Free to adventure, Lake District Wedding
If you're planning a Lake District wedding filled with charm, natural beauty, and a big dose of adventure, Mr & Mrs Smith's day at Coniston Coppermines is the perfect inspiration. With a ceremony in the quaint rustic wedding barn, a mountainside celebration in Fjell Tipis, and portraits beside waterfalls and working waterwheel – this wedding had all the elements of a truly unforgettable day in the Cumbrian wilds.
Getting ready in Coniston Coppermines numerous cottages, one on the mountain side right next other this scenic wedding venue and the other down in Coniston village, giving both Bride and Groom their own space with their supporting friends and family. A wedding at Coniston Coppermines boasts space, both in freedom to explore and the options for on site accommodation.
As a Lake District wedding photographer and Film-maker, days like this are why I do what I do. Every detail – from the setting to the styling to the couple themselves – told a story of connection, nature, and celebration.
Coniston Coppermines teamed with Fjell Tipis offer one of the most unique wedding venues in the UK. You’re surrounded by history, nature, and nothing but the people you love. Whether you're planning a barn wedding in Cumbria, a tipi wedding in the fells, or an elopement in utter bliss, this part of the world is a pure delight!
For me personally being a, warm and cosy photographer, the Autumnal hues resonate with my edit style and the freedom emphasises my laid back and adventurous approach.
Mr & Mrs Smith’s wedding was a masterclass in relaxed, nature-led styling – the kind of wedding that feels effortless but is actually the result of thoughtful, intentional choices. From the textured wildflower bouquet to the warm tones of their attire and the soft, glowy lighting throughout, every detail was rooted in their love for the outdoors and each other.
The Colour Palette
Their colour scheme beautifully reflected the rugged Lake District landscape:
Soft terracotta, blush, peach, rust, dusky blue, and wildflower pinks – earthy yet fresh, romantic yet grounded.
It was echoed throughout the floral design, bridesmaid accessories, buttonholes, and even the tipis' warm canvas tones.
The bridal bouquet was a true statement piece – brimming with texture, movement, and soft romance. A seasonal mix of, café-au-lait dahlias, garden roses, astilbe, delphinium, craspedia and wisps of foraged greenery.
The arrangements across the day embraced natural asymmetry, giving a whimsical, picked-from-the-meadow feel – perfect for a boho wedding in the Lake District.
Bluebell & Ivy curated floral work which included some homegrown stems by the couples parents - adding a really personal touch!
The bride wore a delicately detailed gown with 3D floral appliqué, a deep V-back, and soft tulle skirt – elegant yet free-spirited, ideal for walking the mountain paths and partying later. Her hair was loosely curled and styled half-up, adorned with tiny pearl pins – soft and romantic with a hint of wildness.
The groom opted for a taupe-toned wool suit with a burnt orange tie – an earthy, autumnal palette that complemented the landscape and floral details perfectly. His boutonnière matched the bouquet, with mini dahlias and rosebuds adding a subtle pop of colour.
The Coppermines wedding barn was styled minimally to let its natural charm shine:
Fairy lights twinkled overhead on the old beams
Vintage jars and bottles lined the aisle with simple floral stems
A handmade floral displace stood at the front of the service drawing the eyes to the couple
Up in the Fjell Tipis, the styling stepped into full celebration mode:
Long wooden tables with linen runners and simple cutlery
Candles in brass holders for a warm glow
Individual stems in quirky glass jars
Personalised touches like handmade mountain table numbers (a nod to the Lake District’s mining heritage)
The entire setting had a boho-luxe meets mountain festival vibe – laid-back yet full of intention. It was stylish without ever feeling staged, personal without ever being overdone.
Weddings at Coniston Coppermines often have a touch of adventure about them – but Mr & Mrs Smith took it a step further, infusing the day with a good old-fashioned dose of silliness that had guests laughing from start to finish.
The open space outside the barn transformed into a mini wedding festival, complete with garden games, drinks in the sunshine, music (On The One Band - absolutely fantastic!) and a running battle for who could be the most competitive… or just the most ridiculous.
The Games That Kept Everyone Laughing
Darts with a twist – Set up on an easel near the barn, this wasn’t your standard pub darts. A few questionable techniques were on show (overarm shots, anyone?), and I may have overheard more than one guest claiming to have “nearly gone pro.”
Wedding Peg Challenge – One of the surprise hits of the day. Guests stealthily clipped wooden pegs onto each other’s backs without them noticing, causing spontaneous outbreaks of laughter throughout the reception. It became a running joke of the day – even the bride ended up a peg in her hair that we didn't notice until after the couple portraits - yes, I edited said peg out!
Before the ceremony, the bride had a special moment just for herself – a first look not with her partner, but with her wedding cake. Within the welcoming tipi styling, the cake stood beautifully styled on a vintage barrel, adorned with flowers and soft buttercream swirls that matched the floral tones of the day.
There was something so endearingly joyful about the way she lit up seeing it for the first time – equal parts wonder, excitement, and genuine awe. It was a reminder that weddings are about every little joy, not just the big moments.
“Honestly, more brides should have a first look with their cake – it was one of the most wholesome things I’ve ever photographed.”
Not only did it offer a calm, playful pause before the ceremony, but it was also a great moment to capture those intricate styling details before the celebrations got messy (or delicious!).
Stunning cake - Bramble and Wild Bakery
Later in the day, just before the evening celebration kicked off, the couple took a quiet moment alone – away from guests, music, and movement – to exchange personal vows privately. We wandered down a quiet trail to one of Coppermines’ hidden waterfalls, surrounded by nothing but fells, rock, and the soft rush of water.
It was raw, emotional, and completely theirs. No microphones. No audience. Just two people sharing promises with only the mountains as witness. At a distance I captured this moment for them.
“That moment felt sacred – the kind of intimacy that’s hard to plan, but impossible to forget.”
As a photographer, these are the kinds of moments I feel most privileged to capture. While the day was full of celebration, this pause in nature grounded it all – a reminder of why they were really here.
Whether it’s sneaking off for private vows beside a waterfall, laughing through garden games, or grinning at your dream cake before you say “I do,” this wedding showed that the best weddings are the ones filled with personal touches.
These moments don’t just create memories – they shape the feeling of the day. And that’s what people remember most.
Whilst everything is so 'content creator', 'Instagram influencer' and 'AI'', these days - I absolutely love that this wedding captured the RAW, real and authentic, without being fake. The energy throughout the day was contagious and the joy and connection throughout was genuine!
Here is to Lake District Scenic weddings with unbelievable amounts of authenticity and energy !
Wedding Suppliers...
Coniston Mountain weddings
FJell Tipis
The Striped Kitchen
Citrus Wagons
Bramble Wild Bakery
On The One Band
Bluebell & Ivy
Clare Gelderd Photography
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