15 Best Small Wedding Venues in the Lakes
Charming, intimate and full of wow factor, check out our edit of the best wedding venues in the Lake District for small weddings
With its rolling hills and world-renowned waters, the Lakes provides a serene setting for couples looking to host memorable celebrations of every size – and these small wedding venues in the Lake District are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Whether you dream of a wedding in a pretty country house, a rose-filled walled garden or you want to get well and truly back to nature at an eco-estate, these intimate Lake District wedding venues really are the best of British.
To help you choose the perfect setting, we’ve searched high and low to bring you our edit of the best wedding venues in the Lake District for small weddings, all of which offer cute and cosy spots to tie the knot, locally sourced cuisine and a romantic and intimate honeymoon escape post-party.
15 Best Small Wedding Venues in the Lakes
From Keswick to Windermere to Ambleside and beyond, get ready to be inspired – these Lake District wedding venues are seriously charming!
1. Town Head Estate
For a luxury barn wedding nestled on the hushed shores of Lake Windermere, Town Head Estate is as tranquil as it gets. Set across 110 acres of private parkland, it may not seem like a ‘small’ venue at first glance, but the family-owned estate has plenty of spaces for intimate celebrations and there is room for the wedding party to sleep in the on-site cottages.
After walking down the aisle in either the ceremony room of the barn or outside next to the lake, you can host a private reception in either the rustic surroundings of the barn or the Victorian Boat House – a beautiful spot with its own jetty for dreamy photo ops.
We can’t fault this truly wonderful, historic hideaway. And – fun fact – this Lake District wedding venue even counts English writer Beatrix Potter and artist John Ruskin as previous visitors. If it’s good enough for them…
- Pricing: From £9,300
- Capacity: 120 guests
- Deals: Couples planning a winter wedding should check out this venue’s magical winter offer for 2025/26 which includes 30% off venue hire, 20% off catering and a complimentary drinks package. Mulled wine, anyone?
2. Cragwood Country House Hotel
Ripe for playing lord and/or lady of the manor, this traditional, award-winning bolthole is available to book in its entirety, with space for up to 120 friends and family.
Location-wise, you’re in for a treat. Cragwood Country House Hotel boasts some of the most beautiful surroundings in the Lake District thanks to its location on Lake Windermere, with stunning views of the Langdale Pikes and surrounding fells.
There are options for both indoor and outdoor vows, and beautiful oak-panelled rooms for your reception. Throw in some garden games on the manicured lawns and 23 generous bedrooms, and the only thing you need to worry about is which cocktail to choose!
- Pricing: POA
- Capacity: 120 guests
- Deals: If you're seeking winter wedding packages across the Lake District, occasionally this venue offers excellent deals on NYE weddings – reach out via the link below to find out more.
3. The Kings Head
Situated in the heart of Keswick, this welcoming 17th century coaching inn is the perfect spot for an intimate wedding and has plenty of surprises up its sleeve (including its modern cuisine, for starters).
Couples will fall in love with the pretty, white-washed exterior of The Kings Head, and the perfect blend of modern and traditional interiors that include the renowned St John’s Restaurant.
There’s a dedicated ceremony suite for small Lake District weddings of up to 50 guests and you won’t need taxis come nightfall either: upstairs there are 17 luxury bedrooms with scenic views of the stunning surroundings beyond.
- Pricing: POA
- Capacity: 60 guests
4. Dalston Hall
One of our favourite small wedding venues in the lakes, the beautiful Dalston Hall in Carlisle, Cumbria, is that kind of under-the-radar, word-of-mouth place you’ll want to keep to yourself – but we’re not here to gate-keep!
Whether you want to celebrate amongst the grandeur of The Baronial Hall or have a small and intimate ceremony underneath the stone gazebo, this Lake District wedding venue prides itself on catering to weddings of all sizes. You’ll find dedicated packages that cater to celebrations of all kinds too, which include food and drink, and an in-house DJ.
When it’s time to turn in, there’s a dreamy honeymoon suite for the happy couple to make use of, too.
- Pricing: From £3,750
- Capacity: 70 guests
- Deals: Hoping to plan something last minute? Enjoy an intimate wedding on remaining 2025 dates with up to 25 guests from £1,500.
5. Lindeth Howe
Seeking an idyllic storybook setting overlooking the Lake District hills? Look no further. Once the cherished home of Beatrix Potter, the stylish and serene Lindeth Howe in Bowness-on-Windermere is a truly romantic spot for small weddings in the lakes.
The stunning grounds and surrounding waters are the perfect backdrops for outdoor drinks and games, while the elegant interior, with its chic mix of eclectic décor, sets the tone for a quietly refined celebration.
Couples can say vows inside one of the beautifully appointed rooms or cast open the doors for an outdoor ceremony in the private garden away from prying eyes.
- Pricing: Menus from £99
- Capacity: 100 guests
- Deals: Hitched users can snag themselves up to 20% off their 2026 wedding when they book selected dates in January, February or March. Run, don’t walk!
6. Low Hall The Lakes
This wildly romantic wedding venue situated between Lorton and Cockermouth is set within colourful gardens and beautiful, charming grounds that overlook the Lake District fells.
Comprising an historic 17th century farmhouse and a traditional stone barn, Low Hall The Lakes makes the perfect canvas for an intimate ceremony with a handful of friends and family as well as a chilled-out, festival-style shindig with all your loved ones.
After tying the knot in the farmhouse, in a hushed woodland clearing or at a romantic spot down by the lake, couples can dance the night away in the Loveable Old Barn that’s decked out with everything you need for the perfect party.
- Pricing: From £6,000
- Capacity: 110 guests
- Deals: Keep your eyes peeled on this small wedding venue’s listing for last-minute availability deals – including Saturdays!
7. Briery Wood Country House Hotel
Moments from the shores of Lake Windermere and set in seven acres of its own woodland, this pretty country pad has exceptional grounds with manicured gardens, a charming, licensed gazebo and lakeside spots for photos.
With 23 pristine and cosy bedrooms, an esteemed restaurant and expert wedding planning team, couples have everything they need at their fingertips for a seamless celebration with close friends and family.
Hire the hotel in its entirety or, for a romantic wedding à deux, check out Briery Wood’s ‘Just Us’ elopement package which includes a two-night stay, celebratory three-course dinner and even a scenic Lake Windermere cruise.
- Pricing: Menus from £49
- Capacity: 100 guests
8. The Grasmere Hotel
If you’re on the hunt for small wedding venues in the lakes that will have all the details of your day taken care of, look no further than The Grasmere Hotel, a family-run property in the quirky village of Broadgate, in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
‘Your day, your way’ is the mantra here, with every element of a wedding completely tailored to the couple. The beautiful Victorian property is surrounded by pretty gardens where you can toast to your newlywed status over champagne with friends before enjoying a bespoke, locally sourced wedding breakfast menu in the light-filled Conservatory Restaurant.
There’ll be no need for carriages at midnight either, with 11 cosy en suite bedrooms to make use of.
- Pricing: From £500
- Capacity: 45 guests
- Deals: Hitched users can get themselves an exclusive 10% off wedding bookings as standard.
9. New House Farm
This 17th century property situated in the scenic Lorton Valley still retains many of its period features – yet it’s without doubt one of the chicest spots to tie the knot in the Lake District, with plenty of cosy accommodation and garden space to boot.
The ancient Hayloft barn, with its stone walls and exposed beams, has been expertly restored to provide a beautiful blank canvas for ceremonies and receptions, while those planning a small wedding might choose to tie the knot in The Cart Shed with its fully glazed gable end and uninterrupted views of the Buttermere valley and Haystacks hill.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue overflowing with rural luxe, New House Farm is it. The grounds here are unrivalled, with photoshoot-ready scenery all around.
- Pricing: From £500
- Capacity: 130 guests
- Deals: Keep checking this venue’s listing for last-minute 2025 winter dates.
10. Merewood Country House Hotel
If you dream of a small wedding venue in the Lake District that combines the charm and elegance of a grand setting with a vibe that’s still cosy and intimate, Merewood Country House Hotel could be perfect.
While it comfortably accommodates up to 120 guests for a ceremony and dinner, it still manages to maintain that charming home-from-home feel that couples might crave for a smaller gathering. Perched on a gentle slope, it also provides the most stunning views of Lake Windermere.
Intimate spots for a ceremony include the Drawing Room and the Library, both of which exude a warm and romantic atmosphere. Make the most of the light-filled Conservatory Bar for wedding drinks, too, which is beautiful even when the weather isn’t playing ball.
- Pricing: Menus from £79
- Capacity: 120 guests
- Deals: This venue’s Say ‘I Do’ in 2025 package has been reduced to £8,800 based on 70 guests and includes everything from exclusive venue hire for two nights, food, drink, £250 bar tab and so much more!
11. Askham Hall
This elegant country pad located in a leafy corner of calm in Penrith, Cumbria, is the perfect spot for nature-loving couples to come and let their hair down with their nearest and dearest. Peaceful, private and luxurious, Askham Hall may be able to host up to 150 guests, but there are plenty of spots on site for intimate celebrations, including the enchanting Garden Pavilion for outdoor nuptials.
The Bank Barn and the Medieval Hall are both available for ceremonies and receptions, too, or couples can take a short stroll through the gardens to tie the knot in the tucked away St Peter’s Church, a 19th century treasure with a secret gated entrance.
Afterwards, enjoy elderflower cocktails and a farm-to-table menu crafted by the Michelin-starred restaurant located on site before retiring to one of the 19 luxurious bedrooms. Bliss!
- Pricing: Menus from £60
- Capacity: 150 guests
12. Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
Just look at that view! Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery and is the perfect wedding venue for couples seeking a retreat with their closest loved ones for more than one night. Not only will the views blow you – and your guests – away, but the magic continues inside with chic and elegant interiors that match up to the epic surroundings.
Couples can say vows at a small wedding overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Derwentwater and the iconic Cat Bells fell before heading inside to the Conservatory for cocktails and canapés.
Of course, there are plenty of bedrooms and facilities to make use of during your stay, too. And what better way to thank your maids than by booking them a luxury treatment at the sublime Falls Spa?
- Pricing: Menus from £40
- Capacity: 100 guests
13. New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
Another of our favourite spots for a romantic Lake District elopement, the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel is nestled between the Langdale Pikes, close to the rather stunning Dungeon Ghyll ravine and offers a dreamy and historic setting for a small wedding in the lakes.
While the rooms beautifully combine traditional interiors with modern touches and are perfect for an intimate ceremony and dinner, it’s the epic views and breath-taking 40ft waterfall that really are the jewels in this hotel’s crown.
The property is located on a medieval settlement and has the most incredible scenery for outdoor drinks and photos. Be sure to make the most of that terrace!
- Pricing: POA
- Capacity: 60 guests
14. Crown Hotel
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Wetheral, near Carlisle, the Crown Hotel is perfectly suited for couples who have their heart set on a small Lake District wedding with gardens, bedrooms and excellent food.
The juxtaposition of the Crown’s contemporary chic interiors and the rolling grounds outside make for a grand and luxurious wedding that also feels incredibly intimate.
Exchange vows outside underneath the beautiful gazebo, in the light-filled conservatory or amid the splendour of the verdant garden suite, while those planning an elopement or particularly small wedding can take advantage of the hotel’s elegant lounges.
- Pricing: Menus from £65
- Capacity: 150 guests
15. Knott Estate
When it comes to small wedding venues in the lakes, the beautiful and rustic Knott Estate is yours for the taking – barn, farmhouse, lawns, flower-filled gardens and all.
Couples can whirl from their ceremony in the 17th century wedding barn, with its ancient stone walls and striking chandeliers, to the idyllic green gardens for cocktails, then back into the barn or a marquee in the fields for platters of hearty fare and dancing into the night.
This is a small Lake District wedding venue that prides itself on creating bespoke celebrations of all sizes, too – with dedicated offerings and wedding packages for small weddings and elopements.
- Pricing: From £2,000
- Capacity: 30 guests
Have your heart well and truly set on this beautiful location? Here’s your chance to discover more Lake District wedding venues.
