We know that Cumbria is home to a huge array of beautiful hotels and guest houses, says Annabel Candler of Weddings By Annabel.
I can bet that one has just popped into your mind right now. But did you know the variety of venues that can host weddings? Do you know the choices available to happy couples right on our doorstep?
Cumbria is the setting for well over 3,000 weddings a year and each is incredibly different. If you start with the choice of venues, you think of a type of space and I bet there is somewhere hosting weddings to match. Whether a barn, lakeside field, luxury spa hotel, country estate or clearing in a wood, we have it. Couples travel from around the globe to celebrate in our area and why not!? With every style catered for plus the surrounding natural environment, it’s appealing to hundreds of folk.
Then there is the choice of all the other elements. Did you know we have cocktail specialists, hog breeders and roasters, lighting experts, flower farms, gin brewers, Ceilidh bands, Morris Dancers, Prosecco vans, Chip Vans, massive tipi’s and even Llama wedding companions!? You name it and you can have it. Every choice should be made wisely of course but sometimes these special touches can make the wedding truly personal and memorable while supporting our regional economy.
I once got asked by a wonderful Groom-to-be if he could have a sheep feature in their wedding in the Lakes. Yes, a sheep. I mentioned that perhaps a donkey or Alpaca might be more friendly but this wasn’t going to bring the same amount of joy to him. Challenge accepted. Utilising my network of awesome people, I found Crystal. The delightful Nicola from The Fruit and Veg Box Company stepped up with her pet ewe and we not only had Crystal be the ring bearer but she pulled a cart full of beer after the ceremony for all the guests. Challenge accomplished.
With every client, I am proud to push local talent and it’s not often they need to step beyond our borders to bring in additions. If you have a wedding business or venue and want to thrust yourself into the local talent pool, get in touch and let’s support each other.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Main photograph Silverholme and Red on Blonde
