Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa is a dream wedding venue in the heart of Otley, West Yorkshire.
Nestled within 44 acres of peaceful woodland and centred around a serene lake, it offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and refined elegance. From its timber-framed lodges to its luxurious spa facilities, the venue is ideal for couples who want to surround their big day with both nature and comfort.
Only a short drive away, the famous Otley Chevin Surprise View offers panoramic vistas across Wharfedale – one of the most breathtaking backdrops for wedding photography and videography in Yorkshire.
Meeting Milly & Sam
From the very first video call, I knew Milly and Sam’s wedding was going to be something truly special. They were warm, thoughtful, and full of heartfelt ideas – and most importantly, completely trusting of my creativity. That trust is precious for a photographer – it allows me to tell a story that is both authentic and beautiful.
Before the big day, we arranged a pre-wedding shoot at Golden Acre Park in Leeds. This session gave us the chance to connect even more and feel at ease in front of the camera. It was during this time I discovered Sam and I shared a love for basketball and the NBA – but our conversations with Sam and Milly flowed into family stories, laughter, and shared dreams.
The Wedding Morning
We arrived 30 minutes earlier than planned to capture every delicate detail from the very start.
Milly spent the morning with her bridesmaids in a cozy woodland cabin just a short stroll from Sam’s lodge. Her bridal details – sparkling jewellery, soft romantic makeup, and a gown that seemed made for her – perfectly reflected her style. Each bridesmaid carried a unique bouquet, with blush pink as the dominant tone, beautifully offset by the lush green surroundings.
Bride and bridesmaids popped the champagne with lots of laughter and gentle giggles in the top floor bedroom. After this, the bridesmaids helped Milly into her dress, carefully fastening every button, slipping on her elegant shoes, and adding the finishing touch of graceful jewellery.
Meanwhile, Sam and his groomsmen were in cheerful spirits. Smiles and laughter filled the cabin as they helped each other with ties and cufflinks, sharing in the excitement of the day ahead.
Emotional Pre-Ceremony Moments
As Milly stepped out of the cabin, the sunlight caught the delicate details of her gown, making her glow. Her bridesmaids uncovered their eyes, and in that instant, the laughter from earlier turned into heartfelt gasps and teary smiles. They reached for her hands, embracing her in a circle of love before walking toward the ceremony.
Milly had a heartfelt first look with her father before the ceremony, and everyone felt their deep connection. His pride and emotion set the tone for the heartfelt vows to come.
Milly and Sam shared what I like to call an “almost first look” — holding hands around a corner without seeing each other. It was a tender, intimate moment filled with anticipation.
The Ceremony – Woodland Suite Magic
The ceremony took place in the Woodland Suite, a light-filled space with stunning views over the lake. The atmosphere was warm and intimate, with the gentle sound of water in the distance adding to the romance.
Milly and Sam’s vows were heartfelt, and you could see the emotion in the faces of every guest. As a photographer, I love blending editorial elegance with natural, candid storytelling – and this setting provided the perfect backdrop for both.
Confetti by the Lake at Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa Wedding
The moment Milly and Sam stepped out onto the terrace, they were met with a joyful sea of smiling faces and a burst of colour. Guests circle them, ready with handfuls of delicate petals. The confetti floated through the air, catching the light and creating the most magical scene against the sparkling lake backdrop. Laughter and cheers filled the air, and the joy on their faces was pure and unfiltered – the kind of moment that makes everyone feel part of the celebration.
One of my favourite candid moments was spotting Sam’s grandmother, seated in her wheelchair, joyfully taking photos on her camera. Her smile truly lit up the day.
Lakeside Portraits & Woodland Walks
Following the ceremony, we explored the venue’s most enchanting spots for portraits. The shimmering lake provided a breathtaking backdrop, while shaded woodland paths added depth and texture to the gallery.
Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa wedding photography offers endless opportunities for variety – from the rustic charm of the lodges to the elegance of the lakeside pier and the winding forest trails.
The inside also offered a great opportunity to be creative as Chevin Hotel has some stunning staircase and all kind of atmospheric lights.
We also made our way to Otley Chevin Surprise View for golden-hour portraits. From this iconic spot, the sweeping valley views and warm evening light created images that felt both cinematic and romantic.
A Night of Laughter, Music & Dance at Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa Wedding
As the sun set over the lake, the celebration shifted into full party mode. Heartfelt speeches moved seamlessly into laughter-filled conversations, and soon the dance floor was alive with movement.
From emotional first dances to joyful twirls, the energy never dipped. Capturing these moments – the unfiltered happiness, the sparkling glances, the spontaneous bursts of joy – is what makes wedding photography so rewarding.
Why Choose Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa for Your Wedding
From a photographer’s perspective, Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa Wedding is a dream. It offers:
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Idyllic woodland and lakeside setting – perfect for both summer sunsets and moody winter romance.
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Rustic cabins with modern luxury – great for bridal prep photos and guest stays.
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A stunning spa – ideal for relaxing before or after the big day.
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Close proximity to iconic spots like Otley Chevin Surprise View for breathtaking portraits.
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Indoor and outdoor flexibility – beautiful light all year round, whatever the weather.
Final Thoughts
Milly & Sam’s wedding was everything a summer Yorkshire wedding should be – filled with emotion, laughter, and unforgettable scenery. Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration, and every detail reflected their personalities and love story.
If you’re planning your own wedding and want imagery that captures every emotion, detail, and heartfelt moment, I’d love to tell your story through elegant, timeless, and natural photography and videography.
Vendors Featured in This Wedding:
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Photography & Videography: Calini Weddings
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Makeup: @makeupbylaurencurtis
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Florals: @lavendertwinepudsey – Louise Askin
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Neon Sign: @pinchmeplease
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Stationery/Room Dressing: Bride – Milly @milhartn
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Photobooth: Picture Blast – 📞 0800 193 3333 | ✉ info@pictureblastevents.co.uk | 🌐 www.pictureblast.co.uk
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DJ & Entertainment: @paco231080 – Lawrence Chin Professional Events DJ
Let’s Connect & Create Your Wedding Story
If you’re dreaming of elegant, timeless, and joy-filled wedding photography or videography, I’d love to capture your story.
Follow along for inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and real weddings from across Yorkshire and beyond:
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Instagram: @caliniweddings
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Facebook: Calini Weddings
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TikTok: @caliniweddings
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YouTube: Calini Weddings Channel
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Pinterest: Calini Weddings
This venue, set close to Leeds, offers incredible woodland backdrops.
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