A Lake District WeDding for Outdoor Lovers
A Lake District Wedding For Outdoor Lovers
Our WhatsApp messages pinged one July evening. It was from Anita, somewhere on a beach in the Greek islands, with her partner, Paul. After 24 years together, a tiny seed of an idea had been planted the night before: maybe they’d get married in the place they loved. As lovers of the outdoor lifestyle, the Lake District was the perfect location…
Exactly six weeks after that first message, Anita and Paul walked through our gate in their walking boots to tie the knot. The rest, as they say, is history.
Keeping it Simple
Anita and Paul first holidayed together in the Lake District, and every September they return to walk the fells with close family. It’s a place that holds very special memories for them both.
They knew that if they ever decided to get married, the most important thing was to feel like themselves. No wedding dress, no big fuss and only two on the guest list. Being married mattered, but the wedding itself didn’t need to be a big production.
As luck would have it, their annual September holiday was already booked, so the timing was perfect. The local registry office could fit them in to give notice, allowing for the minimum 29 days, and we could squeeze them in for a morning elopement.
Anita and Paul ordered beautiful bespoke rings from an artisan jeweller in Scotland, then bought new Lake District T-shirts. As Anita pointed out, who gets to wear their wedding outfits so often afterwards?
No Frills - Just A Foraged Bouquet
They arrived in the Lakes and, over a pint in the pub, let Anita’s sister and her partner in on the secret. Three days later, all four arrived at Cote How in walking gear, on a beautiful sunny morning, with their foraged bouquet and buttonhole in hand.
The ceremony was incredibly moving. Anita’s sister walked her down the aisle to Paul, and they exchanged vows as a buzzard called and circled overhead.
After toasting the happy couple, everyone wandered down to the lakeshore in the sunshine to snap a few selfies on their phone.
We just want something beautifully simple and understated
Perfectly Planned for Lakes Lovers
The rest of the day was perfectly planned for a pair of Lake District lovers: a wild swim, followed by a walk to Grasmere for a leisurely lunch. Then they continued their walk back towards Ambleside, stopping at a cosy Lakeland pub to join a quiz. There was no lavish reception, no elaborate wedding outfits and no worries about looking after dozens of guests.
Instead, their wedding day was filled with the things they love doing together. Walking. Swimming. Being outdoors. Spending time with close family.
They wove everything they love about the Lake District into their wedding day, making it feel like the most natural wedding in the world for them. It felt particularly apt for a couple who have spent almost a quarter of a century navigating life together, and who chose to marry where they have made so many memories. In walking boots, of course. And with the T-shirts to prove it.
Quick Read: Plan Your Perfect Wedding for Outdoor Lovers
Love walking, wild swimming and being outdoors? Here’s how to plan a wedding where you can just be yourselves.
1. Choose a place that means something
Perhaps it’s the Lake District, or somewhere you’ve spent years exploring together. Maybe it’s a place you promised yourselves you’d visit together one day. Let the setting and your love for the outdoors be part of the reason you’re getting married.
We want a no-fuss wedding in our boots as part of a lovely walk
2. Wear what you feel comfortable in
Hiking boots, walking trousers, T-shirts or something a little smarter — it’s entirely up to you. Your wedding outfit doesn’t have to be traditional or something you’ll only wear once.
3. Keep details personal and uncomplicated
Forage your own bouquet, choose bespoke rings, or skip the traditional details altogether. Include the things that matter to you, rather than the things you think a wedding ought to have.
Let's see if we can marry in the Lakes!
4. Make time for the things you love
Plan a walk, a wild swim, a favourite lunch or a few hours exploring. You don’t have to spend the whole day following a traditional wedding schedule.
5. plan for the Lake District weather
Bring layers, waterproofs and your walking boots. Think about sheltered spaces, a change of clothes after a swim and a little flexibility in your plans. The weather is part of the Lakes — and for outdoor lovers, that’s sometimes the best bit!
A little reminder
Your wedding doesn’t have to look traditional to be a ‘proper wedding’. If your idea of a perfect day is exchanging vows in walking boots, taking a dip in the lake and heading off for a walk with the people you love, that’s your perfect way to get married. Sometimes the best moments are beautifully simple.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Thank you, Anita and Paul, for sharing your day with us (and thank you, Caroline, for taking photos on your phone!) Thanks also to our professional photographers for sharing their images of beautiful Cote How moments, including Jenna Carpenter, Sage Green Photography and Jo Greenfield. If you have enjoyed this blog, please leave a comment to let us know or share it with someone who may find it helpful. For more details on marrying in Westmorland and Furness, contact the Registrar Team.
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