10 Reasons to Have a Lake District Christmas wedding
why choose a Christmas wedding?
If, like me, you secretly plan your Christmas decor in September and ‘The Holiday’ is your all-time favourite film, a uniquely magical Christmas wedding is your perfect fit. Frosty mornings, the warmth of candlelight against winter skies, and the joy of family and friends gathered together – Christmas is the season for love. I loved planning my own December wedding, and it was every bit as magical as I’d hoped. Here are our ten reasons why a Christmas wedding in the Lake District – and at Cote How- could be for you.
1. Storybook scenery
The Lakes at Christmas time is a rare mix of wild beauty and coziness. Fells sprinkled with snow, festive lights in market squares, and woodsmoke in the air – it’s a scene filled with Dickensian charm. Our Lakeland farmhouse, nestled in a snowy landscape, is more enchanting than any Christmas card. The Lake District is the perfect setting for a romantic Christmas wedding and a celebration of togetherness.
2. Deck the halls
Cote How is beautifully dressed all year round, but at Christmas, it’s particularly magical. Garlands of holly and ivy bring the outside in – simple and natural decor to complement your wedding theme. Lanterns welcome guests in the porch, and our twinkling tree is the perfect place to hide a thoughtful gift. Clusters of pillar candles give out a romantic, flattering light, and our drawing room becomes a cosy retreat where everyone feels welcome and at home.
3. Winter colours & festive styling
Nature provides the best décor at this time of year: evergreens, berries, pinecones, and winter florals. Add church candles, tealights and perhaps a touch of tartan or velvet, and you’ve got timeless, elegant styling without overthinking it.
4. Comforting seasonal menus
Think warming mulled wine, hearty sharing boards, and indulgent puddings. Winter food feels generous and celebratory. It’s a joy to plan menus that keep everyone feeling cosy and well-fed. Christmas is about gathering around the table, sharing, and appreciating those closest to us, and that’s exactly what a wedding is too! Combining the two makes your Christmas wedding celebration even more meaningful.
5. Exclusive, intimate celebrations
Christmas weddings lend themselves to smaller, more intimate guest lists. During the festive season, our 16th-century house glows, and the surrounding Lake District landscape provides the perfect wintry backdrop. Whether you’re planning a cosy elopement or a gathering of family and friends, Cote How is always exclusive. The Lake District in winter is quieter, with a peaceful atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy. Imagine having all the stunning scenery on our doorstep to yourselves!
6. Magical photography
From golden winter light glinting in the frost to candlelit interiors, every angle is picture-perfect. Winter weddings offer a unique kind of magic that you don’t find in summer. The drama of the Lake District winter outside increases that feeling of festive cosiness inside. There’s nothing better to come home to after a thrilling lake shore adventure with your photographer.
7. The perfect pre-christmas getaway
A Christmas wedding is sought after, as everywhere looks magical. Most venues are decorated from late November through to early January. Pre-Christmas hotel dates are generally more available, so guest accommodation is less in demand. In winter, the Lake District is quieter, with less competition for restaurants and wedding suppliers. A Christmas wedding is the perfect time to press pause in the run-up to the festivities and enjoy a tranquil, romantic break away.
8. Cosy up to the one you love
At Christmas, there’s no better time to snuggle up in our gazebo and watch the world go by. Cosy faux fur throws and soft blankets let you embrace the outdoors, but with a little shelter from the cold. The air is crisp and fresh, so wrap up warm and then return to hot chocolate or mulled wine. The pace of life slows, and the Lakes feel almost hushed, as if nature has paused to rest. Our overnight Indulger elopement wedding is the perfect time to start your own Christmas season traditions as a newly married couple.
9. A christmas wedding is something a little different
A Christmas wedding feels wonderfully different from traditional summer celebrations. Instead of chasing sunshine and outdoor receptions, winter weddings embrace the beauty of the season. Think candlelight in place of daylight, roaring fires instead of marquees, and comforting food rather than summer cocktails. Guests arrive in coats and scarves, and step into a festive atmosphere that’s instantly welcoming. A Christmas wedding is less about the long days of summer and more about a cosy, unforgettable experience.
10. The ultimate christmas gift
A winter wedding is more than a beautiful celebration — it’s the best Christmas gift you can give each other. At a time of year already filled with joy, saying your vows adds a new layer of meaning. Your wedding day becomes part of your Christmas story forever.
In the Lake District, and at Cote How, where we offer the warmest of welcomes, that gift is even more special. A Christmas wedding here isn’t just a day to remember — it’s a memory woven into all your Christmases to come.
I hope this has inspired you as to why a Christmas wedding might be perfect! If you have enjoyed reading this post, thank you. Please give it a share and add a comment, I would love to hear from you.
You may also be interested in this post about ‘How to plan the Perfect Small Wedding‘.
Suppliers:
Photographers: Thanks to our recommended photographers Jo Greenfield, Tiree Dawson, Steve Rhodes Sage Green Photography, and Simon Hughes for sharing their images.
Flowers: LilyLous Ambleside
