How much does it cost to elope in the Lake District?

CALCULATING THE PRICE OF AN ELOPEMENT WEDDING PACKAGE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

There are lots of reasons why you may be planning an elopement wedding in the Lake District. Perhaps you’ve started planning a larger wedding and been overwhelmed by the mounting costs. Perhaps one or both of you did a big wedding the first time round. Perhaps family politics make the thought of getting everyone together in one place far too stressful. Whatever has led you here, I can assure you that with experience of photographing over 800 elopement weddings in the Lake District they really do seem like a great choice! Yes, eloping is likely to be a cheaper option than a larger celebration, but there are still some significant costs involved. Here are some of the things you can expect to spend on and some costs and prices for elopement packages and extras.

Relaxed Elopement Photo Lake District Wedding

elopement wedding detail with bouquet lake district

COSTS INVOLVED IN ELOPING

A marriage licence in the UK (declaring intent to marry with your local council) is typically around £42 per person (it could be nearer to £60 pp if you’re not a UK citizen).

Most of the elopement ceremonies I photograph take place in a licensed venue (eg. a hotel). Expect to pay around £605 for this – which includes the registrars travelling to the venue and conducting the legal ceremony. If you opt for a ceremony in a registry office the fee is less – around £140. Prices can be considerably more at weekends or if you opt for a “bespoke” ceremony with your own vows. Up to date costs for South Lakes are here.

The majority of elopement weddings that I photograph in the Lake District take place in hotels and their grounds. This means you don’t have exclusive use and there will be other guests in the hotel too. You will be guaranteed options for a private ceremony space and the interviews with registrars are always in a private room. Typically elopement packages include 2 nights dinner/bed/breakfast accommodation and often extras like afternoon tea, champagne, welcome hampers etc. Most venues will provide the two witnesses required as well. Expect to pay more for a venue that is exclusive use. Prices are often cheaper out of season – October to March.

The cost for your photographer will vary massively depending on their experience and packages they offer. My fee for capturing an elopement with no guests is £550 for 90 minutes and includes free video highlights. You will find some photographers offer longer packages for less, but you should carefully consider how long you want someone else there on your intimate day!

Perhaps not essential but I would always recommend this if you have the budget. It is nice to be pampered and look your best for the photos (which are the only thing you will have to show others!) Also, I find couples who have someone there to do hair and make up are usually calmer and happier. A wedding professional with you on your wedding morning can help calm any nerves and answer any questions.

Again not essential, but using one of my recommended local florists will really add to the quality and variety of your photos. In my experience local florists adore doing elopement flowers and pour their heart and soul into them.

Boathouse Elopement Photo Lake District Wedding

TOTAL: FROM £2500

Using the estimates above and assuming you opt for a ceremony in a registered venue with accommodation and food onsite, you’re looking at around £2500 as a starting point. This includes a photography, hair and make up and flowers. Other costs you may need to allow for include outfits, rings, travel, stationery (vow booklets, an announcement sign) and any activities such as a boat trip. You may of course also wish to extend your stay in the Lake District – though for many the 2 night package acts as both wedding and mini-moon in one! With the average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2025 being £20,000-30,000 it’s no wonder eloping is a tempting option!

WHAT IF THIS IS TOO MUCH?

The cheapest option you can go for if you still wish to be legally married is to have a ceremony in a registry office, midweek. You can then arrange your own accommodation and meals and keep these as cost effective as you like. Your legalities and photography with me are doable for under £800.

Free Brochure?

You can view headline details of my prices and packages here. For more detailed information please contact me for a free brochure packed with advice, tips and useful links!

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