about COTE HOW
IN our magical private LAKELAND PARADISE
about COTE HOW
AN HISTORIC LAKE DISTRICT WEDDING VENUE
SET IN A MAGICAL PRIVATE LAKELAND LANDSCAPE
A unique Wedding Venue
WELCOME TO THE MAGIC THAT IS COTE HOW
Where to begin… Have you ever been house hunting, and when you walk into the ONE, you just know?
That sums up how being at Cote How makes people feel. This wonderful home oozes warmth and charm, and having lived and worked here for over 18 years, I have listened to hundreds of couples who experience exactly the same thing – That “thing” that is so hard to describe, yet feels so real!
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 of peace and tranquillity, right in the heart of the Lake District. Close enough to benefit from our own lake shores of Rydal Water and Rydal Caves to enjoy the stunning surroundings, but totally private in our fully exclusive use wedding venue, where you can unwind, relax and totally immerse yourselves in wonder.
We specialise in small intimate weddings, micro weddings and Elopements. Whether it’s just the two of you or sharing the day 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.
Cote How has been here for over 500 years as a dwelling place, a shelter and now a fantastic place to get married! (you can read all about its history here) our beautiful rustic barn oozes Lake District charm with lots of fairy lights thrown in for good measure, and the historic main house offers tradition, warmth and elegance. Every room and space has been thoughtfully designed, styled and decorated with your perfect day in mind.
Creating magical Moments
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 been running Cote How, a family-run wedding venue, since 2013. Rebecca and Dan joined the team in early 2022 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.
Meet the team...
CAROLINE
STEVE
RACHEL
Your Own Wedding Planning Guru
Caroline
Caroline is the founder and the brains behind Cote How. With over 30 years experience in the wedding industry she is one of the UK’s most respected wedding gurus and has been guiding and coaching wedding 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 all-around Cote How. Her keen eye for interior design and styling makes every room and space at Cote How feel beautifully elegant but still in keeping with the charm and history of the building.
Hospitality runs through her blood and Caroline is passionate about going well above and beyond for you and your guests. She loves helping people and sharing her top tips and advice, and there is never a dull moment when she is around, she oozes friendly compassion, humour and charm… just like Cote How!
Ask CAROLINE VIDEOS
Click on the images below to play on YouTube
CAROLINES PODCAST
CAROLINES BLOGS
STEVE
Here is “Mr Cote How”. Steve ensures that everywhere looks ‘top notch’ for those all-important wedding photos. Keeping the grounds beautiful, the lawns perfectly manicured, the terrace full of colourful flowers and the paintwork looking 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 also enjoys wildlife photography – he takes some 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, and the newest member of our team. After a long and happy career in teaching, Rachel will be using her organisational skills to help you plan the most memorable wedding day, supporting you along each step of the way. Rachel is currently planning her own wedding journey and so really understands how important it is to make sure that every detail of your wedding day is perfect and every bit as magical as you hope it will be.
Rachel is passionate about beautiful places and spaces and this simply breath-taking part of the world that we call home. Her kind, warm and welcoming approach will put you at ease and let you enjoy every moment of planning and preparing for your special day together!
steve's latest blogs
how to BEGIN wedding PLANNING
HOW TO ENQUIRE
Now that you’ve found us, get in touch here by completing your initial enquiry form. We will send you our wedding brochure and pricing information. Once you’ve had all the information, ‘book a chat’ so that we can discuss your wedding requirements in more detail, and provisionally reserve a wedding date in our diary for you.
COME AND MEET US
Not everybody needs or is able to come and meet us in person. In fact, many couples book us from a chat or virtual show round! But if you want to come for a wedding show around we would love to show off our fantastic wedding venue and get the chance to get to know you both a little better. If this is you, book your visit during our initial chat. This way you you can see our stunning venue first hand, meet the team and create your wedding dreams together.
WELCOME ABOARD!
Now that you’ve booked your wedding, we can begin your wedding planning journey together. We will be on hand at all times to offer help, support and guidance. We can assist with all the little and big arrangements from giving your “notice to marry“, booking the registrars to officiate on your day, advising on how best to book your photographer from our recommended list and providing you with our wedding suppliers list
YOUR OWN PERSONALISED WEDDING PLANNING HUB
Our wedding hub is super fun and easy to use. You will have your own personal LOGIN which will include all of your important documents, emails and checklists. You can even upload your favourite images, so we can ensure every tiny detail is tailored to your scheme, style and vision, creating the wedding of your dreams.
Want to Marry at Cote how?
THE HISTORY OF COTE HOW
“Cote How” derives from the word “Cote”, meaning shelter and “Howe”, 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 with its 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 they wanted to inspire others… and we feel privileged to be able to walk in their footsteps in some small way.
Historic Lake District Wedding Venue
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, located 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 a choice of indoor ceremony spaces and a gorgeous elegantly styled room to welcome your guests and enjoy drinks pre and post-ceremony. Our outdoor areas are simply stunning, and your guests will be wowed, taking in the incredible Lakeland scenery whilst enjoying a glass of fizz on our outdoor terrace.
