Best Hotels to Elope at in the Lake District
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in the UK for an elopement. With its lakes, fells and charming hotels, it is an ideal setting for a small, intimate wedding. I have photographed hundreds of elopements and weddings across the Lake District, so I know which venues not only look beautiful but work well for capturing natural, timeless photos.
For couples planning an intimate wedding in the Lakes, there are several hotels that stand out for their scenery, privacy and atmosphere. From my experience photographing weddings across the Lake District, some of the best hotels for elopements in the Lake District include The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Storrs Hall, Cragwood Hotel and Country House, and a number of smaller luxury country house hotels overlooking Windermere and the surrounding fells.
These venues combine spectacular landscapes with relaxed, elegant spaces that work perfectly for small weddings and elopements. If you’re still working out your budget, you can also read my guide on how much it costs to elope in the Lake District.
Top Lake District Elopement Venues
If you’re looking for a quick starting point, these are some of the best Lake District elopement venues based on location, privacy and overall experience:
• Cragwood Hotel and Country House – classic lakeside setting with gardens and jetty
• Storrs Hall – elegant Georgian venue with direct lake access
• The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House – luxury, private and perfect for exclusive use
• Lindeth Howe – historic charm with beautiful gardens and views over Windermere
• Merewood Country House Hotel – elevated views and classic country house feel
The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Windermere
Gilpin Hotel is one of the Lake Districts most respected luxury estates, with stylish rooms and excellent spa facilities. A short drive away, the Lake House sits within private grounds with its own lake and gardens. The Lake House can be booked exclusively for weddings, giving couples privacy and flexibility for their day.
Why it works for elopements
- Exclusive use of the Lake House for private celebrations
- Extensive grounds with lakeside and woodland areas
- Luxury accommodation and spa facilities
Moments you will treasure
The lake, gardens and woodland provide relaxed, versatile locations for portraits and ceremony shots. Having photographed weddings here, I know exactly where to capture natural, timeless images and the moments you will treasure.
Gilpin Hotel and Lake House
Wild Boar at Crook
The Wild Boar Inn is a traditional country house hotel with character and charm set in Crook Valley. It has a licensed ceremony space and cosy rooms, while the surrounding countryside and ancient woodland offer a relaxed, natural backdrop for smaller weddings or elopements. You can see more about their wedding options on the Wild Boar Inn website.
Why it works for elopements
- Licensed spaces suitable for intimate ceremonies
- Countryside and woodland surroundings
- Comfortable hotel rooms and a well‑regarded restaurant
Moments you will treasure
The woodland paths, meadow edges and open fields give a relaxed and natural setting for portraits and candid moments. I have photographed weddings here and know how to position couples to capture authentic moments you will treasure.
The Wild Boar Crook
Merewood Hotel and Country House
Merewood Country House Hotel sits above Lake Windermere, offering classic elegance with beautiful garden spaces. It is often used for intimate wedding ceremonies and small celebrations, and the team there offer bespoke wedding planning and services. You can find out more on the Merewood website.
Why it works for elopements
- Flexible garden and terrace spaces with lake views
- Dedicated wedding team to tailor your day
- Classic country house character
Moments you will treasure
The terraces and gardens create excellent locations for portraits, particularly in the evening light. I have photographed weddings here and know how to use the views and layout to create images you will treasure for years.
The Merewood Hotel & Country House
Lindeth Howe
Lindeth Howe is a historic country house hotel once owned by Beatrix Potter. It is licensed to hold civil ceremonies indoors and in its private gardens, offering award‑winning cuisine, scenic gardens and views over Windermere. It is suitable for small weddings and elopements with guests. You can discover more on the Lindeth Howe website.
Why it works for elopements
- Licensed for indoor or outdoor ceremonies
- Historic character and gardens with lake views
- Catering for both small weddings and larger gatherings
Moments you will treasure
The gardens and nearby lakeside paths provide classic Lake District backdrops. I have photographed several weddings here and know how to use the light and layout to capture natural, joyful moments you will treasure.
Lindeth Howe Hotel
Storrs Hall
Storrs Hall is a Georgian mansion hotel set on the shore of Lake Windermere with elegant interiors, lawn spaces and lake views. It is licensed for both intimate ceremonies and larger weddings, offering ceremony options both inside and in the grounds. You can find more details on the Storrs Hall website.
Why it works for elopements
- Lakeside setting with classic architecture
- Ceremonies possible indoors and outdoors
- Dedicated wedding team to help plan your day
Moments you will treasure
The lawns by the lake and the building itself create timeless, classic backdrops for portraits and candid moments. I have photographed elopements at Storrs Hall and know how to use the light and setting to deliver natural images and the moments you will treasure.
You can also see how a real day looks at this venue in this Storrs Hall elopement.
Storrs Hall Hotel
Cragwood Hotel and Country House
Cragwood Country House Hotel sits on the southern shore of Lake Windermere and combines classic Edwardian country house charm with landscaped gardens and lake views. It was named Best Wedding Venue in Cumbria at the North West Wedding Awards. It is licensed for civil ceremonies and offers indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, from intimate elopements for two to celebrations with guests. The Cragwood offers a "Just Us" wedding package for two and also caters for micro weddings, you can find more about Cragwood’s wedding packages and options on the Cragwood website.
Why it works for elopements
- Beautiful lakeside setting with panoramic views of Windermere and the fells
- Licensed for ceremonies indoors or in the garden
- Landscaped gardens and historic interiors ideal for small weddings
Moments you will treasure
Cragwood’s lawns, private jetty and lakeshore gardens create a variety of natural backdrops for photography. Having visited for weddings, I know how to capture both the small, personal moments and the scenic landscapes you will treasure.
Cragwood Hotel and Country House
Choosing the Right Venue
When you are planning an elopement, the venue you choose can make a big difference to your day:
- Ceremony space: Check whether the venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and what spaces are available.
- Privacy: Some hotels offer exclusive use or smaller rooms that keep the day intimate.
- Photography opportunities: Gardens, lakesides and interesting interiors all create opportunities for varied images that feel real and personal.
Working with a photographer who knows the area and the venues well can help you get the best from each location and ensure your story is told in a way that feels natural and true to your day.
Photography and Why It Matters
Elopement photography is about capturing both the moments you remember and the ones you do not. My experience photographing weddings throughout the Lake District means I understand how light moves across these venues, where the best spots are for portraits, and how to keep you relaxed so your images feel natural and unforced.
What I focus on is real connection, natural emotion and moments you will treasure long after the day is over.
You can see more examples of my work on my Lake District wedding photography page.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in the Lake District?
The cost of a Lake District elopement can vary depending on the venue, accommodation and how you plan to celebrate your day. Some couples choose a simple ceremony with just the two of them, while others invite a small group of family and friends and turn it into a relaxed wedding weekend.
If you are currently planning an elopement and want a clearer idea of budgets, venues and what to expect, you may find my guide on how much it costs to elope in the Lake District helpful.
Final Thoughts
Eloping in the Lake District is about creating a day that feels right for you. These hotels offer a range of settings from classic luxury to rustic country charm, each with scenic backdrops that work beautifully for small weddings and elopements.
If you are planning an elopement in the Lakes and would like to know more about coverage, you can explore my wedding photography prices and packages.
If you would like to talk about your plans or check availability, feel free to get in touch.
