We recently shared some of our top marquee venues, and to be quite honest, we soon realised that lakeside settings needed their very own dedicated feature. So, we’re back with ten absolutely gorgeous waterside venues where you can gaze at the wonder of nature and water as far as the eye can see. What a beautiful bunch they are!
Some outdoor wedding venues give you flexibility at the expense of natural beauty, but Spirit Lake spectacularly delivers both. This 30-acre Surrey Hills hideaway epitomises blank canvas freedom with two pristine lakes that anchor the space, alongside ancient woodland where deer, rabbits, and geese roam freely. Guests can arrive via a bunting-draped stroll through Bluebell Wood or take the practical car park route, complete with optional tractor rides for the full countryside experience. With no corkage fees or supplier restrictions, plus your choice of tipis, sailcloth tents, or traditional marquees, Spirit Lake lets you craft exactly the celebration you’ve always envisioned.
Browning Bros. call their Essex venues “wild” for good reason: here you can expect a proper immersion in nature on their fifth-generation organic farm. At Chalkney Water Meadows, sweeping views stretch across open meadows to a tranquil lake that serves as your ceremony backdrop. The lakeside willow pontoon, woven from live willow shoots, transforms into your ceremony space where you can exchange vows while guests watch from wooden benches positioned in the meadow. Three giant tipi hats house your reception, while glamping accommodations range from bell tents to lakeside cabins. The fact that everything runs off-grid using solar power just makes us love these brothers even more.
Wild Berry Farm spans 350 acres of North Bedfordshire countryside, where the aptly named Lakeside meadow delivers exactly what couples hope and dream for: uninterrupted views across vast water and open fields, framed by lush river meadows and mature trees.
This private family estate hosts only a handful of weddings each year, allowing the landscape to return to its natural state between celebrations; a refreshingly sustainable approach that is evident in every carefully restored field and thoughtfully planted native tree. While you’ll have the freedom to style your day as you wish (festival vibes to fairy-tale elegance, they’ve seen it all), this isn’t a bare-bones dry hire situation. You can still expect a fully stocked bar service, proper facilities, reliable power, and a dedicated team that loves nothing more than crafting something genuinely special for each and every couple, rather than churning out conveyor-belt celebrations.
Sopley Lake is a 25-acre slice of tranquil water and open fields situated on the edge of the New Forest, offering couples complete creative control over their marquee celebration. Want to choose your own caterers, design your own bar setup, and select every piece of furniture? This is your chance. The lakeside ceremony spot provides a picture-perfect backdrop for blessings. At the same time, quirky on-site accommodation ranges from a shepherd’s hut and log cabin to basic pods, plus space for guests to pitch tents or park camper vans if they’re feeling adventurous. Come evening, expect campfire acoustic sessions, serious stargazing, and all your favourite camping elements elevated by that stunning lakeside setting.
Hidden within 20 acres of ancient woodland, Cornish Tipi Weddings feels genuinely enchanting; a place where romance has taken root among every fern and bluebell-scattered pathway. Here, remarkable versatility means Alice in Wonderland tea parties work as beautifully as bold Bollywood celebrations, while laid-back bohemian gatherings feel equally at home among the giant ferns. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer trusted supplier recommendations, the creative possibilities are endless. However, you simply cannot pass up the opportunity to drift across the lake as newlyweds in a rowing boat – your photographer will absolutely love you for it, and it makes for the most unique and memorable addition to your wedding gallery.
No lakeside venue feature would be complete without including the Lake District. Gilpin Lake House sits on 100 acres of a private estate, where Knipe Tarn, its pristine lake (including a boathouse), provides a spectacular backdrop that has inspired countless poets.
This family-owned, five-star country house hotel delivers Michelin-starred dining and Relais & Châteaux-trained service, all while maintaining the warmth that makes an exceptional venue unforgettable for all. The spacious function room opens onto a balcony overlooking breathtaking lake views, while luxurious accommodation sleeps up to 16 guests across beautifully appointed bedrooms. Yet, what distinguishes Gilpin is its commitment to completely tailored experiences – whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or an exclusive celebration for many.
Built in the 1790s specifically to take advantage of Windermere’s most magnificent position, Storrs Hall occupies what remains the finest spot on England’s largest lake. This Grade II-listed Georgian mansion practically defines lakeside elegance; simply imagine Bridgerton’s holiday home, complete with sweeping lawns, 17 acres of private grounds, and panoramic views.
The boutique hotel’s long-standing tradition of hospitality is evident in every detail, from impeccable service to luxurious suites with stunning lake views and private hot tubs. Couples can choose from intimate “Just Us” elopement packages or opt for exclusive hire of the entire hall for a big, beautiful bash. Perhaps best of all, Windermere lake cruises depart directly from their private jetty – perfect for romantic just-married photographs or unique guest experiences during your celebration.
This traditional Cotswold farm rather cleverly positions its permanent tipi in a naturally secluded valley where guests feel properly tucked away from the world. Hosting weddings between April and October, Hadsham Farm brilliantly combines its stunning natural setting with total creative license, allowing for a seamless blend of rustic charm, vintage elegance, boho freedom, or chic modernity to work beautifully here. Lakeside ceremonies and blessings unfold against picture-perfect water views, while accommodation runs from a complimentary en-suite shepherd’s hut for the couple to 12 luxury bell tents dotted along the shoreline. Expect to wake to the sounds of countryside birdsong and those magical lake vistas that make leaving for real life feel rather unreasonable.
Created by the founder of Glastonbury’s legendary ‘Rabbit Hole’ stage, Wonderland Festival Weddings lives up to its whimsical name with peacocks wandering picturesque grounds and unexpected artistic details at every turn. Hidden down a private Sussex track yet only 20 minutes from Brighton, this boho retreat feels like stumbling upon an artist’s secret hideaway. Settle in with their Friday-to-Sunday hire (including accommodation for 20), giving you oodles of time to enjoy the quirky vibe, exchange vows waterside, and pose for photos on the jetty, along with a spa deck featuring a wood-fired hot tub and sauna for that essential weekend wind-down.
Water’s Edge at Ewen brings contemporary design to the classic Cotswolds with truly impressive results. This dreamy venue spans an L-shaped barn across two storeys, where the ground-floor dining room centres around an inviting open fireplace, while the spacious bar and lounge area flow seamlessly into the action. The real showstopper, though, is the theatre-style open kitchen where guests can watch the culinary artistry unfold throughout the day.
Outside, spring-fed lakes provide the backdrop for garden ceremonies alive with swans and dragonflies, while meandering paths lead through manicured lawns and pretty willow trees to the private ceremony structure. This is all about contemporary sophistication blending with natural lakeside beauty, which is precisely what photographers love to capture.
