Unusual Wedding Venues in the Lake District
Unusual venues for your big or little wedding day!
Considering booking a wedding in the Lake District but looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Not only does the Lake District boast a vast array of award winning spa-hotels which excel in delivering weddings day in day out – it also offer some quirkier options for creative types who like to do things differently.
Whether you’re after a wedding in a boathouse, a log cabin, a pub or a tipi in the middle of nowhere, here are a few of the more unusual wedding venues I regularly photograph weddings at in the Lake District. If you have any questions about any of these please just get in touch!
THE LAKE DISTRICT: UNUSUAL WEDDING VENUES
Buttermere Tipi Wedding
One of my most visited web pages is for this magical location. Hire lakeside farmland in this stunning remote location in North Lakes and build your own Tipi wonderland wedding.
Coniston Coppermines
A unique mountain wedding venue nestled high up in Coniston fells. 360 degree rugged, wild landscapes and even a restored heritage waterwheel at this former working mine.
Windermere Motor Boat RC
A relatively little-used but magical wedding venue, Broad Leys on the shores of Windermere is home to the Motor Boat Racing Club. The building, designed by CFA Voysey, is one of the best examples of Arts and Crafts architecture and considered Voysey’s masterpiece. The grounds which stretch down to the lakeshore are rambling and pretty without being over manicured. Add a marquee for guest numbers up to 200.
Gilpin Boathouse
A magical fairy-light filled boathouse on the shores of a private lake, well away from the crowds. Surrounded by the luxury of the Gilpin estate, with the Lakehouse on site and the main hotel with it’s Michelin Star dining a very short chauffeured drive away.
The Boathouse is perfect for elopements, the Lakehouse and grounds are ideal for larger celebrations. Taking the little rowing boat out as part of your photoshoot is a must!
Hause Hall
A rustic and cosy option, with typically Lakeland buildings hefted to the side of Hallin Fell like herdy sheep. Ideal for smaller weddings and couples who want to pop a wedding ceremony into a longer Lakeland break to make the most of the outdoors.
The Lancrigg
Although relatively new on the scene as a wedding venue, Lancrigg comes steeped in history and romance. It has welcomed the likes of Robert Burns, Coleridge, Wilkie Collins, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Tennyson and Wordsworth and just oozes natural romance in an unpretentious yet hugely impressive way. Carefully restored and with stunning views it ticks all the boxes for a quintessential yet quirky Lakeland wedding venue.
Hidden River Cabins
Slightly further north in the county, this secret wonderland of log cabins and a large dedicated Wedding Barn is definitely worth a look. Whether you’re after a riverside log cabin elopement or a big party with all the bells and whistles there are dreamy options for both. The service and food is incredible too.
The Punchbowl
One of my favourite “Pub” wedding venues in the Lake District. The Punchbowl only hosts a handful of weddings each year and will greet your day with excitement and exclusivity. The multi-award winning food is a big draw, as is the cosy, quiet location, which is off the busy tourist path but super easy to get to. You can marry in the pub itself or opt for a ceremony in the pretty church next door.
Cote How
Small weddings in the Lake District rarely come with exclusive use of the venue, but at Cote How the cottage and grounds are all yours. Cosy inside, wild and beautiful out, it really is in one of the best locations in the Lakes. Enjoy a wander down to Rydal Water for your photos or extend your package for a climb up to the caves for some truly striking wedding portraits.
Silverholme Manor
An exclusive use Georgian Manor House on the shores of Windermere. The adjacent Coach House is a cute option for your ceremony, with a historical school-room feel. The Manor itself is packed with history and luxury touches and is a popular location for filming. Sustainability is also high on the agenda here – Silverholme is the first and only carbon neutral Georgian Manor House in the country.
