Wedding Venues in the Lake District & Cumbria

UPDATED FOR 2024.

About This Guide

If you’re looking for a list of Lake District Wedding Venues in Cumbria, look no further! Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and serene lakes, the Lake District (and the wider location of Cumbria) is a sought-after destination for couples seeking a picturesque backdrop for their wedding day. In this guide to the best wedding venues in Cumbria and The Lake District you’ll find:

  • A visual map for those couples that don’t know the area or perhaps have a particular part of the county in mind.
  • A list of some of my favourite wedding establishments in alphabetical order, which can be filtered by a variety of venue types as well as links to other venues.
  • Frequently Asked Questions and much more

Please note this guide does not include all venues or the the countless churches, or other religious ceremony locations. The available locations change regularly.

If you are a couple and have a specific type of wedding in mind or you are a business and want to include your venue please get in touch, and happily try to assist you.

The Lake District and Cumbria

The Lake District, also known as The Lakes, ‘Lakeland’ or The Lake District National Park, is in Cumbria in North West England. The area is split over the two new unitory authorities of Cumberland Council (covering the areas of Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland) and Westmorland and Furness Council (covering areas surronding Barrow, Kendal and Penrith).

It is England’s largest national park and is a world heritage site and an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Lakes and the wider Cumbria boast some of the most beautiful landscapes and countryside there is in the UK and perhaps even the world. People genuinely can’t get enough of this picturesque part of the country. It’s therefore not surprising it is a favourite place for many couples to get married.

Choosing the Perfect Lake District Wedding Venue

As a Lake District Wedding Photographer and Videographer, I’m happy to tell you that you’re considering a fantastic part of the world in which to get married. There are a huge number and variety of wedding venues to suit your needs, but selecting the right establishment is crucial to creating a memorable experience.

From grand estates to rustic barns and lakeside hotels to quirky woodland retreats the Lake District boasts a diverse range of venues, each with its own distinct charm and style. Whatever you’re considering, the area has a wide selection of styles to choose from. To narrow down your search and choose the perfect wedding venue in the Lake District, think about what you want your wedding day to feel like. Once you envisage how you want your day to look and feel, start browsing through our guides and the different venue websites to narrow down your choices.

Historic Grand Estates & Manor Houses

For those dreaming of a fairytale style wedding, the Lake District offers a selection of historic grand estates and country manor houses. These venues exude elegance and provide a regal setting for couples to say their vows.

Rustic Barns & Farmhouses

Couples seeking a more rustic and down-to-earth ambiance can opt for one of the many charming barns or farmhouses scattered throughout the area in the many villages and towns such as Cockermouth, Ambleside and Grasmere. These venues often provide a more cosy and intimate setting, perfect for couples looking to celebrate their special day in a more relaxed way.

Modern & quirky

Whilst many of the sites suit more traditional weddings, those seeking something more modern, quirky or unusual fear not. There are still some wonderful choices in this part of the world for those those couples looking to think outside of the box and do something different.

Traditional Churches & Hotels

For those couples wanting a more traditional feel to their wedding day, there are countless churches (not covered in this guide) and traditional hotels, many of which sit on the shores of Lake Windermere, Lake Ullswater, and Derwentwater.


Map Of Wedding Venues

The map gives you an idea of some of my favourite cumbrian wedding locations suggested in this guide and their proximity to the local towns, cities as well as travel links. It can be esepcially useful for those couples that may not know the area very well.

Key to Colours

Red Pins = Westmorland & Furness Council District
Blue Pins = Cumberland Council District

Cumbria Wedding Venues List

The list below is presented in alphabetical order, but it allows you to filter by venue type. If you’re looking for a specific type of venue we’d suggest you check out our specific guides for more detailed considerations, which can be found further down the page. It is worth noting that some of the listings may feature in more than one catagory. For example it maybe a historic country house that also caters for marquee weddings. The list of approved licensed wedding venues changes frequently, so you may find the lists of Cumberland Councils Directory of Approved Premises and Westmorland and Furness Council’s Directory of Approved Premises useful.

  • Image of wedding floral arrangement in stately home

    Abbey House Hotel & Gardens

    Set in 14 acres of landscaped grounds and a short 20-minute drive from Windermere lies the grand-looking Abbey House Hotel. Perfect for those couples who want a traditional hotel wedding, but with a bit of historic grandeur, especially for those opting for an outdoor ceremony at the historic ruins of Furness Abbey.

    Venue Website
  • Another Place, The Lake

    This contemporary and relaxed hotel sits on 18 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Ullswater in the Lake District. You can hire this hotel out as an exclusive use wedding venue. The hotel spaces bring people together, and couples often like it for its on-site accommodation and relaxed atmosphere.

    Venue Website
  • Appleby Castle

    Appleby Castle is a historic motte and bailey castle wedding venue in the stunningly beautiful Eden Valley. It provides a dramatic setting for a wedding day and is perfect for couples looking for a touch of grandeur to their day.

    Venue Website
  • Married couple kissing near Armathwaite Hall

    Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa

    Armathwaite Hall lies on the shoreline of Bassenthwaite Lake in 400 acres of deer park and woodland. With its well-manicured gardens and elegant interiors, it provides a romantic backdrop perfect for your special day.

    Venue Website
  • External Shot of Askham Hall in Cumbria

    Askham Hall & Bank Barn

    This Boutique Country House Hotel and Barn Wedding Venue are in the village of Askham, just outside Penrith. Set in beautifully maintained gardens and grounds with views of the River Lowther, it is a great venue for those couples looking for flexibility for their wedding day.

    Venue Website
  • Augill Castle

    Augill Castle Specialises in small and beautiful exclusive use weddings of up to sixty people. Priding themselves on total flexibility, they offer couples an all-inclusive set price for the castle. This covers venue hire, on-site accommodation, and food, making it popular with couples looking for a venue they can make their own.

    Venue Website
  • External view of Belmount Hall

    Belmount Hall

    A former home of Beatrix Potter, Belmount Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian House near Hawkshead Village.  Taking only a very limited number of 6 weddings each year this venue is perfect for those couples who want a country house wedding and an air of exclusivity on their wedding day.

    Venue Website
  • Couple leaving ceremony as guests clap

    Blaithwaite House

    Set in 250 acres of beautiful Cumbrian countryside on the edge of the Lake District Blaithwaite House is, for me, one of the hidden gems of Lake District Wedding Venues. A choice of ceremony locations from outdoor to a barn means you can really tailor your day to what you want from it.

    Venue Website
  • Exterior view of The Briery Wood Country House Hotel

    Briery Wood Country House Hotel

    Lying in 7 acres of landscaped grounds and woodland within a short distance of Lake Windermere lies Briery Wood Country House Hotel. A popular venue for couples wanting a more traditional hotel wedding.

    Venue Website
  • External Shot of Lake District Wedding Venue - Broadoaks Country House Hotel

    Broadoaks Country House Hotel

    A former Victorian Gentleman’s residence, Broadoaks is a traditional Lakeland Country House Hotel, and popular with people looking for a more traditional hotel style wedding to celebrate with family and friends.

    Venue Website

Frequently Asked Questions

There really is no right or wrong way to choose your wedding venue. I’d always suggest speaking to the venues as they will help you maximise how to get the best from the different locations and your wedding day. If you haven’t already I’d suggest signing up for my wedding planning email series as well for more general advice, hints and tips. Lastly, I’ve included some FAQs below that I come across regularly in relation to couple who are considering booking a venue in The Lakes for their wedding day.

This might seem obvious, but your first step is to make contact with the venue and discuss the dates you’re considering.

I’d also advise that you make sure you visit any venue BEFORE booking to confirm it really is what you’re looking for.

You really can’t go wrong whichever season or venue you pick for that matter, but yes some Lake District wedding venues do excel in certain seasons.

If you’re restricted to a certain season or have your heart set on a particular time of year or venue and want my advice, please feel free to make contact.

Whilst all venues should be legally compliant, there are some venues where accessibility for elderly or disabled individuals can be problematic. This is especially prevelant in some of the more historic venues.

Examples include, but are not limited to

  • restricted access to certain areas due to stairs
  • narrow walkways, doors
  • low light.
  • no automatic doors or lifts
  • limited parking close to venue
  • areas that are slippery
  • areas made from gravel or cobbles or areas that are uneven.

You may want to enquire with any potential venues about ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, and other accommodations for any individuals attending your wedding that may encounter issues.

It’s advisable (as it is with myself) to book your preferred wedding venue as soon as possible to avoid any disapointment.

This is especially important if you’re considering a date during peak wedding season or key dates in the year such as Valentines Day, New Years Eve and so on.

If you’re flexible though on when you get married most locations and vendors in general can accomodate you at short notice.

Absolutely. Most of the venues welcome visits from potential couples.

Some venues have open days where you can have a wander round, but if you can’t make one of those I would 100% advise you to schedule a visit with any wedding venue you are considering before booking.

You really need to experience the venue’s ambiance first-hand and it lets you discuss in detail your vision for your wedding with the venue.

This will vary dramatically between different venues as there is no standardised practice. As a result when considering your venue you should factor in any additional costs that may affect your budget.

For example some venues may include a variety of things in their quote such as your wedding breakfast, staff, tables, chairs, and glassware, accomodation, where others will not and you will only be getting the venue itself.

It is therefore super important when comparing venues to make sure you understand what exactly is and isn’t included in the price.

No is the simple answer. Whilst the Lake District on the whole is dog friendly and a large proportion of the venues are, certain venues may have restrictions such as:

  • No dogs allowed at all.
  • Require special permission at the time of booking.
  • Limit the number of dogs.
  • Limit where dogs can go.

My advice is to mention this as soon as you enquire about a venue, just to see what if any restrictions might be in place. Feel free to reach out to me though if you want some suggestions.

Firstly you need to determine which local authority your wedding venue falls under (have a look at the map above) and then contact the relevent registrars office.

Cumberland Registrars Services
0300 373 3730
Website

Westmorland & Furness Registrars Services
0300 373 3300
Website

Yes, many venues offer exclusive use, meaning you and your guests have the entire venue to yourselves for the duration of your wedding celebration, providing a private and intimate experience.

When choosing your Lake District wedding venue consider the accessibility for guests traveling from afar, as some of the wedding venues can be remote and would be more difficult to get to without direct transport.

It’s worth working with local vendors and a wedding planner familiar with the area, who can advise you on issues you may not have considered, and help you select a wedding venue that might be accessible via public transport.

Eloping in the Lake District is certainly possible, with many venues offering elopement packages that include the ceremony, accommodation, and sometimes even a celebratory meal.

It’s best to contact venues directly to discuss your needs, but as a Lake District Elopement Photographer & videographer, I’m more than happy to advise you as to some of the venues that can accomodate this type of wedding.

Real Weddings in
THE LAKE DISTRICT & CUMBRIA

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.

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External Shot of Cumbrian Wedding Venue The Townhead Estate

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WEDDING VENUES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT & CUMBRIA

If you feel Low Hall, The Lakes might not be the perfect wedding venue for you, check out our Lake District Wedding Venue Guide for a full range of wedding venues in the surrounding area.