Lake District Wedding Venues.
The Lake District is a part of the country that speaks to me as a wedding planner; its dramatic scenery and immersive landscapes allow you to totally escape from your day-to-day life. Its wild backdrops of lakes and mountains are unapologetic, bringing ‘take me as I am’ energy, and have the ability to completely enthral…just look at all the poets who have waxed lyrical about the place over the years. As a location for a wedding, I think it is one of the most romantic, and even a large-scale wedding in the Lakes feels intimate and inclusive. I want to showcase 7 Lake District wedding venues you’ll love, each full of Northern charm and unique features.
My favourite kind of Lake District wedding venues are those that have space for an explosion of creativity, and the option to extend the celebration into a weekend or even a week. Planning a wedding somewhere like the Lakes, we can really make magic happen in a big way. Each of the venues I’ve handpicked here are warm in atmosphere and make an impression on you the way only this part of the world can.
Technically Edenhall Estate lies just outside the Lake District National Park, but it’s included in my list because it has views to rival the best of them. You can choose between the High Barn or a marquee wedding here, and both options offer a backdrop to die for. The High Barn is surrounded by woodland, making you feel like you’re the only people there, and it has accommodation for 6 of your specially selected guests. If you want to really put your own stamp on the place, I’m a big fan of a marquee or tipi set-up for maximum creativity and flexibility. At Edenhall Estate you’re also perfectly situated for some of the Lakes’ most dramatic hikes including Helvellyn and Blencathra, and close to adventure activities like mountain biking and Go Ape – the perfect way to spend time with your loved ones on either side of your wedding day.
Next on our list of beautiful Lake District wedding venues is Askham Hall, which resonates with me for its luxurious yet unpretentious atmosphere. There are so many features here that I love for weddings, from its castle-Esque aesthetic to the Michelin-star food you’ll have dished up. The Hall is exclusively yours for your wedding celebrations and really feels like a home away from home but in the most exquisite way. Its gorgeous Grade 2 listed wedding barn and medieval hall feel rustic and historical, but its uniquely designed rooms and modern menus are totally up to date.
Located on the shores of Lake Windermere…I almost feel like I don’t need to say anymore. Storrs Hall boasts a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful lake vistas in the country (maybe even the world), and here you’ll find all the cosy comfort of a country house nestled alongside all the mod cons. It’s quirky, individually decorated rooms offer something for everyone, and the venue can be hired on an exclusive use basis for your wedding. Want to arrive by boat? Make use of the private jetty and say I do in style. Love the idea of exchanging your vows with the lake in the background? Both Storrs’ Hall’s ceremony locations have spectacular lake views. You and your guests will really feel spoilt here.
Appleby Castle is special for its vast historical lineage, with its Norman keep still intact and hundreds of years of Kings and Queens having graced its halls. Now, you can have a right royal knees up here when you exclusively hire the venue for your wedding. If you’re seeking regal romance then look no further, and if hosting your wedding dinner in a 15th-century banqueting hall sounds like your idea of heaven then you’re in the right place.
Deep in the heart of the Grasmere Valley, Forest Side really gives you that same feeling the great poets must have had when they wrote here. I love Forest Side for its wedding weekend offering, allowing you to stay longer with your loved ones and enjoy the idyllic surroundings. The venue has been lovingly restored from its Victorian origins, retaining its original character but with all the little modern luxuries you could want.
The Hidden River Cabins are, to put it simply, pretty special. As far as Lake District wedding venues go, this one is totally unique and offers you the chance to really get away from it all with your nearest and dearest. The cabins themselves are luxurious log cabins situated along the river, each with a hot tub and all the rustic escapism you’d expect. For your wedding, you can make use of the Hidden River Barn, which has a stunning outlook but allows you to put your own mark on your big day and decorate its blank canvas. Whatever sort of party you’re looking to host, the team here can make it happen…all set against a world-class backdrop.
Last but not least on my list of Lake District wedding venues is Town Head Estate. Another venue boasting Lake Windermere as its home, the estate is based at the south end of the lake and offers tranquillity and adventure. Its stone wedding barn is a blend of traditional and modern, and if you want to push the boat out (excuse the pun…) you can make use of the Boat House and Jetty to really capitalise on those views.
If you’ve been bewitched by the beauty of the Lake District and want to plan a wedding in this magical part of the world, fill in my enquiry form and we’ll get the ball rolling with a complimentary consultation. I can’t wait to chat and create something immersive and memorable that will last a lifetime in your memory.
Jess X
