COTE HOW
Updated On 30 June 2025
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.
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).
Accomodation
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Venue Portfolio
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
Photo & Film FAQs
Wedding Photography & Films at Cote How
As a Lake District Wedding Photographer & Videographer, I am beyond excited to be chosen as a recommended supplier for Cote How weddings and elopements. From my professional viewpoint, this wonderful Lake District wedding venue is perfect for those couples looking for a small and intimate wedding or elopement with the venue, guarantying a stunning setting all year round regardless of the season.
Real Weddings
Lake District Wedings
Joel & Tess | Micro Wedding | Kendal
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.
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.