External shot of Cote How Wedding Venue
A wedding sweetheart table for two at Cote How is decorated with greenery and white fabric, set near a window with sheer curtains, beneath a crystal chandelier. The room features wooden floors and minimalist, elegant décor.

Cote How

Updated On 21 March 2026

LAKE DISTRICT WEDDING VENUES
A large white house, known as Cote How, with a grey roof and multiple chimneys, is surrounded by shrubs and trees, set against a cloudy sky and a backdrop of hills.
Vintage cream-coloured armchair and loveseat with floral cushions sit beneath an ornate gold-framed mirror in an elegant, softly lit room at Cote How, with patterned wallpaper and a piano in the background.

Cote How – Wedding Venue Guide

Everything you need to know about planning a wedding or elopement

If you’re considering Cote How as your Lake District wedding venue, you’re choosing one of the most exclusive and breathtaking destinations within the Lake District National Park. Your hosts, Caroline and Steve, have created a truly special venue that is perfect for couples dreaming of an intimate, bespoke wedding surrounded by nature and history.

As a recommended supplier, let’s dive into the details to help you visualise your big day at this stunning location.

The Ultimate guide to planning your WEDDING AT Cote How
Black and white photo of a person buttoning the back of a woman’s off-the-shoulder wedding dress at Cote How, focussing on the buttons and hands. The scene is elegant and intimate.
the artist
MEET JONO

Jono Symonds is a Lake District Wedding Photographer & Videographer who describes himself as a visual storyteller. His goal is to create wedding imagery and film that stands the test of time and that is full of raw emotion and intimacy. He documents engagements, weddings and elopements, within The Lake District, Cumbria, while also journeying across the UK and the globe for destination weddings.

MEET JONO

About Cote How

Cote How is an award-winning, family-run wedding venue with a history dating back to the 16th century. Rugged fells and lush greenery surround this picturesque venue, nestled in the tranquil Rydal Valley, with Rydal Water close by. It combines heritage charm with eco-friendly practices, offering a unique setting for couples who value sustainability and natural beauty. The venue specialises in elopements and small, intimate weddings of up to 24 guests. All weddings at Cote How are fully bespoke, so your day is as unique as your love story.

Venue location

Cote How is situated near Rydal, an idyllic village in the Lake District National Park, between Ambleside and Grasmere. Its secluded countryside location means peace and breathtaking views. The venue is a 10-minute taxi journey from Ambleside or 15-20 minutes from Windermere Station, which services connections from Manchester and London. Pelter Bridge Pay & Display Car Park is 50m before the venue for guests who plan to drive to the venue.

Venue Style

The venue has a blend of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance, making it perfect for those couples looking for a relaxed wedding. Neutral color palettes, lighting, candles, and floral displays tastefully decorate all the spaces. The simplicity and elegance perfectly complement the stunning gardens and grounds.

Venue Capacity

Created specifically with small intimate weddings and elopements in mind, Cote How has a maximum guest list of 24 during their summer season (May-September) dropping to 12 during their winter season (October-April).

Venue Accommodation

Cote How has on-site accommodation for the couple with guest accommodation options ranging from camping to cottages, B&Bs and hotels nearby.

Venue Contact Details

Why Choose Cote How

So why as a Lake District Wedding Photographer and Videographer do I think should you should choose this particular venue for your wedding celebrations, when there is so much choice for wedding venues in the area?

Reason 1

The Owners : Caroline & Steve

My first reason to choose Cote How would be because of the owners Caroline & Steve. Together with their team of suppliers, they work hard and are passionate about creating warm and memorable customer experiences and are renowned for their hospitality.

Caroline has a vast amount of experience in the wedding industry (originally being a wedding dress designer) and together with Steve, there isn’t much they don’t know about their venue, weddings and the local area.

A bright, elegant room at Cote How set for a ceremony features a wooden table adorned with greenery and flowers, antique chairs, chandeliers, and a window letting in natural light with outdoor greenery visible.
Reason 2

Exclusive Use Venue

Cote How is an exclusive use venue, meaning you and your guests have exclusive access to the entire venue, making your wedding day feel truly personal and private.

Elegant dining table set with plates, glasses, and orange serviettes, decorated with tall candles and flowers. Warm fairy lights hang in Low Hall, creating a cosy, festive atmosphere.
Reason 3

Sustainability Focused

The venue prides itself on being eco-conscious, sourcing local produce and materials while minimising waste. It’s the perfect venue for environmentally conscious couples.

A bride and groom stand hand in hand on the jetty at Cote How, facing a calm lake with green hills in the distance under a cloudy sky. The bride wears a white dress and the groom a dark suit.
Reason 4

intimate weddings & elopements

Truly catering to couples seeking smaller, more intimate weddings or elopements, this wonderful venue excels in this niche.

Everything you could want or need in an elopement, a micro wedding or small intimate wedding is available, much of which is included in the pricing, making it perfect for couples wanting a hassle-free wedding day..

Key Venue Locations

With four stunning licensed ceremony options across three locations, couples have a wealth of choices for their ceremony and reception. I’ll cover some of the key locations at this wedding venue.

1

The House

The house at Cote How is a delightfully cosy and welcoming space. Built in 1535, it provides couples a choice of three ceremony rooms, each with its own unique charm; one also serves as a reception area. Tasteful decorations give each location an elegantly classic feel. With its open fireplaces, home away from home feel and immaculate decor, it is a wonderful space.

With its art déco and art nouveau styling, Caroline & Steve have created a beautiful space to prepare for your wedding ceremony in the former Wansfell Room.

3x Ceremony Locations

1x Reception location

Getting Ready Bridal Suite

Elegant, Cosy & Welcoming

  • External shot of Cote How Wedding Venue
  • A large white house, known as Cote How, with a grey roof and multiple chimneys, is surrounded by shrubs and trees, set against a cloudy sky and a backdrop of hills.
  • Vintage cream-coloured armchair and loveseat with floral cushions sit beneath an ornate gold-framed mirror in an elegant, softly lit room at Cote How, with patterned wallpaper and a piano in the background.
2

Cote How’s Wedding Barn

Cote How’s Wedding Barn is a delightful and inviting reception space that has a romantic and cosy feel to it. With its rustic stone walls, wooden beams and original Lakeland Barn features, it is sure to impress your guests. This Lakeland barn has been lovingly restored to create a relaxed and rustic feeling space that transitions to the stunning views and grounds just outside.

Outdoor Ceremony Option (May-September)

Summer Season Reception Option (May-September)

Rustic Barn Charm

3

The Gardens & Grounds

Set in 4 acres of naturally secluded grounds, one of the biggest highlights for many couples is the wonderful gardens and natural beauty that surround you everywhere you look. Many Cote How couples opt to have their wedding ceremony outside during summer (weather permitting) on the terrace of the Barn. Even if you opt for an indoor ceremony/reception, the gardens and grounds will almost certainly be popular with your guests and one of the key reasons you choose this venue.

Stunning Views & Backdrops

Secluded & Intimate

Outdoor ceremony option

Planning Your Cote How Wedding

Planning your special day at Cote How in the Lake District is made so easy with the expert support you’ll get from the venue owners Caroline & Steve, who excel at helping couples to bring their wedding dreams to life. For additional planning support, I recommend subscribing to my wedding planning newsletter, which is packed with valuable tips and inspiration. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions from couples who are considering Cote How or have already chosen this stunning Lake District wedding venue for their big day.

General Planning FAQs

Make contact with Caroline & Steve at Cote How, who will absolutely encourage you to visit and get to know them. They’ll be able to talk you through the booking process.

Cote How is an extremely popular Lake District Wedding Venue, especially for couples seeking a smaller, more intimate affair. I’d advise you to make contact as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment, but they sometimes have some great offers for those who are flexible with their booking. If they are booked though, please do contact me and I might be able to suggest some alternatives.

Cote How stands out as one of the most comprehensively equipped wedding venues, providing everything you need for your perfect day within their carefully curated packages. While you’re welcome to add personal touches, their all-inclusive packages ensure a beautifully styled wedding without requiring additional decorations or suppliers. Their packages feature:

  • expert wedding planning advice & guidance from Caroline and the team
  • exclusive use of the venue itself
  • all the decor items
  • fairy lights, festoon lights & candles
  • greenery
  • all cutlery, crockery and glassware
  • all linen, tables chairs & outdoor seating
  • a dedicated sound system

There is no on-site parking available at Cote How due to Lake District National Park restrictions and the single-track lane access. Detailed transportation recommendations are available from Cote How, however, here are some details regarding parking and transportation options:

Parking Options
The nearest Pay & display car park is Pelter Bridge Car Park some 50m before the venue, but during busy hours and peak season, spaces may not be available.

For Wedding Parties
Pre-booked group transport is strongly advised to avoid the parking challenges as taxis can be hard to find, and many cannot be pre-booked, so securing reliable transport for your guests early is essential.

Special Parking Exceptions
For guests requiring accessible parking or drop-off, arrangements can be made with the venue in advance.

This venue is historic and as such may present certain issues if you have elderly or disabled guests. Please contact Cote How for any specific information.

Cote How is a child and dog-friendly venue, but very much like my advice they recognise this needs to be managed as trying to control children/dogs with everything else, can really affect your wedding day. Cote How have some restrictions and offer specially tailored packages to couples who want to include children/dogs.

A glass vase filled with light green hydrangeas and pale pink roses sits on a white surface near a softly lit window, evoking the timeless elegance of Cote How.
A white two-storey house with a grey roof, multiple windows, and a central front door framed by potted shrubs and hanging baskets, Cote How features some bare vines and sparse shrubs around the entrance.

Photo & Film FAQs

In relation to Cote How and wedding photography or films, I would say try to make the most of the natural environment if your timeline allows and consider making a trip to the Lake or Rydal Caves (weather permitting) for portraits.

If you haven’t checked out my general wedding planning guides for hints, tips & things to consider, do check these out.

You really can’t go wrong whichever season you’re getting married in at Cote How. The venue tailors its packages so well to each season that they always have something to offer. Be it the real fires crackling in the house and festive decorations of a Christmas wedding or the warmth of a summer’s day enjoyed on the barn terrace.

Cote How use a recommended suppliers list for certain services and I am very pleased to say I am one of their recommended suppliers for photo & film services

Rydal Water is literally viewable from Cote How, with Rydal Caves also nearby. Both can really be an epic location for portraits, but it is not always practical on your wedding day.

If your Cote How wedding package doesn’t allow for this, then I’d suggest booking additional hours or a post-wedding shoot.

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the artist
MEET JONO

Jono Symonds is a Lake District Wedding Photographer & Videographer who describes himself as a visual storyteller. His goal is to create wedding imagery and film that stands the test of time and that is full of raw emotion and intimacy. He documents engagements, weddings and elopements, within The Lake District, Cumbria, while also journeying across the UK and the globe for destination weddings.

MEET JONO
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