The Most Charming Small Wedding Venues in the Lake District
Charming, romantic and perfect for an intimate celebration, take a look at our round-up of the best small wedding venues in the Lake District
Looking for a small wedding venue in the Lake District? If so, you've definitely come to the right place!
The Lake District has long been a hot spot for romantic holidays and weekends away, so it comes as no surprise that it also provides a lovely location to get married in. Better yet, if you're planning an intimate celebration, this stunning setting is home to lots of cosy country houses that make wonderful small wedding venues.
It goes without saying that the scenery in the Lake District is unbeatable, boasting rolling hills and world-renowned lakes, but the incredible food will be enough to have you racing there too with most Lake District wedding venues serving locally grown ingredients.
Romantic and Intimate Small Wedding Venues in the Lake District
With so many gorgeous, cosy wedding venues in the Lake District to choose from, we thought we'd help you narrow down the search. Here are our top picks and prepare yourself because they're seriously charming...
1. Town Head Estate
Town Head Estate is a family-owned wedding venue in the Lake District that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Brimming with history (it has been visited by John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter), this locale boasts the many charms of the countryside, from lush scenery to wood beams and brick architecture.
In all this historic wedding venue and its estate spans 110 acres, meaning there are many different photo opportunities both inside and out.
Couples can hire this small wedding venue in the Lake District exclusively, turning their wedding celebrations into a private retreat. Decorated in a way that blends the old with the new, there is something timeless about this venue that allows it to suit different wedding themes. The Old Barn is well-suited for receptions, while the Boathouse works well for small events.
2. The King's Head
What could be more romantic than getting hitched at a traditional inn nestled in the heart of the Lake District? The King's Head is a small wedding venue in the Lake District that has a really cosy feel to it, without being stuffy or dated.
Surrounded by picturesque views of Skiddaw, Blencathra and set at the foot of Helvellyn, it's a beautiful and peaceful countryside wedding venue that allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on your magical wedding weekend.
There are plenty of inviting spaces for you, up to 50 loved ones and your pets to enjoy! Yes, this pet-friendly wedding venue welcomes any pooches that are part of the family to come along too.
The King's Head is also renowned for their gold standard cuisine so you can look forward to an evening of fine dining courtesy of the team at St John's Restaurant before hunkering down for the night in one of 17 luxury ensuite bedrooms.
3. Cartmel Old Grammar Country House
There are a number of romantic villages in the Lake District but if you get married at Cartmel Old Grammar Country House, you'll be celebrating your big day in one of the top travel destinations in the world - as ranked by the New York Times.
The country house has a capacity of up to 100 guests and you'll have exclusive use of the entire property (including 9 bedrooms, the Georgian dining hall, reception rooms, a private bar and formal gardens) from 9am on the morning of your wedding until 1pm the following day. After an evening of celebrating you'll be thankful of the late check-out, trust us...
A wedding in the award-winning village of Cartmel also allows you to marry in the spectacular Priory in the heart of the village if you would rather a religious ceremony.
Better yet, you can arrive to the venue in style upon a horse drawn carriage led by Cartmel's famous Black Fresian Shire Horses - it'll truly feel like a fairy tale day.
READ MORE: Wedding Venues With Accommodation For All Your Pals
4. Lindeth Howe
Once the home of Beatrix Potter, Lindeth Howe is a stylish and serene small wedding venue in the Lake District.
Perfect for intimate celebrations of 2-80 guests, this hotel is set overlooking the Lake District Hills and Lake Windermere, and it can host both your ceremony and reception.
If the fact that Beatrix Potter used to reside there wasn't enough to entice you, we reckon the mouth-watering menu, gorgeous wedding suite and super cool interiors will.
We adore the combination of traditional and contemporary features used throughout the hotel - from the hanging plants to the book adorned walls.
5. Merewood Country House Hotel
Merewood Country House Hotel is the largest Lake District wedding venue in our round-up with space to host weddings of up to 122 guests for a seated meal and 200 for your evening celebration, yet it still maintains a lovely homely charm making it ideal for smaller celebrations.
Set atop a gentle slope, the property overlooks Lake Windermere meaning you and your partner can take some seriously stunning outdoor photographs in front of this natural wonder.
Once you head indoors, you'll be able to explore the intimate ceremony spaces, including the Library and the Drawing Room. They both benefit from a wonderfully warm and inviting ambience, with a really romantic atmosphere.
If you have a few more guests, the Arboreal boasts high ceilings and is ideal for ceremonies of up to 55, or why not make use of the Conservatory Bar for your drinks reception and soak in the surrounding countryside and lake views.
READ MORE: The UK's Most Impressive Country House Wedding Venues
6. Cragwood Country House Hotel
Truly make the most of the Lake District as your wedding setting by getting wed at Cragwood Country House Hotel. It's nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere and boasts magnificent views over the Langdale Pikes.
Not only does the lakeside location make way for a breathtaking backdrop, you and your guests can take to the water after the ceremony with a champagne cruise from their private jetty!
This small wedding venue in the Lake District can cater for weddings of up to 80 guests but we love the idea of you and your partner heading to this romantic property to elope.
The 'Just For Us' package is perfect for an intimate wedding for two - it includes two nights' accommodation in a lake view room, a four-course dinner on both evenings and a ceremony in the Library or Garden Gazebo.
READ MORE: Amazing Wedding Packages You Won't Want to Miss Out On
7. Briery Wood Country House
Travel to Troutbeck, and you will find Briery Wood Country House, a small wedding venue in the Lake District. It is brimming with serene gardens and is enveloped by acres of natural terrain. Your photographer is sure to be busy as you celebrate your marriage in this tranquil locale.
The ceremony can take place inside or outside here, followed by a charming indoor reception. The team here devote themselves to ensuring your day's details go according to plan. After the celebration, couples can also avail themselves of relaxing accommodations to rest up after the festivities.
8. The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa
For those who love the idea of an outdoor wedding ceremony (and we can confirm the Lake District is idyllic for this), head to The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa in Grasmere.
The gorgeous grounds and stunning mountain backdrop provides endless options of settings to say 'I do' - as for wedding photo opportunities - they're literally endless.
Should you wish to celebrate indoors, this small wedding venue in the Lake District can cater to this too. The Coleridge Suite is perfect for an evening celebration of up to 120 guests and comes complete with its own private bar and dancefloor.
After a night of partying with your nearest and dearest, there are 38 bedrooms for an overnight stay and a range of facilities such as a swimming pool and spa that can be used the next day.
9. Lakeside Hotel
Situated on the shores of Lake Windermere, this former coaching in from the 17th century known as Lakeside Hotel is brimming with charm. Couples can choose to host even their vow exchange here, as the venue is licensed for civil ceremonies.
There are three indoor event spaces to choose from, which can suit a range of event sizes. Those wanting vistas of the lake can choose The Lodge Suite, which is also surrounded by landscaped gardens.
To make orchestrating your wedding in the Lake District a breeze, the hotel's team offer all-inclusive packages. Their services can include linens, fresh floral centrepieces, catering, and more.
And after the last dance, couples and their loved ones can retreat to their guestrooms for a restful sleep in this elegant hotel.
10. New House Farm
In Lorton Valley, Cumbria, New House Farm provides an escape from the bustle of urban life that makes the Lake District so popular. Originally built in 1650, this small wedding venue in the Lake District also has a touch of history as well.
Nearlyweds can use the thoughtfully restored barn to exchange vows and celebrate their love and commitment. The exposed wood beams and stone façade can complement a variety of wedding themes. The team here also allows you to add fairy lights, candles, and other décor items to complete the ambience.
Overnight accommodations are also available at this historic wedding venue, and the team can provide you with a list of recommended vendors to help you organize your celebration with ease.
And one thing is for sure: you'll have a wedding photo album bursting with magical photos featuring you, your partner, and the breathtaking landscape.
READ MORE: The Most Charming Barn Wedding Venues in the UK
11. Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
If you want panoramic vistas and breathtaking sights, Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa is a small Lake District wedding venue like no other. The charm of the surroundings continues to the inside, where couples will find elegant interiors that have been thoughtfully furnished.
Merging the beauty of the inside with the outside, the conservatory opens out onto a lit terrace that is ideal for canapés. Also available for weddings is The Derwent Suite and the Garden Gazebo.
The team at this Lake District wedding venue are eager to help couples celebrate their love, no matter the season. They can also accommodate a range of event sizes, from micro weddings to extravagant events. The dedicated wedding professionals at this venue are passionate about making creating a wedding celebration that speaks to your personality and style.
12. The Belsfield Hotel
Looking for some Victorian Italianate inspiration? The Belsfield Hotel, a stunning Lake District wedding venue, is sure to please. Nestled on Lake Windermere, this picture-worthy hotel features stunning architecture and breathtaking views. Just imagine the wedding portraits with this as your backdrop!
The rooms throughout the hotel feature classic styling, with understated tones and prints that stand the test of time. The team here is eager to help you curate your dream day against this sophisticated backdrop.
Both small events and large celebrations are welcome here. Wedding packages are available, streamlining the event planning process, and the professionals here encourage couples to reach out for a tour.
Keep exploring this stunning location with the the best Lake District wedding venues.
