The Chilli Barn — A Rustic Yorkshire Barn Wedding Venue in Otley
By Tim Christian Jones
9 August 2025
A Rustic Yorkshire Wedding Venue Filled with Light and Heart
If you’re looking for a small and characterful wedding venue in Yorkshire, The Chilli Barn in Otley is one of my favourites. Perched beside Chevin Forest Park, it’s filled with natural light and easy charm — a place where every season feels genuine and every moment matters.
As a Leeds wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing several beautiful celebrations here, but Helen & Adam’s day stands out — a relaxed, rain-kissed wedding with laughter, umbrellas, and a very well-behaved rescue dog proudly wearing his floral collar.
Here’s Helen and Adam’s wedding story.
Helen & Adam’s Rain-Kissed August Wedding at The Chilli Barn
Helen and Adam were married at The Chilli Barn in Otley on a calm, rain-kissed August afternoon. The kind of soft Yorkshire rain that never quite settles — drifting through the trees and making every shade of green come alive.
When I arrived, their rescue dog greeted me first — calm, curious, and proudly wearing his green floral collar, as if he knew he had an important part to play. Guests smiled as he wandered between them, soaking up the attention.
Inside, the ceremony room felt warm and full of light. Helen, calm but emotional, smiled as she walked down the aisle with her dad. Adam turned, beaming — and for a moment, everything outside fell still. Their vows were heartfelt and simple: just the two of them, surrounded by family, close friends, and the quiet hum of summer rain on the barn roof.
It was one of those weddings that didn’t need perfection — just real people, real warmth, and a story that unfolded naturally.
A Loyal Guest and a Heartfelt Ceremony
Throughout the day, their rescue dog was never far away — a gentle presence, always close by, always watching. During the vows he sat quietly near the front, occasionally glancing toward his humans as if keeping them in check. Later, as guests clapped and hugged, he became everyone’s favourite companion, soaking up affection wherever he went.
Moments like these always remind me why I love documentary wedding photography — the unscripted details, the personalities that shine through, and the joy that comes from simply letting the story unfold.
Wellies, White Horse, and Woodland Walks
Later in the afternoon, as the rain eased, Helen pulled on her wellies and Adam steadied her hand. Together they crossed the field toward her white horse — a moment she’d been dreaming of. The horse turned its head as if posing, the couple laughed, and for a few seconds everything felt perfectly still.
Umbrellas up, we wandered to the edge of Chevin Forest. The light softened, the greens deepened, and Helen and Adam shared a quiet kiss beneath the trees — their dog close behind. Rain-washed, real, and beautifully unposed — just as wedding days should be.
What Helen & Adam Said When They Received Their Wedding Gallery
One of the best parts of what I do is hearing from couples when they first see their wedding photographs. Helen sent me a lovely message a few days after I shared their gallery:
“We honestly can’t thank you enough, Tim. You were so calm and kind all day — even when the rain kept coming! You helped us keep to our plan for photos in Chevin Forest, and we’re so glad we went for it. The colours, the light, everything looks magical. We’ve looked through the gallery a dozen times already — it’s just perfect.”
Helen & Adam
Hearing words like that means the world. Moments like theirs — quiet, rain-washed, full of life — are why I love being a documentary wedding photographer in Yorkshire.
If you’re planning a Chilli Barn wedding in Otley, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch to check my availability and chat about your plans.
