Tithe Barn Bolton Abbey Wedding Photographer
A 16th-century barn on the Bolton Abbey estate, with the priory ruins and the River Wharfe close by.
Photographing weddings at the Tithe Barn
The Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey is one of the most atmospheric venues in Yorkshire. It was the tithe barn of Bolton Priory, probably built in the 16th century, and it stands on the Duke of Devonshire’s Bolton Abbey estate in Wharfedale, looking out over the priory ruins.
Sophie and David’s wedding here was a day that made me think of Yorkshire as home. They both got ready on the estate, David with his children in a cottage overlooking the abbey and Sophie at the Devonshire Arms. After a night of thunderstorms, they were rewarded with one of the hottest days of the year.
Bolton Abbey is a short drive up the valley from my home, and Verity and I married a little further up the river at Burnsall, so this is very much my patch. It’s one of the venues I recommend most often to couples who want the countryside without compromising on comfort.
About the Tithe Barn
The barn is Grade II* listed, and Historic England calls it a very unusual survival in the north of England. It’s ten bays long, built of stone under a stone slate roof, and inside, nine king-post timber frames run the length of the building. Today it’s run by Cripps & Co as one of the largest exclusive-use wedding venues in the UK.
It’s licensed for civil ceremonies, with seating for up to 200 for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and room for up to 300 for drinks and dancing. In summer you can marry outside on the terrace, and there are fire pits outdoors, an open kitchen with an indoor barbecue, and a late licence until 1am.
A wedding day at the Tithe Barn
After the ceremony at Bolton Abbey, everyone followed a procession up to the barn, led by the hugely entertaining Back Chat Brass band. Sophie and David’s dog, Bronte, was there too, thanks to our friend Bex at Bow Wow Vow, and got plenty of cuddles along the way.
Portraits here almost take care of themselves. We caught the two of them kissing in front of the barn’s great arched doorway, between its lanterns. Later, on the lawn in golden evening light, the priory ruins and a big old tree stood behind them.
Inside, the timber roof and an iron chandelier full of candles glowed over the first dance, while guests of all ages, children included, gathered round to watch. It felt like the perfect venue for them: elegant, yet relaxed enough for everyone to let their hair down and have fun.
Why couples choose the Tithe Barn
- A barn with real history. Bolton Priory’s own tithe barn, with a magnificent king-post timber roof.
- The estate on your doorstep. The priory ruins, the lawns and the River Wharfe make portraits easy, without taking you far from your guests.
- Room for everyone. Up to 200 for the ceremony and meal, and up to 300 for the evening.
- Rustic, but comfortable. Exclusive use, a late licence, and the Devonshire Arms just down the road for getting ready.
More weddings nearby
See my Ilkley wedding photography page for venues down the valley, including Ilkley Winter Gardens, or look further into the Dales at Cracoe Village Hall. For more barns, see my barn weddings.
Questions couples ask
Is the Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey licensed for weddings?
Yes. It’s licensed for civil ceremonies, and in summer you can marry outside on the terrace.
How many guests does the Tithe Barn hold?
Up to 200 for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 300 for drinks and dancing in the evening.
How much does a Tithe Barn wedding photographer cost?
My full-day photography collection is £1,750 and full-day film is £1,500, with travel and accommodation included. A mini film can be added to photography for £500 (half day) or £750 (full day). See prices for what’s included.
Do you film weddings at the Tithe Barn?
Yes, on their own or alongside photography. See my Yorkshire wedding videography.
Weddings at The Tithe Barn
Nearby venues and areas
Planning a wedding elsewhere? See all my Yorkshire wedding photography or browse every venue I’ve photographed.
