Cumbria is often considered one of the most beautiful regions in the UK. A major reason for this is that Cumbria is home to the Lake District, where you’ll find rolling hills, deep caves and caverns and, of course, the many incredible lakes. And don’t forget the legendary pencil museum! Cumbria is home to Lake Windermere, Ullswater and Bassenthwaite Lake, to name just three. This makes the area one of the most breathtaking wedding destinations in the country. Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside ceremony, a rustic barn wedding or a celebration in a grand country house, Cumbria has something for every couple and budget.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that the average cost of a wedding in Cumbria is £18,408, which is over £2,000 less than the UK average of £20,822. A huge 9% of couples choose to get married in Cumbria and the wider North West region, which is more than any other area in the North of England. And more than four out of every five (82%) local couples choose to stay in the area for their special day, which shows just how much Cumbria has going for it and how much it can offer excited couples.
With plenty of spectacular venues, wonderful countryside and a relaxed atmosphere, Cumbria offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding.
You won’t be surprised to learn that couples getting married in Cumbria often embrace the region’s natural beauty, incorporating the stunning landscapes into their big day, especially the main lakes around the iconic Lake District.
Outdoor weddings with breathtaking backdrops are a top trend, with couples choosing scenic lake views, rolling hills or forest settings for their ceremonies and receptions. Similarly, rustic barn weddings are hugely popular, featuring wooden beams, fairy lights and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
DIY elements are a big hit in Cumbria, with many couples adding a personal touch through handmade decorations, favours and quirky little details. This trend is reflected in lower decor spending, with Cumbrian couples typically spending less than the UK average of £1,271, instead going for a more budget-friendly approach by spending an average of just £945.
Another big trend in Cumbrian weddings is interactivity. Couples love to get their guests involved, such as through the use of live cooking stations, photo walls, balloon arches, live musicians and even kids’ entertainers. Cumbria is already a pretty spectacular wedding destination, but these extra elements make for a wedding that no one will forget in a hurry.
Cumbria is packed with picturesque venues, from luxury lakeside hotels to rustic countryside barns and historic manor houses.
If you’re keen to make the most of the local history, plenty of venues with centuries of stories to tell double up as modern and luxurious venues. There are many castles around the area, so if you love the thought of a wedding fit for a King or Queen, Augill Castle, Appleby Castle and Rose Castle really make for wonderful choices. Similarly, there are many manor houses and stately homes around Cumbria, with each having its own incredible history among the glamour. Silverholme Manor has been the inspiration behind many of the area’s great poetry; Dalston Hall is set in the most incredibly pristine gardens with many different ceremony options; and Cragwood Country House Hotel is found on the shores of the legendary Lake Windermere and is so incredibly beautiful.
All that natural beauty around Cumbria definitely needs to be celebrated, and an outdoor venue is a perfect choice during the warmer months. New House Farm, The Lake District, Eden Barn and Hidden River Cabins all have their own unique charm and elegance, making them a wonderful choice for a Lake District wedding.
As well as the beauty, there are ways to inject your special day with something unique, fun and linked to your passions. Windermere Jetty Museum is perfect if you love water sports and life on the water. For fans of contemporary art, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery lets you tie the knot surrounded by incredible works. To get married among quintessential Lake District gardens, you can’t get any better than Rydal Mount & Gardens. Or, if you love a cheeky rum and want to choose a venue with a twist (literally, if you like your drink with a mixer), then The Rum Story might be just what you’re looking for.
Being an affordable region of the UK to get married in, there are also loads of budget-friendly venues around Cumbria, such as Briery Wood Country House Hotel, Carlisle Racecourse and The Ro Hotel. That means you can get married in this popular area of the UK even if you don’t have a large budget.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Cumbria is £5,623, which is a little over £300 less than the overall UK average of £5,945. So, not only can you find a truly beautiful venue in Cumbria, but you may find that you’ll pay less for the privilege, too.
Because Cumbria is such a popular wedding destination, the average lead times for wedding venues are between 12 and 18 months. However, that popularity means many of the most sought-after dates and venues can have an even longer wait, so don’t be surprised if your number one choice needs to be booked two or more years ahead of time.
If you’re flexible with when and where you get married, you put yourself in a great position to secure a venue for as little as six months from now. By choosing a date outside of the busy summer season or a weekend, you not only give yourself a chance of finding a venue more quickly, but you’re likely to pay less, too.
Cumbria’s weather is as varied as its landscapes, but being in the north, you may find that it can be a little wetter than some regions in the south, so it’s important to be prepared for all seasons. This is especially true if you’re planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, even during the generally warmer summer months.
Spring (March – May) is a beautiful time for a wedding in Cumbria, with the entire Lake District coming to life with fresh blooms and greenery. The temperatures are usually pretty mild (8°C – 15°C / 46°F – 59°F), and rain is always a possibility, so it’s best to choose a venue with indoor and outdoor spaces, like Skitby.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular time to get married in Cumbria, with temperatures averaging 16°C – 22°C (61°F – 72°F). The long daylight hours make it perfect for lakeside and outdoor weddings, but venues like Ghyll Barn and Town Head Estate book up early, so make sure you get in there plenty of time if you want to make the most of the lovely summer weather.
Autumn (September – November) transforms Cumbria into a sea (well, a lake) of reds, golds and oranges, with the many lakes waking up every morning with a layer of low fog. With cooler temperatures (10°C – 17°C / 50°F – 63°F), it’s a great time for cosy and intimate weddings at a venue with plenty of indoor space.
Winter (December – February) is wonderful in Cumbria, with frost-covered landscapes and crisp, fresh air. With temperatures ranging from 2°C – 8°C (36°F – 46°F), indoor venues like Roundthorn Country House and Askham Hall are definitely recommended, but snow-capped hills make for spectacular wedding photos.
Cumbria is well connected by train, road and air, making it easily accessible for wedding guests, whether they’re coming up from the south or down from Scotland.
For those travelling by train, towns like Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme are on major rail routes, with direct services from London Euston taking just over three hours. From there, local trains and buses provide easy access to wedding venues across the region. Just be aware that many of the more remote areas of Cumbria can only be accessed by road, which makes public transport a little trickier at times.
For guests driving to Cumbria, the M6 motorway runs through the county, providing a direct route from cities like Manchester, Birmingham and up from London. Scenic routes like the A591 through the Lake District provide stunning views along the way.
For international guests or those flying domestically, the nearest major airports are Manchester (MAN) and Newcastle (NCL). Both cities have train and bus services into various parts of Cumbria.
When it comes to somewhere to stay, Cumbria has everything from luxury five-star spa hotels to cosy cottages and traditional inns. Many hotels also have their own wedding venue spaces, which makes them ideal if you want to spend your entire day all in one place. Hotels like Abbey House Hotel & Gardens, The Inn on the Lake and Castle Green Hotel all have event spaces and are absolutely spot-on.
