Dreaming of a coastal wedding in Scotland? We visited The Waterside Hotel & Spa in Ayrshire to explore its ceremony spaces, new spa, accommodation and upgraded wedding offering
The Waterside Hotel has a desirable beachfront setting with views out to Arran and Ailsa Craig
If you’re searching for an Ayrshire wedding venue with sea views, exclusive ceremony spaces and on-site accommodation, The Waterside Hotel & Spa near West Kilbride is likely already on your radar.
The coastal venue hosts around 100 weddings each year, and after a recent £3 million investment — including a new luxury spa and additional sea-view bedrooms — demand looks set to grow further.
We visited to see what’s changed, explore the upgraded wedding spaces and experience the venue as guests would.
Newlyweds Lauren and Jordan are full of joy after exchanging vows in the Ailsa Lounge (Photo: Carrie Roy Wedding Photography)
Wedding spaces at The Waterside Hotel & Spa
One of the biggest draws of this coastal wedding venue in Scotland is flexibility.
The upgraded Kyle Suite, accommodating up to 240 guests, features:
- Private entrance and bar
- Crystal chandeliers
- Floor-to-ceiling glass doors
- Private gardens overlooking the sea
For couples considering an outdoor wedding ceremony in Ayrshire, the newly added seafront bandstand offers an impressive setting in good weather.
The wet-weather alternative, the Ailsa Lounge, is equally attractive, with panoramic Firth of Clyde views, a fireplace and capacity for 180 guests.
Couples marrying here will also have a dedicated team member throughout their planning journey and to assist on the big day itself.
Wedding ceremony setup in the Ailsa Lounge
Kyle Suite at The Waterside Hotel styled for a wedding breakfast with round tables and floral decor
Couples have exclusive use of the private bar in Kyle Suite
Outdoor ceremonies can be hosted at the new bandstand at The Waterside Hotel
Outdoor ceremonies and sea-view celebrations
Couples hosting their wedding at this Scottish venue by the sea get exclusive use of a variety of areas that they can use in different ways.
- Outdoor ceremonies at sea-view wedding bandstand
- Indoor ceremonies in the Ailsa Lounge
- Large celebrations in the Kyle Suite
- Private entrance and Shiskine Bar
A private en-suite bridal room is also included.
Search our directory for more Ayrshire wedding venues
The Waterside Hotel sits right on the beach (Photo: Tommy Hamilton Photography)
Wedding packages and pricing at The Waterside Hotel
Wedding celebrations can be tailored around different budgets, with couples selecting food, drinks and optional upgrades.
Key costs include (based on 2026 prices):
- Ceremony charge: £950
- Wedding menus: £77-£88pp
- Drinks packages: £24.50-£43.50pp
- Evening buffets: £16.50-£23.50pp
- Twilight package: from £65pp
Monday-Thursday weddings currently receive 25% off menus and evening buffets.
Optional upgrades include:
- Gold Chiavari chairs
- Faux floral styling
- Ceremony décor packages
- Centrepieces and top-table styling
More of Scotland's best wedding venues offering packages
Bedrooms are decorated in the same ship-chic Cape Cod style that runs through the whole hotel
The Sannox honeymoon suite at The Waterside Hotel
The Kilmory Suite at The Waterside Hotel
Accommodation for wedding guests
One reason The Waterside works well as a wedding venue with accommodation in Scotland is its overnight offering.
The hotel has:
- 40 bedrooms and suites
- Capacity for up to 90 overnight guests
- Preferential accommodation rates for wedding guests (first 20 rooms only)
- Complimentary honeymoon suite stay for new full-day bookings
The luxury Sannox Suite includes a spa bathroom, sauna, balcony and separate living area.
Dunes Restaurant features coastal-inspired decor and sea views
Food and dining at The Waterside Hotel
Menus at the venue’s restaurant and bar, Dunes, have recently been refreshed.
Couples can build their own wedding menus, while tastings (typically Wednesdays) allow them to sample options before finalising choices.
The wedding food offering ranges from traditional Scottish favourites through to lighter modern dishes.
The amazing outdoor hydro pool at Si! Spa at The Waterside Hotel
The new Si! Spa experience
The recent investment also introduced Si! Spa, expanding the venue beyond weddings into a spa day and spa weekend destination in Ayrshire.
Facilities include:
- Heated outdoor hydropool
- Thermal suite
- Sauna and steam room
- Experience showers
- Rasul mud room
- Cold drench bucket
- Sheltered fire pit
- Treatment rooms offering Ishga and Espa therapies
Spa access starts from £45 (£20 for hotel guests).
There's a Spa Acoustic Lounge to relax in post-treatment and a Si! Spa Lounge where fresh and healthy food is served.
For couples wanting a more relaxed wedding weekend, or guests extending their stay, it adds another dimension to the experience.
How to choose the right wedding venue
Guests relaxing in the sauna at Si! Spa
Spa treatment at Si! Spa at The Waterside Hotel
Is The Waterside Hotel & Spa right for your wedding?
For couples looking for a seaside wedding venue in Ayrshire, with accommodation, spa facilities and flexible ceremony spaces, The Waterside Hotel & Spa offers plenty under one roof.
The combination of coastal views, larger guest capacities and wedding weekend potential explains why it remains one of Ayrshire’s busiest venues.
The Waterside Hotel & Spa Ayrshire wedding venue: FAQs
- The Ailsa Lounge and bandstand – up to 180 for ceremonies
- The Kyle Suite – up to 240
From April to October, and Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, a minimum number of 80 applies.
Couples can build their meal from an array of menus.
The entry-level Cumbrae (from £77pp) might include melon, kiwi and strawberry salad to start; leek and potato soup; roast chicken breast wrapped in bacon with Cajun cream sauce for the main; and white chocolate and raspberry pavlova for pudding.
Tastings are typically held on Wednesdays (£25pp).
There are 40 four-star bedrooms and suites, sleeping up to 90.
A discount code allows guests to access preferential rates (valid on the first 20 rooms only).
