Afternoon Wedding

IN THE Scenic LAKE DISTRICT

it was all a secret until they said "i do"

If you’ve been together for a while and want to get married somewhere wonderful but without the fuss, this blog is for you. Our lovely wedding couple, Leigha and Ben, decided it was time to tie the knot and chose Cote How in the beautiful Lake District for their venue. The area held many happy memories and sentimental value for them both. The family arranged to come to the Lakes for a short break, with the wedding part of their staycation. Leigha and Ben chose an intimate wedding package, with only their parents and two little boys in attendance. The wedding was kept under wraps from all extended family and friends, so that Leigha and Ben could surprise everyone back home with the news once they had said, “I do”.

Cote How Wedding Venue

Relaxed and Intimate Rustic Afternoon Wedding

On their wedding day, the weather was beautiful, perfect for sitting out on the terrace and enjoying the view with a glass of fizz in hand. Leigha and Ben opted for a rustic afternoon celebration with continental sharing platters. It’s the perfect option if you want to extend your wedding time at Cote How, without the formalities of a three-course meal. 

An aisle With A View

The family arrived through the lakeside entrance. Leigha came separately so that she and Ben would see each other all dressed up for the first time as they walked down the aisle. Leigha wore a romantic, embroidered gown in pale blush, and their two little boys looked adorable in their matching suits and blush pink shirts.  The couple exchanged their vows outside the barn, surrounded by the hills and bird song. It’s hard to imagine a more perfectly rustic setting for an outdoor wedding.

Wedding Portraits By the Lake

After all the formalities were over, and they were officially Mr & Mrs, the couple put on their walking boots and had a wander around Cote How. There are many great spots for photos around our stunning four acres of grounds. Just a two-minute walk across our meadow is Rydal Water, with some of the most iconic views in the Lake District.

Groom helping bride with her walking boots

Making the most of the sunshine

The boys had the best time burning off some energy with a paddle in Rydal Water, and the family sat out on the terrace enjoying the sun. Leigha and Ben met up with the boys on their walk back down from the caves to Cote How. Their photographer, Jenna, captured some great family shots of them all playing in the water!

Sharing Platters anyone?

The family made their way back to the barn, having worked up an appetite with all that fresh air. Everyone sat inside the barn doorway, where it was cool, watching the world go by. Sharing platters are perfect for informal dining with a cocktail or two, either relaxing in the gazebo or on the terrace. Leigha and Ben chose a continental selection of cold meats and cheeses served with delicious homemade focaccia bread. Olives, toasted nuts and seeds, homemade red onion chutney, and leaves accompany fresh fruit for a Mediterranean-style menu.

Continental sharing platter

afternoon wedding package

Our rustic grazing table wedding style includes;

  • Total privacy, with exclusive use of the entire venue
  • An intimate wedding ceremony in your chosen ceremony space
  • Welcome drinks on arrival
  • Prosecco toast on the terrace after the ceremony
  • Time for family photos around the grounds and couple portraits along the lake shore
  • Either continental or Cumbrian sharing platters (in the house in winter, max. 12) or grazing table in the barn in summer
  •  Fresh personal and venue flowers

Surprise! The Secret's Out...

Following their intimate celebration, it was time to reveal the big secret to their close friends and family! Leigha and Ben hopped onto a video call from the barn and shared their exciting news. You can imagine the surprise of family and friends to see them in their wedding outfits! It was a fabulous afternoon – relaxed, memorable, and everything they hoped their rustic style Lake District wedding would be.

Thanks & Further Reading

If you have enjoyed reading this post, thank you. Please share and add a comment. I would love to hear from you. Thank you to Jenna Carpenter for sharing these gorgeous photographs.

There’s more information on our website about our Lake District Weddings, plus you can check out other Lake District Barn Weddings here.

You may also be interested in this post about Ryan and Emma’s Intimate Family Wedding in the Stunning Lake District

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