Ambleside
Wedding Photographer

Are you getting married in Ambleside?

Are you thrilled to arrange your wedding in the lovely town of Ambleside? How wonderful!

Having experienced the breathtaking landscapes of Ambleside and its surroundings, I’ve had the privilege of capturing beautiful love stories against some of the UK’s most stunning backdrops. I’ve also enjoyed working at exceptional venues that are celebrated for their scenic views and warm atmosphere.

Couple kissing in sunlit countryside wedding scene.

A little about me

My approach is all about storytelling in a relaxed documentary style, focusing on the real emotions, and creative yet natural portraits. Wherever you look at Andy Wade Photography, you’ll see exactly how I can capture your story.

Originally from South East London, I am now an honorary northerner after living in this neck of the woods for over 20 years. I live in Todmorden with my wife, two children and two dogs. I’m pretty chilled and love being out with my family, walking the dogs in the wilds of Lancashire, The Dales & The Lake District. I’m also a bit of a foodie and love a good crackly fire in the local establishment in the winter!

Andy Wade Photography is an award-winning wedding service proudly serving Ambleside and the North West of England.

MORE ABOUT ME
Smiling man holding a camera in monochrome photo.

The Beginning of Your Journey

Ambleside: The Ideal Place to Say “I Do”

My wedding photography approach in Ambleside emphasizes capturing the spirit of your special day, the genuine emotions and moments that truly matter.

I strive to document authentic moments as they occur, allowing you to enjoy your wedding day fully. That means capturing every laugh, tear, and heartfelt moment while providing a non-intrusive experience.

Ambleside serves as a stunning and romantic setting for weddings. Among the town’s top venues, the picturesque Forest Side offers a breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable photographs.

This town is not only famous for its beautiful venues; it is also rich in history and surrounded by the Lake District’s natural beauty, presenting countless scenic spots to frame your love story.

Whether you’re exchanging vows in a charming church, celebrating at a luxurious country house, or hosting an intimate gathering in one of the town’s lovely hotels, Ambleside perfectly sets the stage for your big day. It beautifully blends history, elegance, and modern conveniences.

MY PORTFOLIO

My favourite Wedding Venues in Ambleside

START YOUR FOREVER

Every venue in Ambleside possesses its unique charm and elegance, similar to the couples I photograph.

Forest Side Hotel offers a captivating blend of gothic grandeur and contemporary luxury, making it a fantastic choice for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. Located in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere, this restored mansion provides 20 beautifully appointed bedrooms categorized as Cosy, Superb, and Master, each featuring luxurious Harrison Spinks beds with over 10,000 springs. The hotel can be hired for exclusive use, perfect for those wanting complete privacy for their special day. Its award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite dishes crafted from local Lake District produce, and guests can enjoy the six-course L’al ‘Un tasting menu followed by a full Cumbrian breakfast. Free parking is available, and the estate includes stunning grounds with views of the surrounding fells. Forest Side Hotel is highly rated for its elegant interiors designed by James Mackie and its perfect blend of timeless beauty with modern luxuries.

The Daffodil Hotel & Spa presents a brand new concept on the shores of Grasmere water, ideal for those dreaming of a contemporary wedding in a stunning natural setting. It offers stylish rooms with either Lake View or Valley View options, all beautifully appointed by Interior Designer Paul Sawford with Fibonacci-inspired designs and exclusive features providing ultimate comfort. The hotel is renowned for its luxury spa featuring thermal experiences, tepidarium, sauna, and steam room, perfect for pre-wedding relaxation or post-celebration recovery. Guests can enjoy relaxing spa treatments while taking in the magnificent Lake District scenery. The hotel provides on-site EV chargers and is conveniently located near attractions such as the Wordsworth Museum (0.1m) and Grasmere Gingerbread Shop (0.6m). The Daffodil Hotel & Spa brilliantly combines stylish contemporary interiors inside with stunning natural beauty outside, making it an excellent choice for exploring the Lake District National Park.

Broadoaks Country House Hotel, established in 1836, provides a warm and inviting ambiance perfect for intimate gatherings and elegant celebrations. This hidden gem is nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, set in 7 acres of peaceful landscaped grounds. The hotel features 19 beautifully appointed guest bedrooms plus a grand honeymoon retreat, combining Edwardian architecture with contemporary charm. Its famous music room, designed by renowned English designer William Morris, and modern orangery create versatile spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Broadoaks is licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and can accommodate weddings of up to 100 guests during the day and 150 in the evening. The hotel serves excellent food that consistently receives praise from guests, and the attentive staff ensure a warm welcome and exceptional service throughout your stay. With its central location in one of the most beautiful spots in the Lake District, Broadoaks Country House Hotel offers the perfect setting for a truly special experience.

Bride and groom outside historic manor house

THE FOREST SIDE

Historic stone hotel with lush green garden landscape.

DAFFODIL HOTEL & SPA

Happy couple leaving wedding with confetti shower.

MEREWOOD HOTEL

Gorgeous Wedding Venues in Ambleside

Ambleside is home to beautiful wedding venues, each surrounded by stunning Lake District scenery. Whether nestled in the fells or overlooking the serene waters of Windermere, these locations provide the perfect setting for a truly unforgettable celebration.

PICTURE PERFECT MOMENTS

Award Winning Wedding Photography

Welcome to Andy Wade Photography. I am an award-winning photographer passionate about weddings set against Ambleside’s breathtaking landscapes and the North West of England. I’m devoted to capturing the essence and emotions of your special day through my lens. My mission is to create stunning, vibrant images that reflect the unique spirit of each couple I enjoy working with.

Serving Ambleside & the Lake District

Planning a wedding amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District means setting the stage for an unforgettable day. Whether your venue is the rustic charm of Brathay Hall, the majestic backdrop of Ambleside Manor, or the picturesque surroundings of Rydal Mount & Gardens, I aim to capture every emotion, joyful laugh, and tear of happiness with a relaxed, unobtrusive approach.

Having photographed weddings across Cumbria and throughout the Lake District, I’ve been privileged to witness a wide array of celebrations. Ambleside weddings, from intimate gatherings at The Ambleside Inn to grand affairs overlooking Lake Windermere, hold a special place in my heart. The laughter, the live music, and the first dance under the stars, with the stunning fells as a backdrop—all these moments are ripe for capturing, and I’m here to ensure they’re immortalised in your wedding album.

My Approach to Wedding Photography

Choosing the right photographer for your wedding is crucial. It’s about finding someone who takes photos and tells your day’s story. My approach is deeply personal. I spend ample time getting to know you and understanding what makes your heart sing so that on your big day, I can capture the candid moments, the stunning portraits, and the unique details that make your wedding yours.

I thrive on the energy of a wedding day, from the fun of the drinks reception to the moments of the bridal party getting ready. I’m there, documenting your day with care, creativity, and a keen eye for the colourful and quirky moments that make your wedding stand out.

View My Wedding Portfolio

I invite you to explore my portfolio, where you’ll discover galleries of past Lake District weddings, heartfelt testimonials from delighted couples, and a deeper insight into my photography style—vibrant, candid, and always centered on the love and joy that fills the day. Whether it’s the unbridled emotion of the bride’s first glimpse in the mirror or the infectious laughter during the speeches, I strive to capture the authentic essence of your celebration, preserving the memories that make your wedding truly unforgettable.

Get In Touch

If you’re looking for an Ambleside wedding photographer capable of creating breathtaking images you’ll cherish forever, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s enjoy a drink, discuss your vision for your big day, and explore how we can turn those dreams into reality. Here’s to a wedding as beautiful and unique as your love story, filled with joy, colour, and love that resonates in the region and beyond.

CONTACT ME
  • A group of people stand in a circle on a grassy lawn, with shadows cast clearly by the bright sun. Center frame, part of a bride's white dress and a groom's suit are visible. A shadow of two people, one with a trumpet, is prominent in the foreground. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A young girl wearing a white dress and pink sunglasses sits on a grey sofa, holding a black electronic device. The sofa has two patterned cushions, and there is a floor lamp and a small table with plants in the corner of the room. A red "M" logo is in the top right corner. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A person wearing a "Bridal Party" shirt arranges large, silver, inflated letter balloons in front of a decorative wall mirror in a floral-patterned room. The image is in black and white with a "Reportage Award" logo in the upper right corner. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • 2026 Wedding Awards, Regional Winner badge.
  • A badge with a black background shaped like a stylized "R." It reads "TOP 10 Photographers UK 2022" in white and silver text. Perfect for a wedding photographer, the bottom of the badge features the "This is Reportage" logo in white. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A black and white badge with the text "2022 TOP 30 PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE WORLD" in bold white letters. Shaped like a stylized 'R,' the badge features "This is Reportage" at the bottom in smaller letters, celebrating excellence in Documentary Wedding Photography. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • Text in the image reads "Top 2 Wedding Photographer UK & IE 2023 - MASTERS of Wedding Photography" in black and gold text on a white background. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A blue square graphic featuring a white illustration of a raised fist holding a camera, with the text "Wedding Photographer of the Year" and "Top 10". The phrase "Keeping It Real" is also included in a smaller box below the fist. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • Green text inside a rectangular frame reads "Fearless Award" with the words divided across three lines. A small, stylized ampersand connects the second and third lines. The frame and text are drawn in a simple, clean style. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A circular logo with a red center featuring a stylized white "M" and the text "MASTERS OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY" encircling the red center against a white background, followed by the words "AWARD WINNER" at the bottom. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • WPS Inspirational Wedding Photographers logo. The text features 'WPS' in bold black letters, with the 'S' in red, followed by 'INSPIRATIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS' in black. Below, it reads 'ABOUT ME: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SELECT' in smaller black font. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A logo featuring the text "ISPWP - International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers" on the left, and a mosaic pattern with the word "MEMBER" on the right, perfect for your About Me page. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A circular badge with a dotted border reads "Fearless Photographers." Inside, the text says "2023 World Top 50" with "Andy Wade" and "UK" beneath. Learn more about me and my journey in capturing moments that matter. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • Regional Wedding Industry Awards logos

What my couples say

LOVELY WORDS FROM LOVELY PEOPLE

ALL THE BEST BITS…

My Wedding Blog

My latest blog posts from weddings around Ambleside.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Check out my FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions I get about my wedding photography.

No. 90% of any day I shoot is completely candid. I can photograph all day without a single ‘posed’ photo. The portraits of you both, if you’d like some, are kept simple and as natural as possible; nothing cheesy and nothing awkward. Usually the portraits of you are created during a relaxing wander together for twenty minutes or so with me capturing shots as we go along – so not really posing. We may stop in a certain spot but most of that time you’ll forget I’m there and the portraits will feel and look perfectly natural. Just think of this as a bit of ‘you time’! There is the option create a specific photo with flashes which I set up – but only if you want that. Even if I do it will be set up before we do it so that you can spend the maximum time with you guests. Otherwise I’ll just photograph the day as it happens.

Firstly I have to be available on your day but after that just say “Let’s do It!”. Just fill out the email form on my contact page or just send me a text, a message on Instagram or just give me a call. A small deposit then secures the day. That deposit is refundable up to one month after the agreement to go ahead. In the meantime, I will send you some paperwork and that will include a contract which has all the T&C’s in which we both sign when you’re 100% happy. You’ll also receive a summary of what is in your package.

Your photos will be delivered in a beautiful gallery that will work on any device. You can control the sharing of your photos from your gallery for family and friends or to social media. You can download your photos in full, high resolution or in a smaller version should you wish to share them. There are no watermarks on your photos and are free for your personal use. There is also the option to buy prints and wall art and you can create and order albums from the ‘Shop’ area of your gallery. If you have a slideshow made then it can be viewed from your gallery as well.

For a 9 hour wedding you get an edit of about 500+ photos. If it is a 12 hour day then around 700+. I work on your photos intensely after the wedding, lovingly crafting them so that they are perfectly colour balanced with a bright, fresh look. There’s probably a ratio of a third black and white and two thirds colour.

Everything is moving to digital transfer, now, so you can simply download the full high resolution photos from your gallery. You can have them on a USB if you wish but these are gradually being made obsolete. Whatever the means you get your edited photos in full size/resolution and with no watermarks. The images are free for your personal use.

Yes. I think it’s good to meet as you can ask all the questions you need to. I’ll be around you for almost all of your wedding day so meeting up before the day a great way of getting to know each other. I’m a nice chap and very comfortable with people I’ve just met, so it’s not a problem if we don’t. A video call is a really good way of talking things through if we can’t arrange a meeting.

Yes. Most people like a few photos of mum, dad and their close family as well as the bridesmaids and groomsmen. I get that it is important and can be good fun, too. It takes about 10 minutes to organise a photo of everyone, for example, and then about 2-3 minutes for each one after that providing everyone is available. You decide what those photos are if you want them – I don’t have a ‘list’ of my own. If there is 1.5 – 2 hours between your ceremony and wedding breakfast then I’d suggest to have something like 20 mins with you portraits and then 20 mins of group photos dotted about, so between 6-10 group shots max. This way you spend more time just being with your guests, which I will capture naturally. I hear many stories of people who have been to weddings and were really bored and made to stand around for hours while the photographer goes through a repertoire of their own group photos. That’s not me!

Yes. There is an amazing choice of albums and wall art that will be available from your gallery and that I can send you information on. There is so much choice that I do not put albums in my packages unless on specific request. I do have three album packages that broadly cover the options so if you would like to include one I would be happy to chat and look at putting an album in your package.

Yes, but you can have another photographer if you wish – called a ‘2nd shooter’. If, for instance, you’d like the groomsmen preparation photos covered fully as well and they are over 15 mins away, I can employ a second photographer to cover that for £350/day and they will stay until the speeches – so about 6 hours. A second photographer is great to cover a specific span of time but does not necessarily mean a ‘better’ set of photos. I can be in and amongst a whole wedding party quite easily and capture the essence of the day without a 2nd shooter but it does enable us to do more portraits together – if that is what you’d like – and we can have more angles covered in the ceremony. If you would like a 2nd shooter then we’d book them about 3 months before the day. They are always 1st class, professional photographers like me and shoot in my style.

Guest Wishes! is a contemporary alternative to the wedding guest book. At the wedding breakfast I collect hand written message from your guests, take a quick snap of them and put it all together in a polaroid style. They can have a personal design and even go into you album. For more info, click here.

Yes. They are for half a day or less and can be done in a location of your choice or a fab location that I know of. You’ll get a set of online photos, usually an edited set of around 50-100 in the same gallery style that your wedding photos are. For more information about pre-shoots, click here.

SEE MY FULL FAQS

Contact Me

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you’re looking for a Ambleside Wedding Photographer, get in touch for a chat!

Whatever stage you’re at in your wedding planning, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message to see if we’re a good fit or to check my calendar and we can go from there. I’d love to hear from you!

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