How Much Does It Cost to Elope in the Lake District?

Eloping in the Lake District is an incredible way to celebrate love in one of the most intimate and breathtaking settings. Whether you dream of a quiet ceremony for two or a small gathering with a few close family members, the cost of eloping here can vary depending on the details. Here’s a breakdown of what to budget for when planning your Lake District elopement.

A couple shares an intimate moment during their wedding photoshoot in a wooded forest setting.

The Essential Costs

At the heart of any elopement are the legal requirements and venue costs. In the UK, giving notice of marriage costs around £35 per person, and a registrar-led ceremony at an approved venue will typically be in the region of £600. If you want to do things on a shoestring, you can decide to have your ceremony at a registry office, this will set you back around £135 for the basics. However, many couples choose all-inclusive packages from hotels or venues, which can simplify planning and offer great value.


For example, at the time of writing, Briery Wood Hotel offers an elopement package from £849, covering a two-night stay, welcome drinks, a private dinner, afternoon tea, and even a Lake Windermere cruise. Alternatively, Low Wood Bay provides a luxury package that includes spa access, fine dining, and a lake-view suite with optional extras for a lot more (around £2000).

A couple embraces in the scenic Scottish Highlands with mountains and autumn foliage under moody skies.

Photography & Videography

One of the most important parts of an elopement is capturing the memories. A professional Lake District wedding photographer will typically charge between £500 and £3,000, depending on the length of coverage and whether a second shooter is required. Some venues offer in-house photographers, but many couples prefer to book an independent professional specialising in outdoor elopements.


I offer a wedding elopement package that costs £500, which covers the ceremony and around an hour of photographs afterwards in a location of your choice - usually at your venue or not too far away. Extra hours can be added to this, so if you want to visit lots of different locations to get the most out of your elopement photography, then this can be arranged.

A couple embraces in front of rustic boathouses with wooden doors beside a lake on a summer afternoon.
Close-up view of two people holding hands, one wearing a sparkly dress and the other in a gray plaid suit.
A romantic wedding photo of a couple embracing by a lake, with the bride wearing an off-shoulder dress and the groom in gray suit.
A silhouetted figure with umbrella walks past a stone tower structure on a foggy lake during a rainy day.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a stone terrace overlooking an autumn landscape with vibrant red foliage.

Hair, Makeup & Attire

Your wedding look is another important consideration. Professional hair and makeup for elopements usually costs between £150 and £300, and working with a local artist ensures your style holds up in all weather conditions. As for attire, wedding dresses range from £500 to £2,000 on average, while grooms can expect to spend £300 to £1,000 on a suit.

Bride getting ready for wedding as makeup is being applied while wearing an elegant white lace gown.

Flowers & Decor

Even for an intimate elopement, flowers can add a beautiful touch. A bridal bouquet and boutonniere might cost around £100–£250, while additional floral arrangements for styling can increase the budget. Some venues will include florals as part of their package or offer recommendations for local florists specialising in elopements.

A white rose boutonniere pinned to a navy herringbone suit jacket with brown tweed vest and white collar.
A white wedding bouquet with greenery and olive branches is held against a lace wedding dress and navy suit.

Extra Details to Consider


Travel & Accommodation

If you’re travelling to the Lake District for your elopement, accommodation will be a key expense. Many venues offer package deals with overnight stays included, but if you prefer to stay elsewhere, luxury hotels and boutique B&Bs can range from £150 to £400 per night. Some couples opt for unique stays such as cabins, yurts, or lakeside lodges.


Transportation is another factor - whether you need to hire a classic car, book a private boat ride, or arrange transfers for a few guests. Costs can range from £200–£500 depending on your preferences.

Aerial drone view of camping area near lake surrounded by autumn forest at sunset in mountainous landscape.

Celebratory Meals & Activities

Many couples round off their elopement day with a private dinner or afternoon tea. Some venues provide dining options within their package, while others may require an additional booking. Hiring a private chef is also an option for a more exclusive experience.


To make the day even more special, consider activities like a scenic boat cruise, a guided hike, or a champagne picnic overlooking the fells. The Lake District offers endless opportunities to create a truly magical and personal experience.

Rustic wooden serving board with fish and chips, alongside various dips and sauces on a dark wooden table setting.
Artful arrangement of sausages, cheese scones, sandwich triangles and condiments served on a rustic wooden board.
Assorted pastries and desserts including powdered sugar dusted buns, macarons and finger sandwiches on a wooden board.

Planning the Perfect Elopement - Final Thoughts

The cost of eloping in the Lake District depends on the kind of experience you want to create. While a simple, no-frills elopement could be done for under £1,500, a luxury all-inclusive experience could range from £3,000-£5,000 or more. By prioritising the elements that matter most - whether it’s photography, a stunning venue, or an unforgettable dining experience-you can design an elopement that fits your budget and vision perfectly.


From my perspective and for those who are wondering, the absolute cheapest you can elope for in the Lake District is around £670 - this will cover your marriage license, ceremony at a registry office and around 2 hours of photography with me. There are of course cheaper photographers but we won't go there.


If you would like help choosing the right location or photographer for your elopement? Feel free to reach out! I'm looking forward to hearing from you.