Top Hotel Wedding Venues in the Stunning Lake District
Getting married in the Lake District is something special. I’ve photographed weddings all over the Lakes for years, and the combination of stunning scenery, charming towns and brilliant venues makes it one of my favourite places to work. As a local photographer, I feel very lucky to have it on my doorstep.
In this guide I’ll share why the Lakes work so well for weddings, and my pick of the top hotel venues, including a few I know inside out from photographing real weddings there.
Let’s get into it.
Why Choose the Lake District for Your Wedding?
The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most romantic wedding destinations in the UK. Serene lakes, rugged fells and lush greenery: as backdrops go, it doesn’t get much better.
What makes it truly special for a wedding is everything around the day itself: guests can walk the fells, take boat trips, explore the villages and make a proper break of it. Whether you’re planning a quiet, intimate celebration or a bigger party, it works.
What makes the scenery so breathtaking?
The landscapes do a lot of the heavy lifting. Tranquil lakes, majestic fells, light that changes by the minute: the atmosphere is something you simply can’t manufacture indoors.
Many of the region’s wedding hotels have grounds that sweep right down to the lakeside, with award-winning gardens and secluded spots tucked into the fells. For a photographer, it’s heaven.
These settings give you endless photo opportunities: golden hour over the water, dramatic hills behind the confetti shot, quiet jetties for portraits. Your wedding photos will look like nowhere else.
What venue options are there for a Lake District wedding?
From years of working here, I can tell you the Lakes offer a venue for every couple: grand country houses, intimate lakeside retreats, and hotels licensed for both indoor ceremonies and outdoor options like Victorian-style gazebos.
From Broadoaks Country House’s fairytale grounds to Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa’s stunning suites, there’s something for intimate gatherings and grand celebrations alike.
What can guests do while they’re there?
Choosing the Lake District treats your guests to more than just a wedding day. There’s plenty for them to enjoy while they’re here:
- Scenic walks and hikes through the picturesque countryside
- Boat trips and water sports on the iconic lakes
- Visits to historic sites and literary landmarks
- Indulgent spa treatments at luxurious hotel facilities
A Lake District wedding lets your guests turn the trip into a proper getaway, with memories of their own alongside your celebration.
Which hotel venues are worth considering?
Right, on to the venues. Here are my top hotel wedding venues in the Lakes, with honest notes from a photographer’s point of view.
The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
The Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa sits right on the shore of Derwentwater, and I know it well: the jetty, the lakeside spots, and how the light works down by the water.
Storrs Hall Hotel
I know the grounds very well, including portrait spots at the Temple of Naval Heroes down by the water, and the jetty at sunset is something else.
The Borrowdale Gates Hotel
Whether you’re planning something grand or more intimate, the team shape the day around you. A proper Lakes hideaway.
How do you go about planning your Lake District wedding?
Over the years I’ve learned that good planning makes all the difference in the Lakes. Every venue has its own character, so think about your priorities first. A few tips to get you started:
How do you choose the right venue?
Start with your guest numbers and the atmosphere you want. For bigger celebrations, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa can host up to 280 for a reception. I know where the sun sets there for the perfect night shot on the jetty, which tells you a lot about how well I know the place.
The setting matters just as much. Venues like The Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge have extensive grounds and riverfront access, perfect for outdoor ceremonies or relaxed receptions, while others offer private gardens and woodland.
What should you consider with wedding packages?
When you compare packages, focus on what matters most to you both: comfortable accommodation for your guests, food you’ll actually enjoy, and the flexibility to make the day yours.
Make sure your venue offers proper wedding coordination too. A good coordinator takes the stress out of planning and keeps the day running smoothly, which is worth its weight in gold.
Local Suppliers and Vendors to Consider
Don’t forget the local suppliers. The Lakes have brilliant florists, caterers, entertainers and, of course, photographers, and many venues have trusted people they work with regularly.
Ask your venue for recommendations, but do your own research too, and meet people before you book. The right supplier team makes the whole day feel easy.
Get the planning right and a Lake District wedding is genuinely unforgettable, for you and for every guest.
Final Thoughts
The Lake District is full of stunning hotel wedding venues, each with its own charm: lakeside elegance, fell-side seclusion, luxury spas. There’s something here for every couple.
Whichever you choose, you’ll have the breathtaking beauty of the Lakes as your backdrop, and memories to match.
If you’re planning a Lake District wedding and want a photographer who knows these venues inside out, I’d love to hear about your plans. Have a look around the site, and get in touch for a chat.
More from me
- My Lake District wedding photography page, with real weddings at many of these venues
