A Cosy Autumnal Tipi Wedding at the Chilli Barn

Alex and Katie’s October wedding at the Chilli Barn had all the cosy vibes of an autumnal wedding, with the bonus of a beautiful blue sky and sunshine for their drinks reception.

The Ceremony

This couple chose to have a registrar-led ceremony with two readings from their family and friends. I love photographing indoor ceremonies at this venue as the fairy light wall makes a beautiful backdrop.

Bride and groom holding hands during indoor ceremony at Chilli Barn

The couple also chose to enter and exit their ceremony together which I loved. You don’t have to follow traditions on your wedding day, so if you’d rather see each other before your ceremony, you absolutely can. It can help to calm your nerves before the vows.

Bride and groom ceremony exit at Chilli Barn

Speeches

Speeches took place in a large tipi that the couple had hired from Bar Events UK to add more covered space in case of bad weather. Guests had plenty of space to stay warm and cosy in the brisk autumn weather.

Child lying on floor under tipi with womans legs and mic stand in the foreground.

Speeches are always one of my favourite parts of a wedding day to photograph, as I can be creative and move around to capture different stories. From the way the couple interact with each other, to the guests toasting their drinks in a long line, to the bored child waiting for it to be over so he can eat.

I also loved being able to capture the run-up to speeches when the couple were having their last-minute practice.

Bride reading speeches with groom holding his and beer

Documentary Moments

I’m not only drawn to moments as a documentary photographer, but light too. Sometimes finding good light comes first, and then the moment follows. This is exactly what I saw in the photo below. The sun was shining through the venue windows and lighting the dinner table where the bride sat. By exposing for the highlights I was able to send everything else into darkness around her. I then waited with my composition in mind for the bride to lean forward and smile. I love that her face is only partially visible so the focus stays on her smile. Another moment came shortly after as everyone raised their glasses and cheered. By sticking around long enough I was rewarded with my vision coming to life.

Bride smiling in patch of sunlight with drinks in front

Couple Portraits

There are so many different spots at the Chilli Barn for portrait photos. We used the front of the venue as the backlight from the sun made the scene look more magical. The stone steps by the cafe are another great spot. As the sun dipped, we wandered over into the field behind to get some golden hour portraits.

Bride and groom walking through field at sunset

If you’re getting married in October and have good weather on the day, there’s a good chance you’ll get some lovely golden light in the evening, making stepping away from your guests for 5 minutes worth it.

Autumnal Wedding Photo Inspiration

You can see more photos from this cosy October wedding below.

If you like the look of this gorgeous wedding venue and want to find out more about it, check out my Chilli Barn Wedding Photography page.

Looking for a photographer for your autumnal wedding? I’d love for you to get in touch!