Weddings are one of the biggest events in most people’s lives but the long-lasting impacts of Coronavirus means they’re set to change. When all this is over, everything about daily life, from how we work and socialise to how we shop, will change in some way as we all embrace the new normal.

But it’s not just the everyday that will have to change; the bigger moments in everyone’s lives – the ones that live forever framed on walls and in memories – will change too. Weddings, or at least the way we’ve increasingly come to think of them, might change most of all.

Gone will be the days of huge events with hundreds of attendees; weddings in the future will have to be smaller affairs only attended by the very closest of friends and family.

Thankfully, with stunning coastlines, spectacular beaches and more than a little magic, Ayrshire wedding venues are among the most incredible and diverse in Scotland. Even in this strange new world we find ourselves in, there’s a wedding venue in Ayrshire that will tick all your boxes.

Where will weddings be held after Coronavirus?

As venues move this year’s weddings to dates next year, they may be in shorter supply. You may have to look at alternatives, from village halls and rural barns to family homes and marquees in the garden. You might even look into an elopement – with or without a party at a later date.

Thankfully, Ayrshire has no shortage of unusual venues – or amazing natural locations ideal for a personal ceremony. Whether you’re looking for a rustic DIY location, a boutique hotel or a historic castle, Ayrshire has you covered. Check out a few of the more traditional venues around the Salt Lodge Hotel and some of the more amazing sights that would make a breathaking DIY venue.

What will the wedding day look like?

With so much uncertainty around jobs and the economy, cash is in shorter supply for a lot of people just now. As a result, wedding plans are being scaled back and budgets reconsidered. That doesn’t mean you have to cancel your wedding completely, but you will need to look at what’s important to you – and ditch the rest.

For a lot of people, that will mean a less formal wedding day. That could mean a later or midweek ceremony; a BBQ instead of a sit-down meal; or allowing guests to bring their own booze. Here in Troon, we’re surrounded by amazing independent suppliers, restaurants and bars that can help make the most of your big day.

One thing that’s likely to be the same for every wedding is that the number of guests will have to be drastically cut. While a lot of people will see this as an opportunity to create a ceremony that’s more intimate and personal, it’s important that everyone that’s important to you gets to be a part of your big day.

Like every aspect of our lives now, this is where embracing technology can make a big difference. Live stream your wedding and have your guests join in the festivities; ask them to share their toasts and tears of joy virtually and even join in on a (socially-distant) dance and drink or two as the night goes on.

(c) Scotts – Troon

What about planning a wedding during Coronavirus?

As with everything in this post-Coronavirus world, staying safe when planning your wedding means making the most of technology and limiting social contact. Use video calls to chat with suppliers; send e-invites to your guests; and limit your big day to only what’s important to you. Keep it simple, keep it local, and stay safe.

Where to stay?

The Salt Lodge hotel at Troon Yacht Haven is the perfect base for your wedding. Get in touch with us to discuss group booking discounts! Or you can book now!

Other adventures

Looking for adventures to undertake in Ayrshire & Arran when all this is over? Check out our guides to the incredible walking and cycling routes and fantastic food and drink on the doorstep of the Salt Lodge Hotel at Troon Yacht Haven!