Being a leading provider of some of the best wedding bands Scotland has to offer means that we have played at some spectacular wedding venues. And whilst you may think that having a small wedding, due to the ever changing Covid-19 rules and regulations, will take something away from your big day, think again. Having a small wedding in Scotland can be epic and the number of guests you have present does not necessarily determine how memorable your wedding day will be.
The biggest flaw we Scots can be accused of is modesty - we don’t shout about all the of the incredible experiences you can have in our wee country so a lot of Scotland remains unspoiled and has the distinct air of being a “best kept secret.” So if you want to have a truly unique wedding, Scotland is the place to do it.
Take advantage of the fact that in Scotland, you can get married pretty much anywhere. From incredible small wedding venues, to unbelievable wedding experiences and all inclusive wedding packages, Scotland has something for everyone - and because of the reduced number of guests, everyone can get involved and have a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Some may see the current restrictions as a limitation but for those lifelong optimists among us, they’re an opportunity. So strap in while we show you just how amazing a small wedding in Scotland can be.
1. Take A Hike
Are you an active, outdoorsy couple who want your big day to reflect just that? Then why not take to the hills and go for a hike with your guests? Get married among some of the most spectacular scenery Scotland has to offer. One couple in the USA did just that, opting to enjoy the great American outdoors on their wedding day:
"We invited about 30 people to hike up a mountain in the Adirondacks, [I] brought up my dress in my pack, got dressed in a small clearing, and had our friend (who got ordained) marry us. We walked out to a song on the iPad, blew bubbles off the cliffs into the valley, and took pictures until the sun set. Random hikers stopped in and since it was an actual hike, it was a great way to bring everyone together for a one-of-a-kind experience!" —Allison and Griffin Perry, married 2 years
2. Take to the Seas
Adamant that you still want to feel like a princess on your wedding day? How about updating your view on what that looks like. Less Cinderella, more Kate Middleton or Charlene of Monaco who like a spot of superyachting when they’re off duty. And since your guest numbers are restricted to 15 people, why not follow suit and charter a luxury superyacht for your big day - or make a weekend of it and have an extended celebration with your nearest and dearest.
Scotland’s coastline is spectacular and the rugged isles have beaches and scenery to rival the Maldives so the backdrop to your celebrations is guaranteed to be jaw dropping. Sip champagne and nibble on canapes while you and your guests relax in sumptuous surroundings and your crew wait on you hand and food. Enjoy a gourmet feast and then retire to your state rooms after the festivities for a well deserved rest. What’s not to like? Check out the aptly named Spirit of Fortitude for your ultimate, nautical wedding.
3. Or Even Under the Sea
Prefer to be in the water than on it? We’ve got you covered. Why not get married at an aquarium? Some brave couples have even opted to exchange their “I do's” in the tank itself, surrounded by sharks and other sea creatures - all in full wedding gear of course. As a venue, an aquarium is pretty perfect with the space providing the atmosphere and entertainment for you and your guests during the course of the day. Those with children will particularly appreciate the venue choice.
4. Beer and Board Games
More indoorsy? Why not indulge in two of the best “Bs” and theme your wedding around beer and board games. Scotland has over a hundred breweries, perfect for sampling your favourite tipple. Check out West Brewery - one of the most popular wedding venues in Glasgow.
Or, if you’re not a fan of beer, opt for a whiskey or gin distillery instead - we’ve got a fair few of those in Scotland as well. With 130 whisky distilleries and around 100 gin equivalents, you will be spoilt for choice. Rent out your perfect space and crack out your favourite board games. What better - and more original - way to spend quality time with your guests than over a competitive day of Bingo, Monopoly, Catan or Charades?
5. Fast Food Wedding:
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We all love fast food. We can’t deny it. It’s safe to say that during the initial lockdown period, people suffered the closure of their favourite fast food restaurant keenly. So how about celebrating your wedding at your nearest McDonalds, Burger King or KFC?
One couple in Mexico pulled off the ultimate wedding reception under the golden arches. According to Reuters, the happy couple served Sprite and Coca Cola in champagne flutes and the guests were treated to Happy Meals personalised with their pictures on the side of the box. Dressed in the traditional white dress and tux, the couple even accessorised their outfits with red and white stripy socks, in tribute to Ronald McDonald. One thing is for certain, the guests were absolutely Loving It!
6. Drive In Wedding
Drive in weddings are becoming a thing. A big thing. So big in fact, one couple achieved a Covid wedding for 250 guests - while being fully compliant with the government restrictions. Roma Popat and Vinal Patel from Essex held the drive in wedding at Braxted Park, using a golf cart to go round the grounds and greet all of their guests, who watched the ceremony on big screen from the comfort of their own cars. The wedding favours included hand gel and stunning hampers full of snacks with the wedding breakfast served via an online menu where guests could order their meals to be delivered by waiters. The couple loved the day and although they admitted that it was different to what they were originally planning, having all of their guests at the wedding was far more important than doing the ceremony in a traditional way. Scotland has more than its fair share of suitable venues for a drive in wedding - both Edinburgh Airport and zoo have made their spaces available for drive through cinema experiences for example so are well worth considering for your event.
7. Take to The Air
If you’re looking for a more exhilarating wedding celebration with a limited guest list you might want to consider a hot air balloon flight. Take to the skies above Perthshire in a Virgin balloon, for the experience of a lifetime, with 16 of your nearest and dearest. The flight takes 3 to 4 hours, over some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer and includes bubbly to make your experience truly memorable.
8. Under the Stars
If you’ve always dreamed about getting married under the stars, have a look at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory. Located in Ayrshire beside Loch Doon, the observatory makes full use of some of the darkest skies in the UK which means you can enjoy nature at its best. Whether or not the weather decides to cooperate, a starry sky is guaranteed on your wedding day as the observatory also has a Planetarium where you can say your “I do’s” and have your reception under a perfect, starry skyscape.
9. Go full steam ahead
If you like your transport land based, then why not set your sights on The Jacobean Steam Train. Fans of the Harry Potter franchise will recognise the Hogwarts express straight away and not for nothing is this trip widely believed to be the best railway journey in the world. The eighty four mile return trip, from Fort William to Mallaig, takes in some of the most jaw dropping scenery in Scotland. Sit back and relax with a glass of champagne and cream tea in first class as you go over the world famous Glenfinnan viaduct and take in the sights then alight at one of the beautiful villages on the way for some stunning photographs. This is truly the trip of a lifetime and how fitting to take this journey on the best day of your life.
10. Get Married on The Piste
And finally, are you a keen skier who has always dreamed of a winter wedding? Well what could be better than combining your two passions and getting married on the piste? We often forget that Scotland has some excellent skiing facilities and the ski centre at Glenshee can provide a stunning backdrop to your big day. Imagine having your ceremony on a snow-sprinkled mountain before skiing down to your ceremony on your first run as a newly married couple? The pictures will be stunning, the entertainment unforgettable and the social distancing regulations easy to stick to with your guests making full use of the wide open spaces.
However you choose to celebrate your wedding day, the team at Music For Scotland wish you a very happy future together and if you're looking for a live wedding band in Glasgow, Edinburgh or anywhere else in Scotland, you know where to look first! Get in touch with us now to check availability and book your perfect live wedding entertainment.