There are lots of stunning places that I love to photograph in the Lake District but I have to say, I do always love to return to the Cragwood Hotel and Country House. The team of amazing staff are always so welcoming, and extremely attentive. Whether you're planning an elopement or a small to medium-sized wedding with friends and family, the Cragwood Hotel offers the perfect setting. Lake views, beautiful gardens, lakeside access and a backdrop of Lake District hills featuring an epic view of the Langdales, make this a hidden gem.


Whatever the season, there's plenty of scope for us to get some stunning photos in the gardens and if it does happen to rain, there's a myriad of options for undercover photos inside and out. If you're planning your wedding at the Cragwood, it’s a venue I know well and one I always enjoy working at as a Lake District wedding photographer.


If you are exploring venues across the region, you may also find my guide to Lake District wedding venues helpful.

A couple embraces in a lush garden setting with vibrant purple foxgloves blooming in the foreground.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a garden with vibrant purple foxglove flowers blooming in the background.
A couple shares a tender moment holding hands in a lush garden setting during their outdoor wedding ceremony.

Why Couples Choose Cragwood for Their Wedding


Cragwood offers a rare combination of classic country‑house grandeur and peaceful lakeside beauty:

  • Lakeside Access & Jetty - direct access to Lake Windermere adds a dramatic and scenic backdrop for portraits and couple time. 
  • Elegant Gardens & Grounds - landscaped gardens and woodland provide variety for wedding photos - from formal portraits to natural, candid shots. 
  • Flexible Spaces - indoor rooms and outdoor ceremony spots (including a garden gazebo or the jetty) mean you can tailor your day to your style. 
  • Seasonal Versatility - the venue works beautifully across all seasons, with indoor reception spaces if the weather turns. 


Every wedding at Cragwood feels different, and it’s always an honour to help couples capture those authentic moments that make their day unmistakably theirs.

Panoramic view of an outdoor wedding ceremony with floral arch decorations and guests seated on white chairs.
Wedding guests toss colorful flower petals in celebration as newlyweds walk through a joyful confetti shower.

Photographing Weddings at Cragwood


When I’m shooting here as a Lake District wedding photographer, I tend to focus on capturing genuine emotion and natural light rather than staged poses. My aim is to document your day in a way that feels real and timeless - from the quiet moments before the ceremony to the laughter and atmosphere of the reception. 


Typical shots I capture here include:

  • Couple portraits with Lake Windermere as a backdrop
  • Bride and groom preparations in the elegant hotel interiors
  • Outdoor ceremony and confetti moments on the lawn or jetty
  • Garden and woodland portraits that make the most of Cragwood’s grounds
  • Unposed candid moments with family and friends


No matter what the light or weather brings, I work with the venue’s spaces to create a varied and meaningful collection of images that tell the story of your day.

Real Weddings at Cragwood

Here are some of the weddings I have photographed here:

Best Spots for Photos at Cragwood


Here are some Cragwood locations that consistently work well on wedding days:

  • Lakeside jetty and water’s edge - great for dramatic couple portraits
  • Terrace gardens - ideal for relaxed portraits and group shots
  • Woodland edges - perfect for creative, natural imagery
  • Guest and interior spaces - cosy indoor moments when the weather isn’t on your side


These spots are ideal for creative and timeless wedding photography.

A couple in wedding attire holds hands while walking through a snowy winter landscape at sunset, at Cragwood.
A romantic black and white photo series of a couple in vintage wedding attire sitting in a sunlit window alcove at Cragwood.
A wedding couple stands in a scenic mountain landscape at sunset with dramatic clouds in the background.

Planning Your Cragwood Wedding


Planning a wedding at Cragwood is a joy thanks to its beautiful setting and flexible spaces. The hotel team are experienced and helpful, guiding you through everything from the ceremony setup to catering and décor.

When planning your day, consider:

  • Timing & Light - The grounds and lakeside look magical in the golden hour before sunset, perfect for couple portraits.
  • Ceremony Location - Choose between the garden gazebo, terrace, or lakeside jetty depending on your vision and guest numbers.
  • Reception Flow - Indoor rooms can host your meal and evening celebrations, with easy access to outdoor spaces for photos and mingling.
  • Seasonal Details - Each season offers something different: spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn colours, or cosy winter interiors.


I’m happy to help plan the photography around your schedule to make sure we capture every key moment, from intimate couples’ portraits to the lively celebrations with family and friends.

Bride and groom on a boat at Gilpin Lake House - Aerial Photo

See More From My Lake District Wedding Photography Portfolio

View my work as a wedding photographer in the lake district

Cragwood Hotel and Country House Wedding Photographer Get in Touch

If you are planning your wedding at Cragwood Hotel and Country House and want your day captured naturally, beautifully and professionally get in touch. I will guide you through the process and make sure you treasure your photos forever.

Cragwood Hotel and Country House

Ambleside Road,

Ecclerigg,

Windermere LA23 1LQ


web: www.lakedistrictcountryhotels.co.uk

tel: +44 (0) 15394 88177

Cragwood Hotel