The Best Places for Engagement Photos in the Lake District

8 Dreamy Engagement Portrait Locations

Having lived in the Lake District for most of my life and photographed almost 1000 weddings and elopements here, I know the best places for photos pretty well! Here I share some of my favourite places for engagement and pre-wedding shoot images. Many are also ideal for elopement wedding photoshoots. They are all accessible (some require a little more effort and skill than others) and are also chosen for ease of parking and variety of different backdrops. Where the land is owned by the National Trust I have highlighted this as you should seek permission here if you are shooting professionally.

You can view more pre-wedding shoots here. Happy exploring – and if you’re looking for an experienced, fun and knowledgable female Lake District photographer please get in touch!

Engagement Shoot Lake District Windermere

#1: Millerground, Windermere

Lakeside location
Woodland
Easy drive
Easy walk from parking
Can get very busy!

Click here for location. There is a large pay and display car park or a smaller layby further north.

#2: Kirkstone Pass

Mountain location
Easy walk from parking
Easy to avoid crowds
Can get very windy
Not a huge amount of variety

Click here for location.

There are two car parks, One either side of the top of the pass, so you can shoot with backdrops towards Brotherwater/Ullswater one side and towards Windermere the other.

#3: Rydal Water and Caves

Mountain and lake location
Lots of variety
Dramatic cave photos
Longer/more challenging walk
Can get busy/hard to park

Click here for location.

It is best to park at Pelter Bridge and from there walk (apx 25 minutes) up to the caves then back along the lake shore. The small car park can fill up fast!

#4: Blea Tarn and Langdale

Mountain and lake location
Easy walk from parking
Lots of variety
Longer/more challenging drive
Can get fairly busy at the tarn
Permit required for commercial photography

Click here for location.

There is usually enough parking adjacent to the tarn. As this is National Trust property you should enquire about permission before shooting for commercial purposes. If you drive back down towards Langdale there are beautiful views from the laybys on the winding road – make sure the handbrake is on well, it’s steep!!

#5: Rannerdale Knotts and Crummock Water

Mountain and lake location
Easy walk options
Lots of variety
Longer drive/more remote
Permit required for commercial photography

Click here for location.

At this location there is fairly limited parking but it is ideal for access to Crummock Water and for the walk up to Rannerdale Knotts for higher views. The bluebells are amazing in late spring.This is National Trust owned property so you should enquire about permission before shooting for commercial purposes.

#6: Hodge Close Quarry

Dramatic, unusual location
Easy to park
Fairly scramble-like walk in and out the quarry

Click here for location.

This is great if you’re after backdrops with more of a moody feel that picture-postcard Lakes. Decent footwear and walking ability is needed to get down to base of the quarry and back.

#7: Gummers How

Mountain location
Easy to avoid people
Easy to park
Fairly long walk to get to the top (apx 35 min up)
Can get very muddy!

Click here for location.

This is a popular fell walk with great views for not a huge amount of effort. There is some woodland and often Highland cows (friendly but inquisitive!)

#8: Whitbarrow

Unusual cliff base location
Easy to avoid people
Easy to park
Walk can be fairly slippy

Click here for location.

Just outside the Lakes this location is usually fairly quiet and offers dramatic views of the cliffs above, There is a loop walk back through the woodland for some variety.