Hello!

and welcome to you step-by-step guide to all you need to know about eloping in the Lake District

Contents:

1. If you only have a few moments
2. Let's Get Legal!
3. When Is Best?
4. Elopement or Micro Wedding
5. Venues
6. Elopement Check List

Let's Get Legal!

You want to get married right? Well there are some legal things you should keep in mind!

Registrar or celebrant?

In the Lake District, you have the option of getting married in a traditional ceremony with a registrar or having a more personalised ceremony with a celebrant.

• Registrar: A registrar is a government-appointed official who is authorised to register marriages and issue marriage certificates. They will conduct the ceremony in a traditional manner, according to the laws and regulations of the country.
• Celebrant: A celebrant is a person who is trained and authorised to perform wedding ceremonies. They are not affiliated with any government or religious institution and can create a ceremony that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. They often offer a more personalised and unique ceremony experience.

So, to break it down, Registrar's are authorised to legalise your marriage but they have to follow the government guidelines. This means that they are usually tied to performing the ceremony inside a venue that is licensed for weddings. Celebrant's, on the other hand, aren't allowed to legally marry you, but they can conduct the ceremony, personalise it, and travel wherever you want (Lake sides/mountain tops/boats)

When Is Best?

The best time to get married in the Lake District will depend on your personal preferences and the type of wedding you envision. Here are a few things to consider:

• Seasons: Each season in the Lake District offers its own unique charm and atmosphere. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flowers, summer offers warmer weather and longer days, fall offers stunning autumn colours, and winter can offer a picturesque snowy setting.
• Weather: The Lake District is known for its unpredictable weather, so it's important to keep that in mind when planning your wedding. The warmer months of May to September tend to have the best weather, but it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain.
• Crowds: The Lake District is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to consider the level of crowds and traffic when planning your wedding. The peak tourist season is from June to August, so if you want to avoid the crowds, consider getting married in the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October.
• Pricing: Keep in mind that prices for venues and vendors may vary depending on the season, with the peak tourist season being the most expensive.

Think about what you want out of your day, and try to pick a date/season that flows with it. But remember, it's important to consider the weather, crowds and pricing when planning your wedding.

Also, keep in mind that you can elope all year round, and it can be a great option if you want to avoid the crowds and the high prices of peak season.

Elopement or Micro Wedding

Both elopements and micro weddings are intimate and non-traditional wedding options that are gaining popularity. In recent years, people have started to realise "wait...we don't have to pay for 100+ people that I don't actually like/know that well to be at our wedding" And they are right! Elopements and Micro Weddings are IN!!



• Elopements: An elopement is a small and intimate wedding where the couple typically chooses to marry without the stress, often in a remote or beautiful location. Elopements are often just the couple, the officiant, and maybe a couple of witnesses, if any. They are usually more focused on the experience of the couple rather than on the traditional wedding aspects.
• Micro Weddings: A micro wedding is a small, intimate wedding with typically under 20 guests. They often include all the traditional aspects of a wedding such as a ceremony, reception, and photography, but on a smaller scale. Micro weddings are a great option for couples who want to have a more traditional wedding experience but with a smaller guest list.

Both options offer a more intimate and personalised experience, and the choice between them will depend on the couple's preferences and priorities. Both eliminate the stress of having to please a larger group of guests and allows the couple to fully enjoy their special day.

Elopements and Micro Weddings also allows couples to get married in any location they desire, whether it's a remote and secluded spot, a beautiful natural setting or a location that holds special meaning to them. The Lake District offers a variety of options for elopements, from picturesque lakes and mountains, to charming towns and villages. It's a perfect place for an intimate and romantic elopement.

With out as many people to cater for, it opens couples up to more flexibility in terms of timing and scheduling. Couples can choose to get hitched on a weekday or a weekend, or even on a holiday. It also allows for more spontaneity and adventure, as the couple can plan their day on a whim and make it as unique and personal as they desire.

Venues

The Lake District offers a variety of beautiful and unique wedding venues to choose from. Here are a few of the best wedding venues in the Lake District:

• Hause Hall Farm - Nestled in the lee of Hallin Fell above Ullswater, Hause Hall is a lavish wilderness haven of slate and stone with panoramic views inside and out. https://www.therowleyestates.com/stay/hall/hause-hall/
• Low Hall - Set in two idyllic acres of luscious grounds with a woodland, babbling brook and awesome views over the Lorton Fells. https://www.lowhallthelakes.com/
• Cragwood Hotel - With stunning gardens leading down to the shores of Lake Windermere. https://www.lakedistrictcountryhotels.co.uk/cragwood-hotel
• The Kings Head, Thirlmere - A former seventeenth century coaching inn situated at the foot of Helvellyn in the heart of The Lake District. https://www.lakedistrictinns.co.uk/kings-head
• Armathwaite Hall - Magnificently set in the secluded splendour of 400 acres of deer park and woodland, bordered by the calming waters of Bassenthwaite Lake and framed by the dramatic Skiddaw Mountain and Lake District Fells. https://www.armathwaite-hall.com/

Your Elopement Check List

Eloping can be an exciting and super fun, but it also requires some careful planning to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here is a checklist of things to consider when planning your elopement:

1. Choose a date and location: Choose a date and location that holds special meaning to you as a couple. The Lake District offers a variety of options for elopements, from picturesque lakes and mountains to charming towns and villages. (see above for some of my favourite venues)
2. Obtain a marriage license: Contact the local authorities to find out what documents are required to obtain a marriage license in the Lake District.
3. Choose an officiant: Decide whether you want to be married by a registrar or a celebrant. (see above to learn the differences)
4. Plan your ceremony: Decide on the details of your ceremony, such as the location, the time, and the format. Consider whether you want a traditional ceremony or something more unique and personalised.
5. Hire a professional photographer: Hire a professional photographer to capture your special day. (You can get in touch with me HERE!)
6. Hire any other suppliers to help make your dream a reality. Florists, Cake Makers, MUAs, Videographers.
7. Think Outfits! What you do want to wear?
8. Plan your transportation: If you are planning to elope in a remote location, you will need to plan your transportation to and from the ceremony. Can you walk? Do you want to sail?
9. Plan your accommodation: Decide on the details of your accommodation, such as location, type of accommodation and the number of nights. Venues often offer a few nights included in your wedding package, check before you book!
10. Plan your reception: Decide on the details of your reception, such as the location, time, and food.
11. Pack your bags: Make sure you pack everything you need for your elopement, including your marriage license, any legal documents, and any special items you want
12. ELOPE IN THE LAKES