Ayrshire is home to some of Scotland’s most impressive wedding venues, from coastal hotels and country estates to historic castles and creative barn spaces. These 10 venues showcase the very best of what the west coast has to offer
Blackshaw Barns in West Kilbride (Photo: Hannah Hall Photography)
On the hunt for the perfect place to get married on Scotland’s west coast? North and South Ayrshire have some of the country’s most romantic wedding venues, from grand castles and elegant country-house hotels to creative barns and modern spaces by the sea.
Whether you’re considering a stately celebration in a historic estate or a relaxed get-together surrounded by countryside views, our tour of some of the best wedding venues in Ayrshire near Kilmarnock, Ayr, Irvine, Troon, Prestwick and West Kilbride will help you find the spot that’s right for you.
Each one offers something unique – think exclusive-use stays, seaside backdrops and welcoming Scottish hospitality.
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Blackshaw Barns, West Kilbride, North Ayrshire
Blackshaw Barns is an exclusive-use wedding venue near West Kilbride in North Ayrshire, around 35 minutes from Glasgow. Set within almost 10 acres of gardens, lawns, wildflowers and woodland, it combines a rural location with coastal views towards Arran and the Muirshiel hills, meaning there’s plenty of spots for memorable wedding photos.
The rustic barn venue centres round a restored stone barn and byre featuring a vaulted ceiling, exposed stonework and large doors and windows that open onto the grounds. On-site, couples and guests can enjoy beers from Blackshaw Brewery, the venue’s own microbrewery.
The maximum capacity is 140, with no minimum imposed.
The venue is a blank canvas, with the ease of one comprehensive hire package that includes everything below (no add-ons needed):
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Access to the barn and byre, and surrounding lawns, garden, meadow and woodland
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On-the-day coordination
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Planning support from viewing up until the big day
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Licensed bar service with staff
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Glassware, wine coolers, and water carafes
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Exclusive use (two nights/three days)
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Farmhouse accommodation
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Fire pit and wood supplies
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On-site microbrewery
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Outdoor electrical hook-up for food or drinks trucks
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Festoon and fairy lighting
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PA system
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Parking
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Separate service entrance
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Tables, chairs and highchairs
Yes. Wedding hire includes farmhouse accommodation for seven guests for three days/two nights.
Couples have the freedom to choose their own caterer at this flexible wedding venue, whether they are after a traditional wedding breakfast or more relaxed options like pizza, BBQ, buffet or hog roasts.
Blairquhan Castle, near Maybole, South Ayrshire
Ranked by The Independent newspaper as the 14th best place to get married in the world, Blairquhan Castle is your ideal wedding venue for a fairytale wedding.
Available only for exclusive use, having your wedding at Blairquhan means you will have the castle exclusively to your own party, and enjoy its fantastic facilities, friendly staff, and top-notch service all to yourselves.
The Castle has 15 luxurious bedrooms and four function suites, large enough to host a wedding up to 100 people, yet still cosy enough to offer a more intimate wedding of only 20 guests.
There are also eight self-catering cottages on the estate which can be hired to offer additional accommodation if you wish more of your wedding guests to stay onsite to celebrate your big day.
Room for up to 100 guests for a sit-down meal, plus an additional 20 evening guests.
Blairquhan Castle offers four main function suites – the Large and Small Drawing Rooms, Dining Room and Library – each elegantly decorated for wedding use. The central Saloon atrium, with its 60-foot ceiling and large sash windows, provides a bright, spacious setting well suited to hosting wedding ceremonies.
76 guests can stay overnight on Blairquhan Estate. There are 15 bedrooms sleeping up to 30 guests in the castle itself, alongside eight self-catering cottages on the estate providing a further 23 bedrooms (sleeping 46).
A couple of the Castle bedrooms even have a secret door which leads to the back stairs, meaning the bride can leave those rooms without any guests knowing and re-enter the Castle via the front door at ceremony time!
The Castle works with an exclusive catering partner that provides seasonal menus using fresh local produce. All dietary requirements can be catered for.
(Photo: David Long Photography)
The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick is a contemporary Ayrshire wedding venue offering adaptable ceremony and reception spaces for a range of guest numbers. Couples value the hotel’s budget-friendly packages, flexible date options and ability to tailor menus and requests.
As part of a small group of venues, the Carlton provides a personalised planning experience from the point of booking.
The hotel has 39 bedrooms available at fixed wedding rates, and its ballroom and Barony Lounge Bar feature neutral décor suited to a variety of layouts. Landscaped gardens and on-site facilities allow couples to host their full day in one location.
Maximum capacity is 220.
The hotel and restaurant will operate as normal on a wedding day; however there’s only one wedding booking per day and couples/guests have access to a private bar, ballroom and bandstand for wedding photos.
Carlton Hotel offers three packages:
- Classic – drinks package, wedding meal, light buffet, DJ, overnight stay
- Signature – premium drinks, canapés, enhanced meal and buffet, DJ, wedding cake, piper, stationery and honeymoon-suite stay
- Twilight – drinks, canapés, large buffet, DJ, overnight stay; available Sun–Thu or for weddings within 12 months
All packages include a wedding meal, evening buffet and drinks, with menus adaptable for dietary needs. Expect classic, comforting favourites like chicken with peppercorn sauce and traditional steak pie.
Top photo locations at the Carlton Hotel include the wedding gardens and bandstand, which offer evergreen backdrops year-round, as well as the ballroom, bar areas and honeymoon suite with its four-poster bed.
Prestwick Beach is a short drive away, and couples can use the hotel’s wedding cars to get there.
Culzean Castle, South Ayrshire
(Photo: Belvedere Images)
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, Culzean Castle sits on a clifftop with panoramic views across the sea to the Isle of Arran. The surrounding country park features charming follies, verdant gardens, glasshouses and sandy beaches – all just an hour’s drive from Glasgow.
Inside is no less spectacular, with spiral staircases and beautifully appointed rooms bringing a sense of grandeur for intimate weddings of up to 50 guests.
For larger weddings of up to 250, a marquee can be set up on the West Lawn, and there’s eight self-catering cottages accommodating up to 30 guests.
No. Culzean Castle is not exclusive use, but couples typically have the place to themselves after it shuts to the public each day.
Typically 50 maximum, but a marquee can be pitched in the grounds for up to 250.
Capacities inside Culzean Castle:
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Oval Staircase (ceremony) – 20 guests
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Round Drawing Room (ceremony) – 50 guests
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State Dining Room (meal) – 50 guests
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Fo’c’sle (reception space) – 50 guests
Capacities outside Culzean Castle:
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Camellia House (ceremony) – 30 guests
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Orangery (ceremony) – 50 guests
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Viewing Platform (ceremony) – 50 guests
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Grounds – marquees for up to 250 guests
No, it is a dry-hire venue. Hire prices for 2026 weddings are:
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Elopement: £2,100, based on a maximum of six people
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Ceremony only: £3,700, based on a maximum of 50 guests
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Classic castle wedding: £7,850, based on a maximum of 50 guests
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Lawn Hire: £6,850, based on three day hire (set up, event and de-rig)
Couples can choose from four approved caterers who offer everything from relaxed rustic food to outstanding fine dining. Menu prices start from £120 per person including staff, crockery, cutlery and glassware.
The Gailes Hotel & Spa, Irvine, North Ayrshire
The Gailes Hotel & Spa offers a stunning coastal wedding destination in Ayrshire. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, couples can exchange vows in the romantic outdoor pavilion before celebrating in the stylish Lagavulin Suite, accommodating up to 240 guests.
The exclusive rooftop terrace provides a unique backdrop for ceremonies of up to 100 guests, while the hotel’s luxurious suites and Si! Spa ensure the perfect setting for pre-wedding pampering and honeymoon indulgence.
With its chic interiors, idyllic surroundings and seamless service, The Gailes creates unforgettable weddings in one of Scotland’s most sought-after venues.
It’s also a dog-friendly wedding venue with lots of outdoor space and private gardens for wedding photos.
The hotel has space for up to 200 guests on fixed outdoor seating in the outdoor Wedding Pavilion, 100 guests in the Rooftop Conservatory, and up to 240 guests in the Lagavulin Suite.
No, the hotel is not exclusive use, however wedding couples will have exclusive use of the Lagavulin Suite, Talisker bar, rooftop conservatory and garden with a separate private entrance to this part of the hotel.
The hotel has 42 bedrooms and onsite parking with space for coaches, EV charging and disabled spaces.
The Gailes offers a range of wedding options – all designed to make the most of the beachfront setting – including twilight weddings from £2,500 for 50 guests, midweek packages with 25% off menus and buffets, and winter dates with up to one-third off.
The Gailes Wedding Package includes exclusive use of the rooftop terrace or pavilion, a four-course meal, drinks package, evening buffet, Arran Suite stay, and full coordination. Sample 2026 pricing: 50 guests from £4,650; 80 from £7,440; 100 from £9,300.
There are seven menus to choose from, with a vast selection of dishes to suit all dietary requirements along with extensive canape, buffet and evening options, using local produce where possible.
Geilsland Estate, Beith, North Ayrshire
Geilsland Estate is a countryside wedding venue on the border of North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire, around 30 minutes from Glasgow.
The 15-acre estate features a baronial-style mansion, chapel and several flexible event spaces suitable for weddings of 50 to 400 guests.
Surrounded by woodland and open gardens, Geilsland offers opportunities for outdoor ceremonies, photography, drinks receptions and fireworks, while a mono-blocked courtyard offers space for firepits, barbecues or casual gatherings before or after the wedding.
Functional on-site accommodation allows couples and guests to stay within the grounds. It's also a dog-friendly wedding venue, and even welcomes other animals like horses and llamas.
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Geilsland Hall – up to 400 seated guests.
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The Studio – 50 seated or 100 standing guests. Can also be used for bridal preparations, drinks receptions, guest chill-out zones, or pre/post wedding family dinners.
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The Chapel – a warm, intimate setting for ceremonies of up to 30 seated guests or 60 standing.
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Accommodation on site for up to 60 people.
Yes, couples are ensured full privacy and flexibility throughout their celebration.
However it’s worth noting that the wider Geilsland Estate is also home to a café – Mocha Jaks – which is open from 10am to 4pm daily and its outdoor areas are frequented by locals and dog walkers.
Standard packages start from £2,400 and include both midweek and weekend options. The Twilight package is priced from £1,800.
Geilsland Estate does not offer in-house catering. However, it works with a selection of recommended local caterers that are familiar with the venue. Couples can also select their own caterer.
Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine, North Ayrshire
(Photo: Julieanne Whyte Photography)
Riverside Lodge Hotel is a modern wedding venue in Irvine, offering on-site ceremony and reception spaces along with 126 en-suite bedrooms for guests. Couples have access to private wedding gardens with a bandstand, a dedicated wedding bar and a contemporary ballroom suitable for a range of guest numbers.
The venue provides several wedding packages at different price points, including options that cover catering, drinks and evening entertainment.
Higher-tier packages can include added services such as a piper, wedding cake and décor elements. The hotel’s layout allows couples to host their full celebration in one location, reducing the need for additional travel.
The hotel can accommodate from 2 to 200 guests, with packages starting from 40 guests.
The hotel and restaurant will operate as normal on a wedding day; however there’s only one wedding booking per day and guests enjoy a private bar and ballroom. The wedding gardens and drinks terrace are closed to the public from ceremony until meal time.
Riverside Lodge Hotel offers three core, but flexible, wedding packages:
- Gold – drinks package, wedding meal, light buffet, DJ and overnight stay.
- Platinum – premium drinks, canapés, wedding meal, extended buffet, DJ, wedding cake, piper, stationery, post box and honeymoon-suite stay. All-inclusive option available as an add-on for £30pp.
- Twilight – drinks, canapés, large buffet, DJ and overnight stay, available Sun–Thu or for dates within 12 months.
These options cater to different budgets and levels of planning support. Menus can be tailored to suit your personal tastes and dietary needs.
Riverside Lodge Hotel offers flexible indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces with neutral décor suited to a range of layouts, including round or straight tables.
Expect marble floors, chandeliers, a fireplace and modern bars, providing a practical, adaptable setting for different wedding styles and guest numbers.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway, Ayrshire
(Photo: Whitney Graham Photography)
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, Ayrshire, houses the world’s most important collection of Burns artefacts and the humble cottage where Scotland’s national bard was born (available for intimate ceremonies of up to 30).
The venue offers a unique and romantic setting for a wedding whether you envision an atmospheric micro wedding or a twilight celebration with a lively reception. It blends historic gardens and landmarks with modern event spaces, creating a combination of heritage and contemporary style that is rare in a wedding setting.
Wedding bookings include the support of a dedicated event manager throughout the planning process and on the day of the wedding.
No. The venue is open to the public and exclusive-use of the grounds cannot be guaranteed. However, the team will do their utmost to ensure privacy on your wedding day.
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Museum Café is a bright, modern space with its own character. It seats up to 120 for dining and 150 for evening receptions.
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Robertson Room is a rustic-industrial design with exposed brick, wooden beams and views of the landscaped grounds. Suitable for up to 60 dining and 80 evening guests.
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Burns Monument/Garden: Outdoor ceremonies for up to 30 guests, offering a romantic and historic garden setting ideal for photos and drinks receptions.
Couples have flexible options to choose the venue space and menu they want.
All catering is in-house with a variety of options available and there are full bar facilities available.
Sample wedding packages include:
Micro wedding: use of the rustic Robertson Room within the Museum for an intimate wedding breakfast and reception
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Maximum capacity 60 guests
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Venue hire fee – £450
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Buffet options from £32 per person
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Three-course meal from £65 per person
Twilight wedding: exclusive use of the Museum Café from 6pm until midnight
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Maximum capacity 150 guests
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Venue hire fee – £1,000
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Buffet options from £32 per person
Intimate ceremony: use of the Monument or Burns Cottage for wedding ceremony
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Maximum capacity 30 guests
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Venue hire fee – Monument £650
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Venue hire fee – Burns Cottage £3,000
The Waterside Hotel & Spa, West Kilbride, South Ayrshire
(Photo: Carrie Roy Wedding Photography)
The Waterside Hotel & Spa is a coastal wedding venue set on the shoreline in West Kilbride. Its newly upgraded Kyle Suite features floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to private gardens, while the outdoor wedding bandstand offers a dedicated space for open-air ceremonies with views towards Arran.
Couples can also choose the Ailsa Lounge for indoor ceremonies and receptions, which benefits from panoramic sea views.
With contemporary interiors, flexible layouts and direct access to the beach for photography, The Waterside provides a practical, fully serviced setting for seaside weddings in Ayrshire.
(Photo: David Long Photography)
No. However, wedding couples have exclusive use of the Kyle Suite, Ailsa Lounge, Lochranza Bar and private wedding gardens, with a separate entrance to this part of the hotel.
Up to 240 guests in the Kyle Suite that features tiered crystal chandeliers, backlit mirrors and Chiavari chairs, or for outdoor ceremonies. Up to 150 guests for ceremonies in the Ailsa Lounge with sea views and a feature fireplace.
The hotel has 40 bedrooms, including two suites and a recently added 17-bedroom extension, many with superior sea views. On-site parking includes spaces for coaches, EV charging and disabled access.
The Waterside offers twilight weddings from £2,500 for 50 guests, midweek packages with 25% off menus and buffets, and winter dates with up to one-third off.
The 2026 Waterside wedding package includes:
- Four-course wedding meal (Cumbrae Menu)
- Ben Lomond drinks package
- Evening buffet (two mini rolls and bacon per guest)
- Overnight stay in the Sannox Suite with private spa bathroom
- Wedding coordinator
- White linens, cake stand, knife, table plan and menus
Sample pricing (2026): 50 guests: £4,525; 80 guests: £7,240; 100 guests: £9,050
Menus are designed using local produce where possible, with seven menu options plus extensive canapés, buffets and evening choices. Dietary requests can be accommodated.
Western House Hotel, Ayr, South Ayrshire
(Photo: Euan Robertson Weddings)
Western House Hotel is a four-star wedding venue located beside Ayr Racecourse. Originally built in 1920 as the home of the Clerk of the Course, the property is surrounded by private, well-maintained gardens that provide space for outdoor ceremonies and photography.
The hotel offers a choice of characterful rooms:
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The Cathedral Ballroom – high vaulted ceilings, grand chandeliers, garden views
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The Garden Suite – a bright and stylish setting with views across the gardens and Ayr Racecourse
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The Paddock Lawn Marquee – a blank-canvas setting in the hotel grounds
Couples can take photographs in the gardens, at the racecourse’s winners’ post or parade ring, or nearby along the Ayrshire coast.
The venue can accommodate ceremonies of up to 180 guests and evening receptions of up to 210 guests in the hotel itself. The Paddock Lawn Marquee can host up to 250 guests.
No, not as standard. While the Ballroom is solely for the couple and guests, the lounge area is still available to the public and other guests of the hotel. However, exclusive-use packages are available.
Western House Hotel offers a range of wedding packages including:
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Winter Wedding Package (October to March) – from £3,900 (Sun to Thu) / £4,400 (Fri to Sat) for 50 guests. Includes a four-course meal, drinks package, Master of Ceremonies, wedding coordinator, and overnight stay in the Ascot Suite with hot tub.
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Twilight package – relaxed evening option with candlelit ceremony, hot and cold buffet, drinks package, coordinator support, and overnight stay in the Ascot Suite.
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Bespoke packages – available for smaller celebrations of around 20 guests.
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Exclusive use packages – available on request.
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Option for bespoke menu creation from £55 per person available on all packages.
All packages include menu options available and the kitchen team, led by Executive Chef Iain Conway, are more than happy to provide bespoke options based on the couple’s wishes.
There are 10 rooms in the main house, including a Honeymoon Suite, and a further 39 rooms in the Courtyard Buildings. There’s also a large carpark situated at the front of the hotel.
Planning your wedding in Ayrshire
What types of wedding venues are there in Ayrshire?
North and South Ayrshire offer a fantastic mix of venues – from clifftop castles and luxury hotels to rustic barns and creative estate spaces.
You’ll find both large-capacity options for big guest lists and smaller, characterful spots more suitable for intimate weddings.
Is Ayrshire easy to reach for wedding guests?
Yes. The region is well connected by road and rail, and most venues are within an hour’s drive of Glasgow or Prestwick Airport, making it convenient for guests travelling from across Scotland and beyond.
You could consider arranging wedding transport like a coach from nearby towns like Kilmarnock, Ayr, Irvine, Troon or Glasgow.
Do wedding venues in Ayrshire offer exclusive use?
Many of Ayrshire’s most sought-after venues — including country houses, estates and private barns — offer full exclusive-use hire, allowing couples to make the property entirely their own for the duration of their stay.
Are there outdoor wedding options in Ayrshire?
Absolutely. From gardens and beaches overlooking the Firth of Clyde to manicured lawns and secluded courtyards, many venues across Ayrshire have beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception spaces ideal for spring and summer weddings.
