A Lake District elopement
at Fleetwith Pike
Your elopement begins with a cabin in the woods…
Toasties, champagne, and all the time in the world. You head up to the fell- past waterfalls, valleys, and gunmetal lakes. Then it’s mountaintop vows, a Land Rover down, and lantern-lit cake on the pebbled shore. I mean…it sounds pretty bloody perfect, right? Welcome to your Lake District elopement.
Sian and Luke said their vows at Fleetwith Pike back In October 2025. And oh man, what a day. The styling, the vibes, the views. The lakeside sunset, those flowers, *that* dress.
There’s even a film you can watch in case you can’t be arsed to read.
If you’re dreaming of getting married in the Lakes, you’ve just stumbled across a goldmine of inspiration.
Oh, and as a little Brucey Bonus, I’ll be giving you some handy pro-tips along the way…
Our day started slowly, as all the best ones do
S&L got ready at Hinterlandes - a moss-covered, middle-of-nowhere cabin in the woods. And honestly, what a blissful way to start your wedding day. Luke snuggled-up inside- a book, a toastie, and a crackling fire. Sian got ready on the deck, sipping champagne, and listening to the birds.
And can we just take a moment for that dress?! Sian wore an epic Enzoani gown- paired with (must-have) walking boots, natural makeup, and a gorgeous bouquet of roses, rudbeckia, and thistles.
Luke went on ahead for their first look- Barkley at his heels, walking stick in one hand, and picnic basket in the other. And a little while later, we followed up the mountain to join him…
Lake District elopement pro tip
Don’t overlook the ‘getting ready’ part of your day. Imagine how you’d like to start your experience- the vibe you’re after, the atmosphere, the backdrop for your photos. Do a little digging, and find that perfect place. It’s the beginning of your day, and the beginning of your visual ‘story’. Find somewhere awesome, and start your story right. If you don’t know the lakes very well, ask! Because I know loads of beautiful little secret spots and the best times to visit them for a quiet experience.
A windswept first look at Moss Force Waterfall
Luke stood alone on the hillside. The waterfall crashing through the canyon; the ageless valley sweeping into the distance below. We got lucky, this is usually a very busy tourist attraction but on this day we had it entirely to ourselves.
Bootsteps on the grass; the swish of a dress in the breeze. And then suddenly…there she was.
They hugged, they kissed- with an “aren’t you cold?!” and a “you look amazing!”. They danced, held hands, and hugged against the wind.
And with their ceremony calling, they bundled in the Land Rover and headed up the mountain. Chatting away, and telling stories- bumping through the valley to the top of Fleetwith Pike.
Lake District elopement pro tip
Spoiler alert: she was cold. In fact, she was fucking freezing. The mountains don’t care if you’re getting married, so dress for the weather and bring a coat to keep you warm. You want to enjoy your experience, not shiver your way through it. A dry robe is always a good shout, you don’t have to be photographed wearing it, but it will keep you alive. Besides, Hypothermia Blue doesn’t photograph well.
A Lake District elopement at Fleetwith Pike
The car doors opened to a wall of wind, a glimmer of sunshine, and just *the most* incredible view. Rugged mountains tumbled into Buttermere below us; Crummock Water glittering on the horizon.
We soaked in the landscape, and fussed over Barkley. And after a handful of epic, destined-for-the-wall photos, we scurried up the slate to the top of the fell.
And oh my, the space you have up here- to be open, to be vulnerable. To let down your walls, and fall into each other on top of the world.
Their ceremony was led by the adorably wrapped-up celebrant, Kerrie Low. They exchanged rings, and personal vows. They sprayed champagne, and jumped on the Land Rover (because you’ve got to at least once, right?!)
And with their wedding rings sparkling happily in the sun, they headed back down the mountain as husband and wife.
Lake District elopement pro tip
The Lakes are beautiful, but busy. If you want these places to yourselves, the best time to go is mid-week, late afternoon. Or better yet- get married on private land (with permission, of course). Honister Slate Mine sorted out the Land Rover for us, along with permission and permits for Fleetwith Pike. If you’re eloping in the Lakes, give them a call.
A lantern, a cake, and a bride in the lake
A little while later, we were walking along the Buttermere shore. Sian and Luke strolled hand-in-hand along the beach. The breeze lapping at the lake, the water brushing gently against the pebbles. The lantern glowing gold in the settling dusk.
They cracked open their picnic basket, ate cake, and drank Moet. They danced by lanternlight as night began to fall. And then (with a deep breath, and a fortifying glass of Moet), Sian walked into the water.
She splashed, and laughed, and danced in the lake. She trashed her dress, and kicked the waves. It was one of those things she’d always wanted to do, you know? That moment she’d always imagined, the “we have to get” photo she’d been dying to frame.
This was her bucket-list finale. And when you’re getting married in the Lakes, you don’t “wish I did”. You just fucking do.
Looking for a wedding photographer in the Lake District? Let’s chat
A Lake District elopement isn’t for everyone. You don’t get that bougie venue, the hundred-strong guestlist, or the caterpillar dance-floor. There’s no three-tiered cake, no confetti line, and no ribbon-covered Rolls. But there’s freedom here. Freedom from timelines, traditions, and “what do you mean you’re not having…?” pressure. You can get creative, and go exploring. Get intimate, go wild, be weird, be you.
All you need is someone who knows their way around…If you’re looking for someone to help plan, style, and capture your elopement in the Lake District, I’d be buzzing to hear from you.
Get in touch today for a chat, and let’s see if we hit it off.