A Small Wedding at the Chimney House, Sheffield

If you’re looking for inspiration for an untraditionally intimate wedding in sheffield, then Jon and louise’s beautiful day at The chimney house is an absolute must read for you!

Upon hearing that Louise and Jon wanted to make their small wedding day their own, I was instantly hooked and wanted to be part of the day! I was gripped by their love for the non-traditional and the ease that they went about their planning – who knew planning a wedding could be so easy??

“We both loved our wedding day. We only included wedding traditions that made us happy and made sense for our personalities - and I'd encourage all couples to do the same!”

Louise and Jon really stayed true to themselves from the start. They met the modern way (thank you, dating apps!)—and Jon sealed the deal with a few well-placed dog pics. Honestly, I get it... I’m a total sucker for a fur baby photo too.

Their proposal was just as sweet: getting lost in the streets of York, eating far too much chocolate, and soaking up the moment together. A low-key, lovely start to the next chapter, and the perfect lead-in to planning a day that reflected them.

Pick’N’Mix Wedding Traditions

Following the theme of their proposal, Jon and Louise wanted this day to be about them, and thoroughly being able to enjoy the day and the people who loved them. They made sure to only include the wedding traditions that felt personal to them, and to introduce a few new ones. Having reduced the number of traditions that needed to be included on the day really simplified their planning process!

Louise and Jon felt that their main priorities were the right venue – not too big and not too small, not to quote a well-known fairytale! And a good photographer (a rather amazing priority if I do say so myself!) to ensure that these are memories that they can look back on for a very, very long time! Having grown up in Sheffield they had always had their eye on The Chimney House, and after much an Instagram stalk they were certain they had found the most incredible photographer (what can I say, I’m just that amazing!).

A Rock’N’Roll Chimney House Wedding!

Louise and Jon weren’t sure they’d find a wedding venue that suited a smaller guest list, so when they discovered The Chimney House in Sheffield was available, it felt meant to be. Having grown up in the city, they’ve always loved its industrial architecture—and The Chimney House captures that perfectly. Growing up in Sheffield, they loved all the industrial style buildings and The Chimney House perfectly encapsulated this, meaning they didn’t have to worry about any additional decoration for the wedding. They could simply enjoy the setting, the people, and the moment.

Making this wedding planning look as easy as pie – Louise and Jon both bought their wedding outfits the week before the wedding, knowing these weren’t hugely significant to them, they just wanted to look nice! Their important details were their accessories – both Jon and Louise wore enamel, tattoo style pin badges, with ‘Rock’n’Roll Bride / Groom’ over a heart. With Jon expressing his silly side through a pair of bright orange Mr Tickle socks, and Louise only ever feeling comfortable in a pair of boots, wore an excellent studded pair for the day! And as all good fur mummies and daddies know, all you ever want is for your pets to be a part of your day, and Louise was able to incorporate her most favourite loved (fur) ones by wearing the dog tag of each of her dogs that had passed away on her boots – so they were able to take this walk with her. To me this is what makes a wedding day, finding a way to make those sentimental moments significant.

‘Til Death ... or a Dinosaur

There was also a very cool underlying theme throughout their wedding of ‘Til Death’, which was represented in their outfits by Jon wearing a black silk bowtie and pocket square with skulls on and Louise having the most incredible skull and bone jewellery.

Opting for the minimalist style wedding, as they already adored The Chimney House aesthetic, they were surprised by the staff of The Chimney House with them decorating the room with an array of vintage bottles filled with either the most beautiful wild flowers or long-stemmed candles. Having also decided to not have a guest book, instead choosing to have their guests sign or draw on small disc so that they can be inserted into a frame. This worked out better than they expected, as they now have a collection of beautiful messages / dinosaur pictures / jokes from their friends and family which can be hung proudly in their home.

Walking Down the Aisle to the Jurassic Park Theme Tune

Dinosaurs also became a running theme throughout the wedding day, what with them both being enormous fans of the film franchise and the dinosaurs in general! Louise walked up the aisle to the film theme song, instead of the wedding march, which she thoroughly enjoyed as it immediately put both her and Jon at ease and also watching the joy on her guests faces as they realised what was playing!

Love, Laughter & Letting Loose

After the ceremony, they ramped up the vibes of the event (and ever so slightly changing the tone of the music) a classic rock playlist was put on and beers were handed out. Jon and Louise loved that this now just felt like a normal party to them rather than a big ceremony. Completing the day in the best way for them – love, laughter and letting loose (almost got a bit too cliché then!).

Short and Sweet Wedding Photography with Big Laughs

Because Louise and Jon’s wedding took place during a time of some COVID restrictions, they opted for a shorter day of coverage—just three hours. But honestly? That was all we needed to capture everything that made their celebration so personal, joyful, and full of character.

After the ceremony and a few laid-back drinks, we headed out for their portrait session. Those three hours might have been short, but we packed in so much laughter. Louise and Jon spent the whole time giggling, cracking jokes, and pulling me right into their fun. It didn’t feel like a photoshoot—it felt like hanging out with two people completely in love, who knew exactly what they wanted from their day: no fluff, just the real stuff.

It’s moments like these that remind me weddings don’t have to follow a set script. Whether it’s a big bash or a more intimate, stripped-back celebration, it’s always about the same thing, marrying your person, and having a good time while you’re at it.

Louise and Jon’s advice to anyone not wanting to get bogged down with the planning or getting overwhelmed by all the traditions:

“Do whatever makes you happy and ignore everything else. It's so easy to get caught up in all the wedding traditions and other people's opinions, but stay true to you and you'll have the best day! Oh and it doesn't hurt to have some chocolate waiting for you afterwards.”

Awesome suppliers for this small wedding in Sheffield

 Outfits - ASOS 

Accessories –

Jewellery – Asa Boveuk

Bow Tie & Pocket Square – Bolongaro Trevor

Pin Badge – RocknRoll Bride

Shoes – ASOS

Hair & MUA - KPA Artistry (Kellie)   

Venue – The Chimney House

If you’re planning a small, non-traditional wedding and want a venue that brings serious personality, The Chimney House in Sheffield’s Kelham Island might just be your perfect match. Louise and Jon’s day was full of meaning, mischief, and a whole lot of fun. It was an absolute joy to photograph every second.

I’m Kate, a documentary-style wedding photographer based in the West Midlands. I shoot relaxed, storytelling-led weddings across Birmingham, Sheffield, and beyond. If you’re looking for natural photos that feel like you, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with love, laughter, and laid-back vibes — and want your photos to feel just like that — let’s have a chat!