The National Piping Centre: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

The National Piping Centre, as the name suggests, is a great place to go if you want to learn the bagpipes.

However it’s also a popular place in Glasgow to get married.

The building was originally constructed as a church, so it has a fantastic space for wedding ceremonies.

In addition to this there’s an auditorium which can accommodate large dinner receptions.

And 4 star accommodation for up to 16 guests.

Let’s take a closer look at what a National Piping Centre wedding would be like.

The National Piping Centre Location

Situated right in the heart of Glasgow, The National Piping Centre is located less than a mile north of George Square.

Sadly there is no private parking available in this busy part of the city.

However you will find two large public carparks within walking distance.

There’s also some on street parking in the area, but I wouldn’t count on these spaces being empty.

The road in front of the property is actually closed to traffic, however large coaches can stop on the adjacent street, if you would like to put on transportation for your guests.

The National Piping Centre Setting

As you can imagine, The National Piping Centre is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s largest city.

However once inside you will find a very romantic venue, with a fantastic Scottish twist.

The building is open to the public, and does function as a museum, restaurant, and place of learning.

But the areas you will be using on your special day will be cordoned off, giving you a certain amount of privacy.

It’s an interesting and lovely place for a wedding.

The National Piping Centre

Built in 1872, The National Piping Centre actually started life as an Italianate church, complete with Tuscan tower.

It has a mixture of Greek elements with a simple pedimented facade, and is without question an interesting and beautiful building.

Today it functions as a centre of excellence for the bagpipes, where people can come to learn the instrument, eat in the restaurant, and even stay in the boutique hotel.

And of course it can also be hired as a wedding venue, where you will be given the freedom and flexibility to create a truly unique day.

The National Piping Centre Accommodation

Unusually for wedding venues of this type, The National Piping Centre actually has its own accommodation.

The Pipers Tryst has 8 ensuite bedrooms, which can sleep up to 16 guests.

They have been awarded a 4 star rating, and you and your guests will be given preferential rates.

A continental breakfast is included in the price, and for a little extra a fully cooked breakfast is available.

You can even invite guests who aren’t staying in the hotel to join you.

For further accommodation, Glasgow offers an enormous range of hotels and B&Bs to suit every budget.

The National Piping Centre Ceremony

Most people choose to have their ceremony in the Main Auditorium.

It’s a bright and spacious room which can comfortably seat up to 120 guests.

In addition to the room hire, blue velvet chairs are included in the price.

For smaller more intimate ceremonies, you can make use of the Blue Room.

As the name suggests this room is painted blue, and has lovely stained glass windows.

It can seat a maximum of 20 guests.

The National Piping Centre Reception

The Main Auditorium is also used for your dinner reception.

And again it can comfortably seat up to 120 guests.

In addition to the room hire, tables, chairs, and linen are included in the price.

After you’ve finished your meal, the tables can be pushed aside to create a dance floor.

And a further 30 guests can join you for your evening celebrations.

For your drinks reception The Pipers Tryst Restaurant is an option, and comes complete with its own bar.

Or you can use The Museum of Piping, for something that little bit different.

The National Piping Centre Catering

The catering is handled internally at The National Piping Centre.

And with the exception of your wedding cake, no outside caterers are allowed.

Their specialist team will create the perfect meal, using the finest Scottish ingredients.

In addition to this, the cuisine will be complemented by high quality wines and single malts.

Should you wish to bring your own wine, you can do so for a corkage fee of £8 per bottle.

The corkage fee rises to £14 per bottle if it’s champagne.

Sample menus are available on the website.

The National Piping Centre Wedding Photographs

There isn’t really any green space around The National Piping Centre.

As a result you may have to travel some distance, if you really want some picturesque outdoor shots.

Having said that, there are plenty of options in and around the property.

The external entrance stairs for example have proven very popular for wedding photographs in the past.

In addition to this there are some well lit internal spaces, such as the Blue Room or the Tower Stairs.

Ideal if bad weather forces you to stay inside.

The National Piping Centre Unique Feature

Every Scottish wedding should have a professional piper at it, especially if you are getting married at The National Piping Centre.

Fortunately a world class bagpiper is included in your wedding package, and will be there to pipe your guests into the venue.

In addition to this your guests will have the opportunity to look around The Museum of Piping, which showcases a number of treasures from the piping world.

The National Piping Centre Wedding Prices

For accurate National Piping Centre wedding prices, you should contact the venue directly.

Their wedding packages can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

However to give you an approximate National Piping Centre wedding cost:

• The Pipers Tryst Accommodation (sleeps 16), price £712 (includes continental breakfast).
• The National Piping Centre (ceremony), price £350.
• The National Piping Centre (reception), price £800.
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £55 per person (includes drinks package).

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.

The National Piping Centre Conclusion

So those are my 10 reasons you should consider The National Piping Centre as your wedding venue.

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for a traditionally Scottish wedding venue, located in the heart of Glasgow, with a light and spacious room for your ceremony and reception, and on site accommodation for up to sixteen guests; then The National Piping Centre just might be the place for you.

Whilst you are here, you should take a look at some of the other wedding venues in Scotland, featured on White Rose.

You can also find The National Piping Centre’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.