A WEDDING venue near Carlisle has been named one of the UK's top 10 most popular wedding venues in the country for 2021.

Hidden River Cabins, based near Longtown, is number eight on the list compiled by the wedding site Hitched.

The venue, situated on the banks of the river Lyne, is owned by local dairy farmer and entrepreneur Robert Carr and his wife Rachel.

The log cabins are named after the local wildlife, including kingfishers and roe deer.

It's been hosting weddings in its log cabins for around 11 years, and the venue also has a Hidden River Barn, designed by Carlisle-based Black Box Architects and completed in March 2020 - just prior to the Covid lockdown.

News and Star: Hidden River Cabins and Barn - one of the most popular wedding venues in the UK according to Hitched. Picture: Hidden River CabinsHidden River Cabins and Barn - one of the most popular wedding venues in the UK according to Hitched. Picture: Hidden River Cabins

Laura Sara, one of the venue's wedding co-ordinators, welcomed its inclusion among the country's top 10, and said they've been "incredibly" busy since lockdown ended helping couples tie the knot.

"It's fantastic," she said. "It's a really beautiful venue. It's purpose built and every little detail has been thought of.

"We've been busy all summer and it looks like we will be for the rest of 2021."

The past 18 months have been tough for the wider wedding industry.
Sarah Allard, the editor of Hitched, said: “Everyone in the sector has had to adapt, from virtual show-rounds to online consultations.

"It’s been amazing to see how wedding venues have gone that extra mile to continue to support wedding planning couples on their journey.

“Now that weddings are back and confidence is returning, venues are busier than ever, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate these particular spots that have received so many enquiries from nearlyweds.

News and Star: Hidden River Cabins and Barn - one of the most popular wedding venues in the UK according to Hitched. Picture: Hidden River CabinsHidden River Cabins and Barn - one of the most popular wedding venues in the UK according to Hitched. Picture: Hidden River Cabins

“We have a busy year ahead for weddings and these top businesses are so deserving of a spot on this list!”

The list also includes venues such as Pembroke Lodge in Richmond, south west London, and Great Fosters, an Elizabethan hotel and barn wedding venue in Surrey.