Lake District Elopement Venues
As a wedding photographer I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a lot of wedding venues. I’ve compiled an (ever growing) list of the best Lake District elopement venues that can cater for anything from just the two of us weddings with Michelin Star food, to cosy week long stays with your nearest and dearest, Cumbria really does offer it all.
Many couples choose to elope in the Lake District; it’s wild landscapes and natural beauty offers a phenomenal backdrop for photographs and its remoteness offers peace and tranquility to an intimate, private wedding. There are so many venues that offer elopement or just the two of us packages, or offer locations that lend themselves to tiny weddings really well.
Having eloped in the lakes myself before moving here, I really understand why couples chose to elope rather than throw a big wedding; perhaps you really dislike being the centre of attention, or the stress of family politics is enough to put you off a big day. Or like us, you just want a day full of the things you love and having a tiny day makes those things possible; whatever your reasons, the Lake District definitely offers some perfect elopement wedding venues for you to consider.
The best elopement venues in the Lake District
Gilpin Lake House
Gilpin Lake House offers you peace and tranquility, set next to a private tarn in the village of Crook not far from Windermere, with the luxury of a spa and Michelin Star food right on the doorstep too. The Lake House, which is the perfect cosy bolthole for afternoon tea overlooking Knipe Tarn is a gorgeous place to exchange your vows. After the ceremony you can make the most of the grounds for portraits too.
See an intimate Lake District wedding at Gilpin Lake House
Cragwood Country House Hotel
Cragwood is the hotel that has it all; mountain views, lake access and all the comforts of a stylish and modern hotel a stones throw from Windermere and Ambleside. Whether it’s just the two of you or you have a small number of guests attending, the library is a lovely intimate space for ceremonies, or there’s an outdoor ceremony for when the weather is fine. The boathouse offers an iconic location for portraits.
See an autumn elopement at Cragwood
Hause Hall Farm
If you plan on having a small number of guests to your wedding, Hause Hall Farm allows everyone to stay on site and make the most of the time away together. If the weather isn’t on your side, the day room – which is licensed for weddings – offers incredible views down the Martindale valley, and if you’re feeling adventurous, climbing Hallin Fell is literally on your doorstep. If a church ceremony is more your thing, then there are two churches within walking distance; the old church down the valley is my personal favourite.
See a Hause Hall Farm Wedding
Merewood Country House HOTEL
Merewood has a charming romantic, old fashioned feel to it, I just love it. Its outdoor ceremony area gives glimpses to views over Windermere with the house as a magnificent backdrop and the grounds are beautifully manicured. If you want a lake backdrop for portraits, Windermere isn’t far away and is easily accessible by car.
FAIRBANK WeDDING BARN
I had no idea until recently that Fairbank offers a midweek elopement package which includes two nights self catering accommodation for a small number of guests. It’s also dog friendly, which I know is a huge plus for a lot of couples. The views from the lawn are sensational and of course the lure of their private tarn for portraits which has no rights of way anywhere near it are just perfect for couples who really want privacy on their wedding day.
A Fairbank Wedding Barn Elopement
COPPERMINES WEDDINGS
A wild and enchanting location, The Coppermines really does capture the feeling of abandon we might have traditionally associated with eloping. The barn is licensed for civil ceremonies and there is plenty of self catering accomodation on site.
It is the perfect place to put on your boots and start your wedding day hike.
An intimate wedding at The Coppermines
Storrs Hall
A lakeside gazebo if the weather is fine or the study with lake views in bad weather, a private suite to get ready in and incredible food to celebrate with, Storrs Hall offers a really wonderful elopement package and there are endless locations for portraits inside and out so even if the lakes gives you its worst weather you can be sure of brilliant photographs.
Lake District Elopement Q&A
Do we have to keep it a secret?
Absolutely not; in days gone by elopements were a secret thing (think running off to Greta) and while lots of couples do choose to get married secretly, many just use the term to describe a wedding where it’s just the two of them or very small and private.
Do think about how you plan to tell everyone your news if you’re not planning on telling them before the day.
Can we invite guests?
If you want to! Elopements do tend to be very small affairs though.
Do we have to find our own witnesses?
If you’re planning on going to the registry office for your ceremony without any guests you’ll need to find two willing passers by to be your witnesses (or ask your photographer to be one of them!) Most hotels here in Cumbria do provide two members of staff to witness and it’s not uncommon for your photographer to be one of those in this situation.
How much photo coverage do we need?
Generally I find that two hours is plenty for “just the two of us” weddings and two to three hours is better if you have a small guest list and want a few group photos too, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule. If you want to go hiking after the ceremony for example you’ll likely need more coverage.
What do we do if it rains?
Embrace the weather (and read this handy blog ‘Tips for rainy Lake District Weddings’) One of the things my couples often say is that they don’t plan on staying in their wedding outfits after I leave, so they don’t mind them getting damp or a bit muddy. The saying goes that wet knots are harder to untie, so here in Cumbria we really are rooting for you to have a long and happy marriage.
Do we have to do away with certain traditions because we’re not having guests?
Absolutely not. Want confetti? Buy the confetti and we’ll find creative ways of getting you the shot. Still want to cut the cake? Get a cake. Just because your day is small in size doesn’t mean it’s not fit to burst with importance and you shouldn’t feel you have to say no to stuff because it’s not a “big do”.
Can you recommend suppliers such as make up artists and florists?
Yes, I have a recommended supplier list I send to all my booked couples and if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for then please ask and we’ll get to work.
Perhaps you landed here because you were searching for perfect Lake District elopement venues; I hope it’s been useful. Before we moved to Cumbria we also eloped in the Lake District and you can read more about planning a Lake District elopement here.
And if you’re looking for your photographer, I’d love to chat about your plans some more. Do get in touch, I can’t wait to hear from you.
