Dan & Amy’s Inn on the Lake Wedding
A cloudless summer ceremony beside Ullswater, their dog Nellie carrying the rings, golden-hour portraits by the lake and one seriously lively party in the Ramblers Bar.
A brilliant summer wedding on the shore of Ullswater
Dan and Amy’s day was relaxed from the beginning: blue skies over the fells, a garden ceremony overlooking the lake and 76 guests ready to celebrate with them.
I arrived early enough to put the drone up and show the hotel in its landscape before joining Amy for the preparations. From those quiet opening details to the packed evening party, the whole day had warmth, personality and a wonderfully easy rhythm.
The details mattered — and there was time to enjoy them
Amy had brought the invitation, shoes and perfume together for a considered flat-lay photograph. After the finishing touches came a lovely bridesmaid reveal, while James Hicks photographed Dan and the groomsmen outside in the gardens.
I worked alongside John from Top Table Films, who was excellent company throughout. With two photographers and a videographer working calmly together, both sides of the morning could be covered without interrupting it.
Nellie, the rings and a view across the fells
The garden gazebo made a beautiful ceremony setting, with Ullswater and the mountains behind Dan and Amy as they exchanged their vows.
Their dog Nellie was the ring bearer — a personal moment that brought smiles right across the ceremony. Afterwards, the newlyweds stepped into a joyful confetti walk before everyone settled into a sunny drinks reception full of laughter and conversation.
Nellie’s ring-bearer moment
Formal enough for family, lively enough to feel like them
After the requested family groups, we moved on to the wedding-party photographs. I always make a handful of classic pictures, then keep things animated so the personalities and friendships come through.
The photographs feel strongest when everyone can relax, laugh and forget that they are being photographed.
Two short walks, two completely different moods
A relaxed 10–15 minute garden walk before the wedding breakfast gave Dan and Amy time together without taking them away from their guests for long.
Later, after the speeches, the evening light had transformed the grounds. We headed outside again for warmer, more natural photographs around the lawns, the jetty and the reflection pool — one of the finest viewpoints at Inn on the Lake on a calm day.
Elegant styling, a huge entrance and three speeches
The wedding breakfast room looked beautifully light and elegant, with white flowers, greenery, candles and the dog-themed detail on the cake. Jonathan and the Inn on the Lake team kept everything flowing brilliantly.
Dan and Amy entered to a huge welcome before three speeches at the top table. The warmth in the room made it easy to photograph the big reactions as well as all the smaller moments between guests.
A full-on party before the first dance even began
The evening reception had energy from the outset: dancing, glow sticks, heart-shaped glasses and guests completely committed to the celebration.
Dan and Amy shared their first dance at 8pm, surrounded by friends and family. By then the Ramblers Bar was already in full party mode, so I stayed with the action before slipping away quietly later in the evening.
Dan & Amy’s wedding suppliers
A relaxed wedding needs a team who can keep everything moving naturally. These were the talented people who helped bring Dan and Amy’s day together.
Useful things to know
Where is Inn on the Lake?
Inn on the Lake is in Glenridding, on the southern shore of Ullswater in the Lake District. Its gardens look directly across the water towards the surrounding fells.
Can you have an outdoor ceremony at Inn on the Lake?
Yes. Dan and Amy married beneath the garden gazebo with Ullswater and the mountains behind them. The venue also offers indoor ceremony spaces if the weather changes.
Where are the best wedding photograph locations?
The gardens offer lake views, formal lawns, mature planting and a reflection pool. The nearby wooden jetty adds another distinctive Ullswater setting, especially when the evening light softens.
How long do couple photographs take?
I normally use short, relaxed windows rather than taking couples away for a long photoshoot. Dan and Amy had a 10–15 minute walk before dinner and another brief session when the evening light became particularly beautiful.
Can a dog be part of an Inn on the Lake wedding?
Nellie was an important part of Dan and Amy’s day and even carried the rings during the ceremony. Always confirm the current arrangements directly with the venue when planning a wedding with a dog.
Is a second photographer useful at Inn on the Lake?
It can be valuable when both partners are getting ready at the venue or when you want broader guest coverage. James Hicks photographed Dan and the groomsmen while I worked with Amy, then helped cover the celebrations throughout the day.
