about COTE HOW
AN HISTORIC LAKE DISTRICT WEDDING VENUE SET IN A MAGICAL PRIVATE LAKELAND LANDSCAPE
A unique Wedding Venue
‘The house and grounds are something out of a fairytale…’
A magical place set in 4 acres of privates grounds and secluded by river, fell and lake…
Cote How oozes warmth and charm and is a special place where settlements have existed for thousands of years. Maybe it’s all part of Cote How’s historic roots.
Or maybe as it sits on two converging lay-lines, it has always had a “draw” as a place that gives out good vibes. But this place is special, and both Steve and I feel very honoured to be its current custodians.
We hope you feel the magic when you come to Cote How!
exclusively Yours...
Surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views, Cote How is a hidden gem right in the heart of the Lake District. Nestled between Ambleside and Grasmere, perfect for attractions, amenities and local accommodation, yet far enough away to allow for peace and a sense of calm and well-being.
With Rydal Water and Rydal Caves on our doorstep, you can wander into nature for stunning portraits after your legal ceremony, indoors or outdoors, in our private and exclusive setting.
We specialise in small, intimate weddings for up to 24 people. Whether you’re celebrating with just the two of you or with close family and friends, we guarantee that you and your chosen wedding party will be the only guests at Cote How during your celebrations.
A Warm Welcome Awaits you...
Owners Caroline and Steve have been running Cote How, a family-run wedding venue, since 2013 and together have found the perfect partnership to make all of your wedding dreams come true. We love creating unique, relaxed, intimate wedding experiences and will be there every step of the way to help guide you and plan your perfect day.
A Warm Welcome Awaits you...
Owners Caroline and Steve have managed Cote How, a family-run wedding venue, since 2013. Rachel joined the team in early 2023 and together they’re the perfect partnership to make your wedding dreams come true. We love creating unique, relaxed, intimate wedding experiences; we’re with you every step of the way to help plan your perfect day.
Meet the team...
Caroline
Our founder and MD aptly named the Wedding Angel, Caroline creates amazing weddings and is constantly revamping the venue! She is the vision behind Cote How.
Steve
Our Wedding Venue Director, he is constantly refreshing and improving our wonderful venue and is always on hand behind the scenes – usually spotted in and around the grounds!
Rachel
With an eye for detail, Rachel is our wedding coordinator and Assistant Wedding Planner ensuring every detail of your wedding is just perfect and exactly how you want it!
Your Own Wedding Planning Guru
Caroline
Caroline is the founder and the brains behind Cote How. With over 30 years of experience in the wedding industry, she is one of the UK’s most respected wedding gurus, guiding and coaching couples at Cote How and beyond.
As a former wedding dress designer and keen artist, she adores helping couples bring their wedding visions to life. Caroline’s creative flair is evident around Cote How. Her keen eye for interior design and styling makes every room and space at Cote How feel beautifully elegant while remaining in keeping with the charm and history of the building.
Hospitality runs through her blood, and Caroline is passionate about going above and beyond for you and your guests. She loves helping people and sharing her top tips and advice… There is never a dull moment when she is around! She oozes friendly compassion, humour, and charm… just like Cote How!
Read more about Caroline’s Wedding Planning Help and her early years
Caroline's wedding planning videos
CAROLINE'S PODCAST
Read our wedding articles here...
STEVE
Here is `Mr. Cote How’. Steve ensures that everywhere looks top-notch for those all-important wedding photos. Steve keeps the grounds beautiful, the lawns perfectly manicured, the terrace full of flowers, and the paintwork fresh. Many passers-by mistake Steve for the gardener, which we chuckle about, considering he is a former nuclear engineer with a first-class Engineering Degree. Steve loves being out and about on the fells with our Labradoodle Alfie and enjoys wildlife photography. He takes beautiful pictures, so give him a follow on Instagram! Yes, he is the quiet one working hard behind the scenes.
RACHEL
Rachel is our Wedding Planner at Cote How. After a long and happy career in education, Rachel uses her organisational skills to help you plan the most memorable wedding day, supporting you along each step of the way. She understands how important it is that each detail of your wedding day is perfect and as magical as you hope it will be.
Rachel is passionate about beautiful places and spaces and this simply breathtaking part of the world we call home. Her kind, warm and welcoming approach will put you at ease, and help you enjoy every moment of planning and preparing for your special day together!
Read more Wedding Articles here...
You are in safe hands!
Meet Caroline...
First things first – take a deep breath and relax. You’re in safe hands.
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and most couples aren’t quite sure where to begin – so if you’re feeling like that, you’re not alone. Here at Cote How, no question is too small or too silly, so please don’t hesitate to ask. That’s what I’m here for!
With over 30 years of wedding planning experience and 20 years living here at Cote How, I know the Lakes and the surrounding area like the back of my hand. More importantly, I understand just how personal and significant your wedding day is. I promise to treat your wedding with the same care and attention I would give my own. You’ll often hear me say, “If it were me…” because I want you to feel guided and supported every step of the way.
To get you started, I’ve put together a few steps to explain the basics of making a wedding enquiry at Cote How. These will help guide you in the right direction – and remember, I’m always here to help.
HOW TO ENQUIRE
You’ve found us – how exciting! The first step is to complete our initial enquiry form here. Once we’ve received your details, we’ll send over our wedding brochure and pricing to help you get a feel for what we offer. After that, you can ‘book a chat’ to talk through your wedding plans in more detail. If you feel that Cote How is the perfect place for your celebration, we’ll provisionally reserve a date for you in our diary.
COME AND MEET US
While not everyone can visit us in person, don’t worry – many of our couples fall in love with Cote How after a telephone chat or virtual show round! If you’d like to visit in person, simply book an appointment during your initial chat. We’d love to show you around our stunning venue, share its charm, and meet you face to face.
WELCOME ABOARD!
Congratulations – your wedding date is officially booked! Now the fun really begins. From here, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, offering expert help, support, and guidance. From giving notice to marry and booking your registrars to recommending talented photographers and trusted suppliers, we’re here to ensure everything runs seamlessly.
YOUR PERSONALISED WEDDING PLANNING HUB
Say hello to your wedding planning hub – your very own digital toolkit to make the process stress-free and enjoyable. You’ll receive your personal login, which will give you access to all your important documents, emails, and checklists. You can even upload your favourite inspiration images, allowing us to help you tailor every detail to match your style, scheme, and vision. It’s all about creating a wedding that’s uniquely you.
Want to Marry at Cote how?
HISTORY OF COTE HOW
HISTORIC FARMHOUSE AND BARN – BUILT IN 1535
Cote How is nestled in the heart of the English Lake District on the stunning shores of Rydal Water, between Ambleside and Grasmere.
Originally built in 1535 as a Lakeland farmhouse, it sits proudly amid 4 acres of private grounds and 7 acres of meadow on the shores of the lake and riverbank. Rydal Woods and Rydal Cave are just a short stroll away, giving endless opportunities for those all-important Lake District wedding photographs.
A PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
As Cote How is exclusively yours, we have many options for you to choose from when planning your special day. Our rustic 500-year-old barn oozes Lake District charm and offers the perfect space to enjoy your wedding breakfast and reception. The main house features indoor ceremony spaces and elegantly styled rooms to welcome guests and enjoy pre and post-ceremony drinks. Our outdoor areas are simply stunning. Your guests will love taking in the incredible Lakeland scenery while enjoying a glass of fizz on our outdoor terraces.
A Very Special Place...
HISTORY OF COTE HOW
“Cote How” derives from the word ‘Cote’, meaning shelter, and ‘How’ meaning small hill. So it is a Shelter on a Hill!
Once a lookout post in Roman times and later a Medieval watchtower, Cote How is built into the foot of Loughrigg Fell and dominates the Rydal Valley, with stunning views towards Grasmere. In 1535 the farmhouse was added, including the original Tudor spinning gallery, arched porch, and round chimneys.
Cote How and its pretty boathouse are featured in many photographs and paintings that showcase our stunning location, surrounded by river, fell, and lake.
Did you know...
INSPIRATIONAL...
Cote How has seen many famous faces over the years, and these people came here either because they were inspired to do so, or to inspire others. We feel privileged to walk in their footsteps in some small way.