Lake District
Wedding Photographer

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’ve become an honorary northerner after living in this area for over twenty five years. I live in Todmorden with my wife, children, and two dogs. I have a love of our great British landscape so I’m blessed to have The Lake District in easy reach.

I’m laid-back and enjoy spending time with my family, walking our dogs among the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District. We spend a lot of time in Keswick and Borrowdale and just love everything about The Lakes. I’m a bit of a foodie and delight in cozy evenings by a crackling fire at local spots during winter! I genuinely enjoy working in the beautiful venues throughout the Lake District.

THE BEGINNING OF YOUR STORY

Getting Married in the Lake District?

My approach to wedding photography in the Lake District focuses on capturing your special day’s genuine, natural, and emotional essence.

I prioritise documenting your wedding as it happens, ensuring that every laugh, tear, and heartfelt moment is captured unobtrusively. My documentary style emphasizes photographing authentic moments as they occur, allowing you to immerse yourself in the joy of your celebration.

The Lake District features numerous breathtaking venues that provide stunning backdrops for these cherished moments, including the historic charm of Holbeck Ghyll, the magnificent views at The Langdale Chase Hotel, and the romantic setting of The Beech Hill Hotel.

Each venue in the Lake District contributes its distinct character to your wedding photos, making them as unique as your love story. Please visit my website to learn more about my photography style and portfolio.

MY PORTFOLIO

My Favourite Lake District Wedding Venues

Iconic Spots to Celebrate Your Love

As a seasoned wedding photographer in the Lake District, I have captured moments of love and happiness at many of this region’s breathtaking wedding venues. Each venue possesses charm and provides an ideal setting for your special day, ensuring your wedding remains unforgettable.

Historic stone hotel with lush green garden landscape.

Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa

Borrowdale Valley, Lake District

Nestled in the picturesque Borrowdale Valley, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is a luxury lakeside wedding venue offering breathtaking views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. This elegant 4-star hotel features a dramatic waterfall, beautifully landscaped gardens, and direct lake access, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. Couples can choose from a range of ceremony and reception spaces, including the contemporary Garden Suite for up to 120 guests, the Lake View Restaurant for intimate celebrations, and a romantic outdoor gazebo beside the falls. The Falls Spa provides indulgent pre-wedding pampering, featuring a thermal suite, outdoor vitality pool, and treatment rooms, while the hotel’s 87 rooms and suites, including luxury Spa Suites, ensure your guests enjoy a stylish and relaxing stay. With bespoke menus crafted by expert chefs and a dedicated wedding team on hand to manage every detail, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is an exceptional venue for couples seeking natural beauty, comfort, and sophistication in the heart of the Lake District.

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Newlyweds kissing at a historic castle garden

Askham Hall

Askham, Lake District

Askham Hall is a picturesque wedding venue located in the heart of the Lake District that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern elegance. Surrounded by stunning gardens and breathtaking countryside views, it offers a picturesque backdrop for intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations. This multi-award-winning venue, named ‘Cumbria Tourism’s Wedding Venue of the Year 2022’ and ‘Small Hotel of the Year 2023’ by Visit England, features beautifully restored interiors, enchanting outdoor spaces, and warm hospitality. Couples can choose from various ceremony options, including the Grade II listed Bank Barn, the 16th-century Medieval Hall, the Grade I listed manor house, and outdoor ceremonies in the gardens. The venue offers exclusive use options for at least two nights, ensuring a genuinely personalised and unforgettable wedding experience. With its Michelin-starred restaurant and focus on seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, Askham Hall provides a culinary journey that complements the romantic atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a memorable wedding celebration.

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Bride and groom outside historic castle at dusk.

Muncaster Castle

Ravenglass, Lake District

Muncaster Castle, steeped in history and initially built in the late 13th century, offers a fairytale wedding experience in the heart of the Western Lake District. This medieval castle, set amidst beautiful gardens and wild woodlands, provides a magical backdrop for your special day. Couples can choose from six distinctive rooms licensed for ceremonies, including the enchanting Library, the grand Great Hall, and the elegant Drawing Room, accommodating up to 100 guests for ceremonies and celebration meals. For outdoor celebrations, the Front Lawns offer a picturesque setting with options for marquee hire. Exclusive use of the castle’s state rooms ensures that yours will be the only wedding on the day, and the venue offers customizable food and drink packages crafted by their esteemed chef. Accommodation options include cozy rooms within the castle grounds and nearby hotels, providing comfort for your guests. With its rich history and stunning views, Muncaster Castle creates an unforgettable atmosphere for intimate gatherings and lavish celebrations.

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Bride and groom walking by a lakeside tower.

Storrs Hall Hotel

Windermere, Lake District

Nestled on the shores of Windermere, Storrs Hall Hotel is a 4-star luxury venue featuring elegant bedrooms, ensuring your guests have a comfortable stay. This Grade II* listed Georgian Mansion, built in the 1790s, offers a variety of wedding ceremony facilities, including stunning indoor spaces with panoramic lake views and beautiful gardens for outdoor ceremonies. Couples can choose from six licensed spaces, including the elegant Drawing Room, the picturesque Victorian Garden Pavilion, and the South Lawn, which sweeps to the lake. The hotel features three dining rooms, each offering breathtaking views of Lake Windermere, and can accommodate up to 80 guests for a sit-down meal. Exclusive use options allow you to have the entire estate to yourself, and the venue offers bespoke wedding packages tailored to your needs. The attentive staff ensures that every detail is handled with care, and the hotel’s private jetty allows for romantic lake cruises. Guests can retire to one of the 30 individually designed bedrooms, and the luxurious boathouse provides a perfect honeymoon retreat.

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Majestic stone manor house with garden, overcast sky.

The Forest Side

Grasmere, Lake District

Located in the heart of Grasmere, The Forest Side is a hidden gem offering 20 luxurious bedrooms for guests to enjoy the serene beauty of the Lake District. This enchanting venue features rustic interiors and stunning gardens, providing a picturesque backdrop for both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. The beautifully landscaped grounds span 43 acres, offering breathtaking views of Helm Crag, Silverhow, and Loughrigg. Unique to The Forest Side is its commitment to sustainability and local produce, with a Michelin-starred restaurant that crafts bespoke menus using ingredients from its own kitchen garden and the surrounding Cumbrian landscape. The venue offers exclusive use options, allowing you to have the entire estate to yourself, and its award-winning chef, Paul Leonard, ensures a culinary experience that reflects the natural beauty of the Lake District. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, The Forest Side is perfect for a memorable and intimate celebration.

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Newlyweds kissing by a grand historic manor house.

The Netherwood

Grange-over-Sands, Lake District

Located on the edge of Grange-over-Sands, The Netherwood Hotel offers comfortable bedrooms and a charming Victorian setting, ensuring a cozy stay for you and your guests. This beautiful Grade II listed mansion, built in the late 19th century, provides a range of wedding ceremony facilities, including five elegant indoor spaces and beautifully landscaped gardens perfect for outdoor celebrations. The stunning views over Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside create a romantic scene for your wedding. With options for intimate gatherings of two to grand celebrations for up to 120 guests, Netherwood’s dedicated team tailors every detail to ensure your special day is filled with joy and elegance. Exclusive use options are available, and the hotel features a boutique spa, offering a serene retreat for relaxation. Guests can enjoy complimentary menu tastings, and the hotel provides a list of recommended suppliers to help plan your day. With only one wedding per day, you’ll have the team’s undivided attention to make your wedding truly unforgettable.

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Elegant wedding ceremony in grand hallway

Low Wood Bay

Windermere, Lake District

Located on the shores of Lake Windermere, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa offers a stunning lakeside setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding fells. This venue perfectly blends modern facilities and beautiful surroundings, ideal for indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Couples can choose from three stunning civil ceremony rooms and three beautiful options for their wedding breakfast. The Infinity Platform, a brand-new outdoor ceremony space, offers an idyllic backdrop for romantic elopements or lavish ceremonies for up to 160 guests. Evening parties are held in the Lake Suite with a private bar, and guests can enjoy unique accommodation rates and complimentary use of the Health Club. The resort’s award-winning spa features luxury treatments with breathtaking views, making it a premier choice for couples seeking a sophisticated and memorable wedding experience.

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Couple stands in elegant room by large window.

Abbey House Hotel

Barrow-in-Furness, Lake District

Located at the bottom of the South Lakes, Abbey House Hotel and Gardens is a 4-star luxury wedding venue nestled in 14 acres of picturesque woodlands and beautifully landscaped gardens. This historic property, adjacent to the stunning Furness Abbey ruins, offers 59 elegantly designed bedrooms, providing ample accommodations for your wedding guests. The hotel features a variety of wedding ceremony facilities, including picturesque outdoor spaces and indoor options such as The Great Hall and The Cavendish Suite. Couples can also hold a blessing on the grounds or at the 12th-century Furness Abbey ruins, offering a truly unique and historic setting. An exclusive outdoor wedding garden will be available starting in Spring 2025, enhancing the venue’s romantic charm. With its six-time award as the best wedding venue in Cumbria, Abbey House Hotel and Gardens offers a dedicated team of wedding coordinators who ensure every detail is meticulously planned to create an unforgettable and stress-free wedding experience.

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Couple kissing in garden wedding setting

Armathwaite Hall Hotel

Keswick, Lake District

Armathwaite Hall Hotel offers a stunning setting for your wedding celebrations, nestled on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake in the heart of the Lake District. This historic country house provides a range of wedding ceremony facilities, including four elegant indoor spaces and a picturesque outdoor Woodland Gazebo, each offering unique charm and flexibility for up to 120 guests for dining and 150 for receptions. The venue combines historic charm with modern amenities, creating a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. Your wedding day will be truly remarkable with exceptional service from a dedicated wedding coordinator, breathtaking surroundings, and tranquil gardens. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations in one of the 42 bedrooms, including a honeymoon suite, and relax in the award-winning spa, which features an infinity pool and hot tub. Exclusive use options and pet-friendly accommodations are also available, making Armathwaite Hall a truly unique and memorable wedding destination.

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Couple walking outside a historic stone building.

Cragwood Hotel

Windermere, Lake District

Cragwood Hotel is a charming lakeside venue situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, offering 23 beautifully decorated bedrooms to provide a comfortable retreat for your wedding guests. The ceremony space boasts stunning views of Windermere, while the beautiful 20-acre Edwardian gardens create a picturesque outdoor setting for intimate and grand celebrations. Couples can choose from various ceremony options, including the elegant Grand Hall and the scenic Garden Gazebo overlooking the lake. The hotel offers exclusive-use packages, allowing you to have the entire estate to yourself, and includes amenities such as a private jetty for romantic lake cruises. The dedicated team is committed to ensuring every detail of your special day is perfect, with options for bespoke menus and luxurious accommodations. Whether planning an intimate elopement or a more significant celebration for up to 120 guests, Cragwood Hotel provides a truly romantic and memorable wedding experience.

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Beautiful Wedding Venues in The Lake District

Each venue brings its unique character and beauty, providing the perfect canvas for your wedding day. As your Lake District wedding photographer, I am passionate about working with you to capture the essence of your celebration against the backdrop of these magnificent venues.

Moments That Last a Lifetime

Award Winning Wedding Photography

Welcome to Andy Wade Photography, where the essence of your special day in the Lake District is immortalised through the lens of an award-winning wedding photographer. I’m Andy Wade, and I specialise in capturing the authentic emotions and candid moments that make your wedding unique, ensuring that every precious memory is beautifully captured

Serving the Lake District

As a wedding photographer covering the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District, I have the privilege of documenting love stories at some of the region’s most stunning venues, including the rustic charm of Low Wood Bay, the elegance of the Daffodil Hotel, and the historic beauty of Askham Hall. My approach to wedding photography is rooted in a documentary style, focusing on natural photography that reflects the essence of your special day.

Best Lake District Wedding Photographer for You

Recognised as one of the top wedding photographers in the North West, I specialise in creating beautiful wedding photography that serves as a timeless record of your love. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering by Lake Windermere or a grand celebration in the heart of the fells, I offer tailored photography services to ensure you feel at ease and enjoy every moment.

Documentary Style Wedding Photography

My documentary style captures every laugh, tear, and dancefloor moment with authenticity, telling the unique story of your day. From the early planning stages to the final dance, I am committed to capturing the raw emotion and precious moments you will cherish forever.

Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

I would love to participate in your special day in the Lake District. With a passion for capturing weddings across this stunning region, I bring a reputation for excellence and a previous accolade as photographer of the year. My style combines stunning reportage with candid moments, ensuring every detail is captured in its most authentic form.

Get In Touch

If you’re planning your big day and searching for a Lake District wedding photographer specialising in natural, beautiful wedding photography that captures the essence of your love story, get in touch. Let’s create lasting memories together, capturing the love, joy, and every candid moment of your fabulous wedding in a wedding album you’ll treasure forever. At Andy Wade Photography, we’re not just taking pictures; we’re preserving your most cherished moments for a lifetime.

CONTACT ME
  • Black and white photo of people gathering outdoors in formal wear. A man lies on the ground playfully while others around him, including a bride, laugh and mingle. Two logos in the bottom right corner: "REAL" and "FEARLESS AWARD - M. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • A wedding couple dances on the grass, surrounded by guests. Long shadows of the couple and an instrumentalist are cast on the ground. The photographer's shadow holding the camera is visible in the foreground. Logos of "m" and "REAL" are in the bottom left corner. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
  • Black and white image of an emotional wedding ceremony. The groom, dressed in a light-colored suit, wipes away tears. The bride, in a wedding gown, also appears teary-eyed. Guests seated behind the couple watch the heartfelt moment. 'Fearless Award' logos are visible. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
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 Lake District Wedding Blog

My latest blog posts from weddings across The Lake District.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Check out my FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions I get about my wedding photography, written from the perspective of Andy Wade, designed to provide helpful information to potential clients:

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

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I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

If you’re looking for a Lake District 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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