the very best Wedding Venues in the Lake District
There are many new venues opening all the time, which is great, it gives couples so much choice. After nearly 15 years of being a wedding photographer I’ve been to some truly beautiful venues in Cumbria, The Lakes, or The Lake District (yep, I know The Lakes is actually in Cumbria), so I thought I’d list just a few of the top wedding locations. I am not saying these are the only one’s you should look at, there are so many and even after 15 years and 35-40 weddings a year I’ve not even scratched the surface of them all yet.
Many of the venues offer exclusive use. Some of the larger hotels even have it. This allows you to ensure that every guest is within reach for a more inclusive feel.
There are plenty of different type of Wedding Venues in the Lake District from Stately Homes, Rustic Barns, Hotels, Country Houses and even Castles. Naturally they all offer amazing wedding photography opportunities for you.
I’ve photographed way over 300 weddings in the UK and I can confidently say that Cumbria & the Lake District has some of my favourite wedding locations. In my experience and talking with couples, they want their wedding day to be a memorable day for them, their family, and friends.
Take a look below at some of my choices, the photos, and enjoy the beautiful venues Cumbria and The Lake District have to offer. They’re in no particular order either, just the best Wedding Venues in the Lake District
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Lodore Falls
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to tie the knot. It’s a unique wedding venue where the outside and inside spaces blend seamlessly to create the perfect natural backdrop for your big day. The garden gazebo offers a beautiful view of the Catbell’s falls and the tranquil waters of Derwentwater. The newly constructed light-flooded conservatory is available for a cocktail and canape reception. Sumptuous wedding breakfasts are served in the Derwent Suite, which can accommodate up to 120 guests
There are many reasons to choose the Lodore Falls Hotel as your wedding venue, from the beautiful food, dedicated staff, and amazing local gin selection, but the best has to the incredible views every which way you look. Situated in the Borrowdale Valley, the amazing Lodore waterfalls behind the hotel, Catbells in front, and mountains all around. Here are a few must-have places to visit for your wedding photography, all but a stone’s throw away.
Surprise View & Ashness Bridge
These two stunning gems, which are not surprisingly on the list, are just moments away from each other and quite striking. It’s only a short drive (approx. 5 minutes to get there, but it is well worth the drive). I usually taxi Brides and Grooms in my car.
Derwentwater
Get down onto the banks of this magnificent body of water. It’s a couple of minutes in the car and spend 10 or 15 minutes there.
Lodore Falls.
Let’s not forget why the hotel gets its name – Lodore Falls. The Lodore waterfall behind the hotel are superb and must be seen. They make a romantic and striking backdrop to any wedding photo.
High Barn – Edenhall Estate
High Barn – Edenhall Estate
This beautiful, converted barn for weddings is perfectly located in the Eden Valley.
High Barn can be used in many ways. You may need to add a tipi or marquee depending on your needs. There are many amazing quirks and stunning views at High Barn, which gives it a special feeling. The result is breathtakingly beautiful wedding photos.
You can host an intimate wedding with up to 70 people in the barn. If you are planning a bigger celebration, there is ample space on the lawns to put a tipi or marquee that can hold up to 250 people.
The barn hire includes access to the site from 12pm on the day before your wedding to allow you to make the space your own. High Barn hire includes 2 nights in the newly renovated Bothy. This is a luxurious take on a one-up one-down… This is the perfect accommodation for a honeymoon suite. It sleeps 2. New for 2020 is a yurt, which sleeps 2. There is also room for camping so your friends and family can have an even more memorable experience.
There are many other accommodation options in Edenhall. You and your guests have the option to stay in one of our unique holiday houses. These range from a cozy farm house in the valley to a modern take on a traditional holiday rental, all the way down to the charming riverside Lodge. This is a popular choice for brides and grooms.
Broadoaks Country House
Broadoaks Country House in Lake District is the ideal venue for a fairytale wedding. A beautiful setting in the natural Lakeland that overlooks Windermere. It’s also rich in history. Broadoaks Country House has been voted The AA’s most romantic hotel in Britain and Cumbria’s Best Venue by Cumbria Tourism.
The hotel boasts 7 acres of tranquil gardens, a magical stream running through the grounds, and breathtaking views over the Lake District. This makes it the ideal backdrop for wedding photos.
Broadoaks’ friendly staff will be available to help you and offer advice. They take care of every detail, so your day is flawless. Oh, and don’t forget, your dogs can come too. They even have their own private field! How good is that!
Summer weddings are perfect with the grand oak tree, stunning gardens, views, pagoda, and fountain.
In the winter, the 19th-century house offers a cosy roaring fireplace and music room with a grand piano.
I am really privilidged to say I am a recomended wedding photographer at Broadoaks.
The Swan Hotel and Spa
The Swan Hotel and Spa, Newby Bridge
The Swan is an endearing hotel venue for weddings, located at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, Cumbria. The property is a charming venue that offers a variety of spaces for events, comfortable accommodation, and complete wedding packages to enhance your event. You and your guests will enjoy a beautiful setting and a dedicated event team to help you complete your special day.
The Swan has a variety of event rooms that can accommodate any number of guests, including as few as two to as many as 100. The Ballroom is a light and spacious space that can be used to hold your wedding ceremony. The polished wooden floor allows for guests to place their seats. Vintage decor adds a touch of charm to your event. A relaxed drink reception can be held on a paved terrace overlooking the river. This provides a beautiful setting for champagne and canapes. The Barn is a rustic setting for a wedding breakfast. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is created by the barn’s stone walls, exposed wooden beams and vintage farm tables. Each room is exquisitely decorated and lavishly furnished.
If you are looking to enhance your wedding experience at this stunning venue, there are many beautiful guest rooms and cottages available. I recommend the loft suits.
The Swan’s experienced events team always go above and beyond to help you celebrate your special day.
The Swan Hotel is another dog friendly hotel, so get excited because your four legged best friend can come along and celebrate too!
I am really privileged to say I am a recommended wedding photographer at The Swan Hotel.
Armathwaite Hall
Armathwaite Hall
This hotel is one of the best stately home wedding venues in the Lake District. With its stunning expanses of lawns that reach Bassenthwaite Lake and historic house from the 17th century, it offers one of the most unique locations in Cumbria or the Lake District. These views and architecture make for stunning wedding photography.
They have dedicated wedding coordinators who take care of your day from start to finish. Four licensed areas are available at the hotel for weddings, including an outdoor gazebo that allows you to enjoy the stunning view of Bassenthwaite Lake from the Western Fells.
I have photographed quite a few weddings here and have a great working relationship. This venue is a wonderful place to photograph weddings. One of the amazing things about this venue is that it offers many photography options, even in rainy Lakeland conditions. There are too many for one wedding day!
You can take a short walk through the beautiful grounds and get a lot of great images that you’ll treasure for years.
Armathwaite Hall is another dog friendly hotel, so get excited because your four legged best friend can come along and celebrate too!
If you fancy a church wedding and celebrating at Armathwaite Hall, just a few minutes drive up the road is St Bega’s, on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. It’s a historic and rather beautiful little church in the most stunning settings.
The Belsfield Hotel
Laura Ashley Hotel, The Belsfield
Laura Ashley Hotel The Belsfield, located on the edge Lake Windermere is a fine example Victorian Italianite architecture that offers breathtaking views over an area natural outstanding beauty. You’ll find the elegance of Laura Ashley when you venture inside. Every room showcases Laura Ashley’s signature style, which is known for its timeless prints and muted colours, as well as the carefully selected soft furnishings.
You will feel captivated by the attention to detail and romance that Laura Ashley hotels offer from the moment you greet your guests at The Belsfield’s all-glass reception overlooking Lake Windermere to the time you sit down to enjoy the delicious menu.
A special occasion deserves a setting that is beautiful. This sought-after escape does just that.
You’re also a short walk from the bustling town of Bowness on Windermere full of quaint shops, pubs and restaurants and then you a rather large lake called Windermere. Have a walk or take a cruise on one of the many services offered.
More Coming Soon.