 days before your ceremony and forms cannot be submitted any earlier than three months before your ceremony date.
Forms can be downloaded from the National Records of Scotland website at www.nrscotland.gov.uk.
Up-to-date fees lists and further information about supporting documents can be found on our website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/ registrars.
Once the registrar is satisfied there is no legal impediment to your marriage or civil partnership, a schedule will be prepared. This is the document you will sign on the day of your ceremony.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team who will be happy to assist you.
Other ceremonies
As well as marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, we also conduct a variety of other ceremonies including renewal of vows, baby naming and British Citizenship.
Renewal of Vows
Renewal ceremonies are an opportunity for couples to make a public commitment to one another after their original marriage or civil partnership ceremony has taken place.
This may be suitable for couples who have married or civilly partnered abroad. It offers a chance to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends who were unable to attend on the day. It can also be used to celebrate wedding anniversaries or to mark a special occasion.
Your ceremony can be tailored to meet your wishes.
Once concluded, you will receive a commemorative certificate.
Baby naming
A baby naming ceremony allows you to make a commitment to love and support your child, in front of valued family and friends, in a unique and personal way.
This ceremony is suitable for a variety of circumstances such as, welcoming an adopted child to your family, marking the start of a new family with children from previous marriages/civil partnerships or simply to commemorate the birth of a new baby.
This ceremony is available to children from birth to 15 years of age.
British Citizenship
Attending a citizenship ceremony is the final step in the process of becoming a British citizen.
This ceremony welcomes those who wish to attain full citizenship of the United Kingdom into the local community.
Our citizenship ceremonies take place in the historic Burgh Court where the new citizen can celebrate this important life event and occasion, in the City Chambers complex, with close family and friends.
Due to limited space, a maximum number of two guests per citizen are allowed to attend.
For more information, please visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/registrars.
Testimonials
“Our idea of the perfect wedding day was made at 23 Montrose Street. An intimate wedding with our closest family and friends was made so special. The staff’s attention to detail during a flawless ceremony set in the stunning venue gave us exactly what we had dreamed of. We would highly recommend the venue to anyone considering it. The staff are extremely helpful and will tailor the experience to fulfil your big day dreams.”
Mr & Mrs Orr – The Clyde Suite, August 2023.
“Thank you to our Registrar for making our civil partnership ceremony such a happy event for us. He helped everyone to relax and smile and in spite of the informality, he also created a special sense of occasion. It was exactly what we wanted.”
Michael & Ros – The Clyde Suite, August 2023
“Having an intimate wedding ceremony in the heart of Glasgow was essential to us and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect venue than 23 Montrose Street. From our initial enquiries to the big day itself, the communication was clear, efficient, and all of our requests were accommodated for. A confetti photo under the archway of the entrance is an absolute must!”
Mr & Mrs Reid – The Kelvin Suite, May 2022
“My son had his Civil Partnership ceremony at 23 Montrose St and I cannot thank the Glasgow Registrars team enough. They were welcoming, friendly and relaxed which set the atmosphere for the whole event. The ceremony rooms were beautiful and tastefully decorated. The Registrar was calm, friendly but professional with a lovely manner in steering the ceremony along appropriately. The staff in attendance at the venue were helpful, chatty, and put everyone at ease. They seem very proud and passionate about their jobs. Overall, I found the whole experience great. Glasgow City Council are fortunate to have such dedicated staff.”
Anderson Family – The Clyde Suite, January 2024
“I wanted to write to you to thank you for the wonderful way in which you conducted my daughter’s wedding at House for an Art Lover in July this year. Our Registrar, Fiona was so warm and welcoming, as well as highly professional and really put us at ease. She provided a sense of calm and as soon as I met her, I knew we were in good hands. On behalf of myself, my husband, my daughter and my new sonin-law, thanks again for your wonderful contribution to the day. We were very lucky to have her as our Registrar. Everyone we dealt with was wonderful and a perfect example of ‘People make Glasgow’.”
Ruth McGivern – Third party venue, July 2024
“We’re so pleased that we decided to have our son’s Naming Ceremony at 23 Montrose Street. Our Registrar was wonderful at guiding us through the process and helped us to make the service our own. The day was perfect - our friends and family are still commenting on how beautifully personal it was. To top it off our wee boy thoroughly enjoyed crawling up and down the aisle to smile at everyone. It was just one of those special memories that we’re really grateful for.”
Hazel & Lara McCall – The Kelvin Suite, August 2024
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Capture the Moments
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After years of suppl ying bars & catering for weddings all around Scotland, we have an extensive repertoire covering a variety of menus.
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We have sample menus to give you inspiration, anything from family style, relaxed BBQ, vegan and vegetarian specialised menu or meals from around the world brought to your venue with our street food style stalls. CALL : 01505 851434 EMAIL: info@insideout-catering.co.uk WEB: insideout-catering.co.uk
Based in the heart of Glasgow, Annie Mac brings over 20 years of expertise to make absolutely certain that your wedding day is truly unforgettable. You can trust us to turn your cherished moments into timeless memories!
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Wedding Anniversaries
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Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we can accommodate weddings of up to 120 guests. We can host your ceremony only, dinner only, reception only, or any combination of the three, providing you with the freedom to create the perfect itinerary to suit you and your par tner
Our experienced in-house wedding planner will work closely with you to ensure you have the per fect day Offering exceptional service, our events team looks after every aspect, ensuring your guests are welcomed in style. From the first consultation to the last dance, we are committed to making your special day unforgettable! at the Merchants House of Glasgow!
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