The Chilli Barn: A Rustic Wedding Venue in Otley

A Perfect Rustic Wedding Venue in Yorkshire

If you’re looking for an intimate and characterful wedding venue in Yorkshire, The Chilli Barn in Otley is an absolute gem. As a documentary wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing beautiful love stories at this rustic barn wedding venue.

Here’s Clare and Joe’s wedding story.

Clare and Joe’s March wedding

Clare and Joe tied the knot at The Chilli Barn in Otley on a fresh and extremely breezy March day.

I had been booked for part day coverage, meaning my day started just before the wedding ceremony. When I arrived at the Chilli Barn, I met Joe and his son Ben who was his best man. Joe was calm, collected and excited to be getting married. I think it’s fair to say that Clare was a bit more nervous when she arrived! Their ceremony was filled with happy tears and the most immense joy. Which was such a pleasure to photograph.

Making time for each other on your wedding day

Clare had arrived by vintage camper van “Dylan” from Liberty Campers. Shortly after the ceremony, Dylan transported us to Surprise View for some pictures. Clare’s hairstylist Rachel Miller worked magic on her hair, it stayed perfectly in place even during our windy portrait session at Surprise View. The short journey up the road gave Clare and Joe some quality time together and I was lucky enough to be able to capture it as I rode in the back with them. The one piece of advice I always off to couples is to make sure that they have some time together away from their guests on their wedding day. It’s so important to have that time together to connect.

After they had warmed up, eaten and Joe had been roasted by his son in his speech, we popped out for some more time out and portraits. This time we went over the road into the Chevin Forest Park. We had discussed at our initial meeting going into the forest for woodland pictures and it was much kinder weather. Both the bride and groom said that they really appreciated taking a bit of time out together (and it meant that we got some beautiful pictures).

An unexpected moment happened when Joe’s mum managed to break a bone in her arm during the wedding breakfast. The staff at The Chilli Barn, were great and ensured that she got to nearby Otley Hospital. She was back bandaged up and in good spirits before the evening reception.

A Cheese Lover’s Dream Wedding Cake

The reception featured one of my favourite details – the cheese tower cake from Celebration Cheeses. It was a hit with the guests as part of the evening buffet alongside the pizza van.

What Clare said when I sent the gallery

One of the best parts of my job is hearing how couples feel when they receive their wedding gallery. Clare sent me the most touching message while on honeymoon:

“Thank you sooo much for our wedding photos. We’re absolutely over the moon with them and you’ve captured our wedding day perfectly. We’re on honeymoon at the moment and have been sat on the beach and at the hotel bar sobbing happy tears looking at them! THANK YOU!”

Capturing these moments is why I love being a documentary wedding photographer – telling the real, beautiful stories of your wedding day while letting you be fully present in every emotion.

If you’re planning a Chilli Barn wedding, I’d love to hear all about it! Get in touch to check my availability and let’s create something magical together.