Sussex Wedding Venues
A Photographer's Guide
Your venue shapes everything about your wedding photos - the light, the backdrops and how the whole day flows.
Having photographed weddings at the finest venues in Sussex, I know where the light falls best, where group photos work and when to slip away for ten minutes at golden hour.
These are just a few of the East Sussex and West Sussex wedding venues I know inside out, each with its own in-depth guide.
South Lodge
West Sussex, near Horsham. South Lodge is a luxury country house hotel wedding venue set in 93 acres on the edge of the South Downs. It feels secluded but is easy for guests to reach from London and Gatwick. My favourite spot for evening portraits is the long grass leading down to the lake, where the golden hour light is soft and warm without ever feeling staged. Read the South Lodge guide
Ashdown Park
East Sussex, near Forest Row. Ashdown Park is a country house hotel wedding venue at the end of a sweeping drive in the heart of Ashdown Forest, around half an hour from Gatwick. You can marry in the Richard Towneley Suite, a converted chapel over two floors, or out at the Summer House. As the light softens, the lake is where I'd head for portraits. Read the Ashdown Park guide
The Ravenswood
West Sussex, near Sharpthorne and East Grinstead. The Ravenswood is set in 18 acres of lawns, gardens and lakes on the edge of Ashdown Forest. Outdoor ceremonies take place in front of the Little Castle, with the Baronial Hall indoors if the weather turns, so it's a lovely choice for an outdoor wedding in Sussex. Everything is within easy walking distance, which makes it ideal for relaxed, documentary photography. Read the Ravenswood guide
Highley Manor
West Sussex, near Balcombe. Highley Manor is an exclusive use wedding venue set in 7.5 acres of gardens and woodland. You can marry outdoors in front of the Pavilion with the Sussex Downs behind you, or indoors in the Baronial Hall, the manor's wood-panelled former chapel. Every photo location is a few minutes' walk away, so the day never stops for travelling. Read the Highley Manor guide
Trading Boundaries
East Sussex, Sheffield Green. Trading Boundaries is a marquee wedding venue with real personality, built around a Grade II listed Coach House in quiet East Sussex countryside. The permanent marquee is fully enclosed, so it works whatever the weather, and the colourful interiors give portraits and details real depth. I'm proud to be one of their recommended photographers. Read the Trading Boundaries guide
Amy + Tristram
“He put everyone at ease and had a lovely, charismatic approach to interacting with the guests"
"We could not wish for a better photographer for our wedding day."
I'm Andy Kerr, a documentary wedding photographer based in East Sussex - Worldwide Winner at the International Wedding Awards and UK Documentary Wedding Photographer of the Year. As a Sussex wedding photographer I cover East and West Sussex, London and the Home Counties, and weddings anywhere in the world.
What are the best wedding venues in Sussex?
It depends on the day you want. For a luxury country house hotel, South Lodge and Ashdown Park are hard to beat. For exclusive use, Highley Manor gives you the whole estate. The Ravenswood is a lovely outdoor wedding venue, and Trading Boundaries is perfect if you want colour and character.
Where are the best places for wedding photos in Sussex?
Every venue has its own spots. At South Lodge it's the long grass leading down to the lake, at Ashdown Park the lake and its surroundings, at Highley Manor the Pavilion with the Sussex Downs behind it, and at The Ravenswood the Little Castle and woodland paths. Each venue guide covers my favourite locations in detail.
Can you have an outdoor wedding in Sussex?
Yes. Highley Manor and The Ravenswood both offer outdoor ceremonies, Ashdown Park has the Summer House, and Trading Boundaries can hold ceremonies on the lawns on a dry day. All of them have an indoor plan B if the weather turns.
Which Sussex wedding venues have a wet weather option?
All five have a good plan B. Highley Manor and The Ravenswood both have an indoor Baronial Hall, Trading Boundaries has a fully enclosed permanent marquee, and South Lodge and Ashdown Park both have a choice of indoor ceremony spaces.
Which Sussex wedding venues are easiest for guests travelling from further afield?
South Lodge and Ashdown Park are both within easy reach of Gatwick, with Ashdown Park around half an hour's drive away. The Ravenswood is close to the M23, which makes it simple for guests coming from London.
When is the best time for couple portraits?
Timing matters more than location. In spring and summer I keep an eye on the light during dinner and suggest slipping away for 10 to 15 minutes when it's at its best, so you get relaxed golden hour portraits without missing the celebration.
Do you only photograph weddings in Sussex?
No. I'm based in East Sussex, but I photograph weddings across London, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire, and high-end weddings anywhere in the world. Planning a Hampshire wedding? Read my Northbrook Park guide
Sussex Wedding Venue FAQs
Louise + Mark
“One word... WOW!”
"When it came to the day it felt like our best friend was taking the photo's, enabling us all (even our mum & very shy daughter) to feel completely natural in front of the lens & with him."
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