Top 10 Wedding Venues in Kent & Sussex for Stunning Photography
Planning a wedding in Kent or Sussex is like stepping into a storybook—rolling countryside, historic estates, and golden-hour light that photographers dream of. As a Kent and Sussex wedding photographer, I’ve spent years capturing wedding stories at these counties' most breathtaking venues. Whether you’re drawn to rustic barns, grand castles, or Sussex and Kent gardens bursting with seasonal colour, your venue sets the stage for unforgettable photography.
In this guide, I’ll share 10 handpicked venues across Kent and Sussex, along with insider tips on how to make your photos shine. Let’s dive in!
1. Rustic Barn Venues in Kent
Perfect For: Couples craving earthy charm, exposed beams, and relaxed celebrations.
1.1 The Plough at Leigh
Location: Leigh, Kent (20 mins from Royal Tunbridge Wells).
Why Photographers Love It: A 16th-century high barn with original timber frames, surrounded by wildflower meadows and the Kent Downs. The Wedding Barn is peg tiled, beamed and beautiful. With minstrels’ gallery, oak floor and wood burning fires for the chillier times of year.
Photo Tip: Schedule golden-hour shots in the large back garden.
1.2 Cooling Castle Barn
Location: Rochester, Kent.
Why Photographers Love It: It blends historic charm with modern luxury, offering exclusive use of beautifully restored barns, landscaped gardens, and elegant indoor spaces.
Photo Tip: Use the stunning medieval gatehouse as a beautiful backdrop.
1.3 Frankie’s Farm Shop
Location: Staplehurst, Kent.
Why Photographers Love It: A charming and intimate setting for wedding receptions and family events. The venue features a beautifully designed restaurant with oak beams, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.
Photo Tip: Venture into the fields for some great nature shots with the couple.
1.4 The Barn Pub & Restaurant
Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Why Photographers Love It: A cosy oak-beamed barn with a cobbled courtyard. The warm, low lighting creates a snug atmosphere for evening reception shots.
Photo Tip: Use the car park across the road to get an elevated photograph of the wedding party.
1.5 The Bell Inn
Location: Ticehurst, East Sussex
Why Photographers Love It: A gorgeous 16th century Inn set in the beautiful East Sussex Countryside, with plenty of character and quirky decor, this pub is a photographer's dream.
Photo Tip: Make sure to use the secret back garden for hero photographs.
2. Luxury Estates in East Sussex
Perfect For: Grand, elegant weddings with a touch of history.
2.1 Wadhurst Castle
Location: Wadhurst, East Sussex.
Why Photographers Love It: A Gothic Revival castle with turrets, stained-glass windows, and manicured Italian gardens. The stone staircases and panoramic views over Sussex are pure fairytale material.
Photo Tip: Shoot during "golden hour" when the castle’s façade glows amber.
2.2 Brickwall House
Location: Northiam, East Sussex.
Why Photographers Love It: A grade 1 listed country manor house dating back to 1617, with beautiful grounds to explore and plenty of photography opportunities.
Photo Tip: Use the life size garden chess board sculptured from real garden shrubs and bushes for some fun couples photos..
2.3 South Lodge Hotel
Location: Horsham, West Sussex.
Why Photographers Love It: A Victorian country house with walled gardens, a glasshouse, and rolling South Downs views. The mixture of traditional and modern architecture gives you plenty of options from a photography perspective.
Photo Tip: Pose couples under the wisteria gazebo in spring for a floral frame.
2.4 The Beacon
Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Why Photographers Love It: A beautifully converted country house with stunning balconies and a tiered roof terrace that looks over the rolling Kent countryside.
Photo Tip: Make use of the abundant grounds and rose garden.
2.5 Royal Pavilion and Gardens
Location: Brighton, East Sussex.
Why Photographers Love It: A former royal palace built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for King George IV. It features an exotic Indo-Saracenic architectural style, inspired by Indian and Chinese influences.
Photo Tip: The beautifully landscaped gardens offer a variety of scenic spots, from lush greenery to elegant Regency-era pathways, perfect for capturing intimate and artistic shots.
How to Choose a Venue That Complements Candid Photography
Candid photography thrives on spontaneity, so your venue should encourage natural interactions. Here’s what to prioritise:
3.1 Lighting
Barns: Soft, diffused light through large windows (e.g., Cooling Castle Barn).
Estates: Golden-hour opportunities in gardens (e.g., Wadhurst Castle).
3.2 Space Layout
Flow: Venues like The Plough at Leigh have seamless indoor/outdoor transitions, letting guests mingle freely.
Hidden Corners: Brickwall House’s quirky gardens add a bit of fun to the images.
3.3 Local Gems
Historic Registry Offices:
The Mansion House: A 19th Century building, right in the centre of Tunbridge Wells and looking over Calverley Park.
Oakwood House: A grand Victorian mansion set amongst mature gardens and tall trees.
Seasonal tips for wedding venues in Kent and Sussex
4.1 Spring
Venue Pick: Bower in the Wood, Ticehurst, East Sussex
Tip: Make use of the bluebells from mid-April to early May.
4.2 Summer
Venue Pick: Battle Abbey School.
Tip: Sunset shots over the abbey ruins at 8 PM.
4.3 Autumn
Venue Pick: South Lodge Hotel, Horsham, West Sussex
Tip: Large ceilings and grand rooms give you plenty of indoor photography opportunities when the weather is bad.
4.4 Winter
Venue Pick: The Bell in Ticehurst.
Tip: Rustic interiors and quirky furniture and props, make this venue ideal for indoor photography.
Why Hire Tunbridge Wells Studios Wedding Photography Services?
As a local, I know Kent and Sussex like the back of my camera:
Hidden Spots: time is of the essence on your wedding today, location knowledge is key.
Weather Prep: Quick indoor alternatives for Sussex rain showers.
Community Ties: Partnerships with venues for seamless planning.
Your wedding venue isn’t just a location—it’s the canvas for your special day. Whether you choose a Kentish barn or a Sussex castle, prioritise spaces that reflect your personality and let moments unfold naturally.
Ready to Capture Your Day?
Contact me to discuss your wedding photography!