The Rise of Woodland Weddings…

And Why Couples Are Choosing Places Like Morden Lake

In recent years, we have seen a clear shift in the way couples imagine their wedding day. Traditional venues are no longer the automatic choice. Instead, more couples are seeking celebrations that feel natural, meaningful and deeply personal. This has led to a growing love for weddings in the woods and woodland wedding venues that offer space, beauty and a true sense of escape.

At Morden Lake, this movement is at the heart of everything we have created.

Why Woodland Weddings Are Growing in Popularity

Woodland weddings have risen in popularity as couples move away from rigid formats and towards experiences that feel authentic and relaxed. Being surrounded by trees, water and wildlife creates a calm atmosphere that cannot be replicated indoors.

Top wedding planners and industry blogs consistently highlight nature led weddings as one of the strongest ongoing trends, with couples prioritising outdoor ceremonies, flexible spaces and settings that feel less formal but still beautifully considered.

A wedding in the woods allows the day to unfold naturally. There is room to breathe, to gather, and to celebrate without feeling rushed or restricted. For many couples, that freedom is invaluable.

The Appeal of a Lakeside Woodland Setting

What makes woodland weddings particularly special is the way nature becomes part of the celebration. At Morden Lake, the landscape is not just a backdrop but an experience in itself.

Set within a secluded lakeside woodland in Dorset, Morden Lake offers a setting where still water reflects the surrounding trees and changing light throughout the day. Swans glide across the lake, fish move beneath the surface, and birdsong carries through the woodland from morning until evening. This abundance of wildlife creates a peaceful and immersive environment that guests notice immediately.

Couples choosing a lakeside woodland wedding are often drawn to the romance of water combined with the intimacy of the forest. It is a setting that feels timeless, grounding and quietly luxurious.

Personalisation and Meaningful Celebrations

One of the key reasons woodland weddings continue to grow in popularity is the level of personalisation they allow. Rather than adapting to a venue, couples can shape the day around their own vision.

At Morden Lake, ceremonies take place beside the water, followed by relaxed drinks by the lake and celebrations within the elegant tipi. Woodland paths connect each part of the day, allowing moments to flow seamlessly from one to the next.

This approach reflects a wider trend across the wedding industry, where couples are choosing venues that allow flexibility, creativity and a sense of ownership over their celebration.

A Natural Fit for Sustainability Conscious Couples

Sustainability has become an important consideration for many engaged couples. Woodland weddings naturally align with this mindset by embracing the landscape rather than competing with it.

At Morden Lake, the emphasis is on working with nature, not against it. The woodland setting reduces the need for heavy decoration, while the outdoor layout encourages simple, thoughtful styling that complements the surroundings.

This quieter, more considered approach appeals to couples who want their wedding to feel intentional and environmentally mindful without sacrificing beauty or atmosphere.

Photography That Feels Effortless and Timeless

Another reason weddings in the woods continue to rise in popularity is the photography. Natural light filtering through trees, reflections on the water, and organic textures create stunning imagery without staging or excess.

At Morden Lake, every turn offers a new photographic moment. From lakeside portraits to woodland walks and golden hour light across the water, couples are drawn to the way the setting allows their wedding photographs to feel natural, emotive and timeless.

Why Morden Lake Reflects the Future of Woodland Weddings

Morden Lake has been shaped by our years of experience operating Abbots Court and Almer Manor. From those venues, we learned what couples value most: warmth, flexibility, calm spaces and the freedom to celebrate in their own way.

With Morden Lake, we wanted to create a wedding in the woods that feels refined but never formal, immersive but never overwhelming. A place where couples can truly feel present on their wedding day.

By hosting a limited number of weddings each year, we ensure that every celebration receives the care, attention and exclusivity it deserves.

Experience It for Yourself at Our First Open Days

As interest in woodland weddings continues to grow, we believe the best way to understand the magic of a place like Morden Lake is to experience it in person.

For the very first time, we are opening the gates to Morden Lake for our inaugural Open Days on April 18th and 19th 2026. The venue will be fully styled so couples can explore the lakeside ceremony space, wander the woodland and step inside the dressed tipi as it would be on a wedding day.

There are just 8 exclusive wedding dates available for 2026 and Open Day spaces are limited.

To register your interest or find out more about weddings in the woods at Morden Lake, please visit www.mordenlake.co.uk or email hello@mordenlake.co.uk