Enchanting Small Wedding Venues in the Lake District
Fancy a cosy, picture-perfect wedding venue? The Lake District is just the ticket. I’ve photographed weddings here for years, and the smaller venues often make for the most personal, relaxed days.
In this guide I’ll share the area’s best venues for small, personal weddings, from historic houses to quaint barns and luxury hotels, with honest notes from a photographer who’s worked in plenty of them.
Let’s get into it.
Why Choose the Lake District for Your Small Wedding?
The Lake District is a captivating place for a wedding: breathtaking natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
What makes the natural beauty so special?
From peaceful lakeshores to the shelter of the valleys, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops. And these landscapes do more than look pretty: they set the whole mood of the day.
What makes these venues special is how they blend into their surroundings. You’re not just getting married near nature; you’re part of it for the day.
Why do these venues feel so tranquil and intimate?
Many Lake District venues offer exclusive use, so you and your guests get the whole place to yourselves. For a small wedding especially, that privacy is lovely.
Exclusive use also means more freedom to personalise everything, from timings to decor, which creates the relaxed, intimate atmosphere smaller weddings do so well.
How easy is it for guests to get there?
Despite the rural feel, the Lakes are easy to reach, with the M6 running right past and the west coast main line into Oxenholme. Many venues have accommodation on site too, which makes life simple for guests.
Which small wedding venues in the Lake District stand out?
The Lake District has some charming small wedding venues, with stunning backdrops, personal service and a peaceful atmosphere. Here are my top picks.
Broadoaks Country House Hotel
Between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel occupies one of the most beautiful spots in the central Lakes. It’s an exclusive-use venue with real character, and one I always enjoy working at.
Broadoaks suits intimate celebrations perfectly, with space for up to 120 ceremony guests and 150 in the evening, and licences for indoor and outdoor ceremonies. My tip: I know a local jetty on Lake Windermere, about 5 minutes away, that makes for beautiful portraits.
Lindeth Howe
Steeped in literary history as the former home of Beatrix Potter, Lindeth Howe offers a genuinely romantic setting near Windermere. I’ve photographed weddings here and it has a warmth all of its own.
It’s an award-winning venue hosting anything from 2 to 120 guests, licensed for ceremonies, with lovely gardens for the drinks reception. Ideal for a personal, bespoke celebration.
The Samling Hotel
Perched on a hillside above Lake Windermere, The Samling Hotel blends elegance and tranquility. A refined choice for a lakeside celebration.
The Samling handles both intimate gatherings and bigger celebrations, with space for ceremonies and evening receptions, and the view from the terrace is one of the best in the Lakes.
Hillthwaite House Hotel
Hillthwaite House Hotel offers an elegant setting with stunning views over the fells and towards the lake.
It hosts up to 120 for ceremonies and 150 for the evening, striking a nice balance between intimacy and having everyone you love there.
The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa
In the heart of Grasmere, The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa has a properly romantic atmosphere, with Grasmere Lake on the doorstep.
It hosts up to 150 for ceremonies and 200 in the evening, with stylish interiors and spa facilities. A great option if you want intimacy with a touch of grandeur.
The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage is a charming historic house with a warm, intimate feel, tucked away in the countryside: lovely for a small wedding with timeless elegance.
It hosts up to 50 for ceremonies and up to 180 for the evening, so you can keep the ceremony close-knit and open the party up later.
A few other small venues I’d recommend:
- Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa
- New House Farm
- Wild Boar Estate
- Askham Hall, Cumbria Tourism’s Wedding Venue of the Year 2022
- Abbey House Hotel & Gardens, a six-time winner of the best wedding venue in Cumbria
These venues cover everything from elopements for 2 to celebrations of a few hundred, so there’s something for every couple.
Planning Your Small Wedding in the Lake District
From experience, timing matters enormously for a Lake District wedding. The light changes everything here.
Golden hour gives the dreamiest light for portraits, especially with the lakes and fells behind you. Earlier in the day the light is softer and more even, which is lovely for the ceremony and group photos.
A well-timed day makes for better photos and a smoother, more relaxed experience for everyone.
Finding the Perfect Date
When you choose your date, think about season, atmosphere and availability. I’m always a bit in love with autumn weddings here: the colours are something else.
A weekday or off-peak date can open up flexibility on both price and supplier availability too, and the Lakes are quieter, which suits an intimate wedding.
Local Suppliers and Services
Working with talented local suppliers is one of the best ways to bring your wedding to life. The Lakes are full of skilled people, from florists to celebrants.
Local suppliers know the area, the venues and the weather, which keeps everything running smoothly, and it’s nice to support the local community too.
Final Thoughts
Lake District wedding venues provide stunning backdrops whatever the size of your day. For couples who want a more personal atmosphere, these smaller venues are hard to beat.
If you’re planning a small, intimate wedding in the Lakes and want it captured naturally, I’d love to hear from you. Have a look at my Lake District wedding photography and get in touch.
