Lodore Falls Hotel wedding photography
A modern lakeside hotel at the foot of Borrowdale, where Derwentwater, woodland and fells give an elegant wedding day a properly dramatic sense of place.
Garden ceremonies, Borrowdale scenery and a warm welcome indoors.
I’m Chris Freer, a Lake District wedding photographer based in Cockermouth. I’ve photographed weddings at Lodore Falls Hotel for years, and it is one of those rare venues where the photographs do not need to be forced.
I’m a recommended wedding photographer at Lodore Falls Hotel. You can also read the hotel’s supplier spotlight about my work.
If you are still building your shortlist, compare this setting with my lakeside wedding venues and small wedding and elopement venues guides.
There is Derwentwater, Borrowdale, gardens, terrace views and woodland close by — as well as the useful little bridge when the weather decides it would like a starring role. The hotel itself keeps the day comfortable and effortless; outside, the scenery does the rest.
A garden celebration with the Borrowdale fells behind it.
Lodore is a real destination venue without the logistical faff. Its spaces flow naturally, guests can settle in, and a short walk gives you genuinely varied portraits — rather than an hour away from your own wedding while the canapés get nervous.
Less moving about. More being there.
The day has a lovely natural rhythm, from preparations and ceremony through to drinks, dinner and dancing.
Derwentwater brings the wow.
The lake, gardens and Borrowdale views offer a sense of occasion before you have even left the hotel grounds.
Beautiful in whatever it decides to do.
Good interiors, sheltered corners and dramatic rain or evening options mean a wet forecast is a plan, not a panic.
Gazebo celebrations, woodland portraits and Derwentwater views.
On site, there are clean contemporary backdrops, the gardens, gazebo, terrace and bridge. Nearby are the lake edge and jetty, while Surprise View is an optional extra if your timings and weather are kind.
Close to the celebrations
- Gardens and gazebo
- Terrace and hotel exterior
- Bridge, especially at night
For a little adventure
- Derwentwater jetty
- Boat trips on the lake
- Surprise View, if it fits
You do not need to disappear for an hour to get beautiful Lodore portraits. A calm ten minutes by the lake can do a lot.
From garden celebrations to the lake and evening light.
The gardens and gazebo
The ceremony and confetti photographs show the gardens full of people and celebration, with the hotel and woodland setting behind them.
A Derwentwater portrait
If you want lakeshore photographs, we can allow a separate short window and choose it around the weather, access and the time you want with your guests.
A different feel after dark
The bridge and illuminated hotel offer evening possibilities close to the celebrations. A brief portrait can add variety without taking over the evening.
Make time for the gardens, with a flexible plan for the lakeshore.
Lodore works best when there is breathing room: straightforward groups after the ceremony, a short portrait walk while guests enjoy drinks, and a ten-minute evening reset if the light is doing something lovely.
Start with the Lodore gardens
The gardens and hotel backdrop give us a natural place to begin. We can keep the first portraits close to the celebration and decide separately whether a short visit towards Derwentwater fits your plans.
Leave room for a change in the light
Borrowdale gives us a different backdrop as the light and weather change. A short, flexible portrait break can work better than committing to a long session or a particular sunset.
Use the building and bridge creatively
Rain does not have to end the photographs. The hotel and bridge offer different possibilities, and, if you are comfortable stepping outside, rain and evening light can become part of the pictures.
Relaxed, natural photographs — and a good experience getting them.
My job is not only to leave you with photographs you love. It is to help the day feel easy while we make them.
“He photographed our wedding at Lodore Falls beautifully, with a natural, relaxed approach that made us feel at ease and helped the whole day flow effortlessly. His knowledge of the venue meant he knew all the best spots for stunning shots, and it truly shows in our photos.”
“Chris did an amazing job at photographing our wedding at Lodore Falls. Honestly we couldn’t be happier with the results. We love them!”
Let’s make photographs that feel like the day did.
Relaxed, natural coverage; proper Lake District scenery when it fits; and enough time to actually be at your own wedding.
Useful pages while you’re planning.
A local Lodore Falls photographer who knows when to use the views — and when to leave you to enjoy them.
I’m Chris Freer, a Lake District wedding photographer based in Cockermouth. I have photographed more than 1,500 weddings over more than twenty years, including many at Lodore Falls Hotel.
That familiarity means I know the easy wins: when the jetty has the best light, where to find a quieter ten minutes away from the crowd, and how to make the gardens, bridge and Borrowdale backdrop work without turning the day into a photo schedule.
Lodore Falls Hotel wedding gallery
A mix of the hotel, the lake, ceremonies, celebrations and the quieter in-between moments. Select any image to view it larger.
Right on Derwentwater, with Borrowdale unfolding behind it.
Lodore Falls Hotel sits just south of Keswick, with lake views on one side and woodland and fells on the other. The journey in is part of the experience — particularly useful for setting the right mood before the prosecco starts.
Quick notes for guests
- Address: Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Derwentwater, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UX
- Nearest town: Keswick, around three miles away
- By road: M6 (J40), A66 to Keswick, then B5289 into Borrowdale
- Parking: On-site for residents and wedding guests
Keswick Launch stops at Lodore Jetty — a lovely option for guests staying in Keswick, and a useful excuse for a few lakeside portraits.
A few useful things to know.
Do we need to leave the venue for photographs?
No. Lodore gives us plenty at the hotel, gardens and lake edge. Surprise View is a popular optional extra, if the timings allow and it sounds like your sort of thing.
Is Lodore good for winter weddings?
Very. Winter brings softer light, atmosphere over the lake and a really cosy feel inside. The bridge and evening exterior are particularly good after dark.
What happens if it rains?
We make a simple plan, use the hotel’s sheltered areas and make the most of any breaks. Rain can also be lovely here, especially later in the day with the bridge or entrance lights.
Can you help us plan the photography timings?
Absolutely. I will help make groups, portraits and the rest of the schedule feel realistic, leaving you time to enjoy the day rather than chase it.
Can you recommend other Lake District suppliers?
Yes — my Lake District wedding suppliers guide is a good place to start for film, flowers, hair, make-up, music and more.