1. The bridal suite at Upwaltham is exquisite, it really is very romantic and photos in here, especially facing the natural window light are beautiful. If you are getting ready elsewhere then I really do recommend at least putting your dress on and applying your final touches to hair and make-up in here for some really beautiful bridal prep shots.

2. Be willing to go for a wonder out to the fields and meadows surrounding the venue, after all, what is the point in choosing a venue in a rural setting if you're not going to take advantage of this stunning backdrop. Being situated right in the South Downs it really is so worth taking your bridal party for a stroll and even for your romantic evening portraits - just imagine standing in a meadow in your wedding dress looking the prettiest you've ever looked with the sunsetting, creating a golden light set against rolling hills and having this all captured on camera. Be sure to bring wellies and umbrellas to ensure you get those outdoor shots irrelevant of the weather.

3. If you and many of your loved ones are travelling, for example, from London, make the most of this commute and have a ‘Big Wedding Weekend’ aka ‘Wedfest’! There are loads of gorgeous beach houses and even camping sites or more luxury glamping sites in the Witterings and near to Chichester, just scroll down to check out my list of accommodation near Upwaltham Barns.

4. Book some fantastic live music for the day, even if just as background music, there’s a platform in the courtyard that works like a stage and for summer weddings, in particular, they give a real fun outdoor wedding vibe to your day. My personal favourites are Stevie Pommie, an incredible acoustic singer and guitarist who always ends up with guests dancing and singing along – AMAZING – you can find him on Alive Network, and also for background music I’d highly recommend Steel Strum, I photographed Alex’s wedding and have worked with him at so many weddings before this and since, and he’s superb. The steel strums are really unique and lovely to listen and dance to while still being able to hold a conversation with friends.

5. Visit the venue at the same time of year that you are planning to have your wedding so that you can see exactly how it will look, you’ll only be disappointed if you book it because you simply loved the meadow behind and the flowers in the courtyard in June, only to find it's all gone come October when your Wedding day is, it will still be gorgeous, but maybe not how you’d envisioned it.

6. Book me for your Upwaltham Barns wedding, hehe. I am just down the road, and as a venue buddy I offer a discount to Upwaltham Barns clients (*NB. not in conjunction with sales) already discounted packages). 

Top Tips

A Little Note...

Upwaltham Barns weddings are typically British, and this gorgeous venue really does suit couples who want a rustic barn in a rural location and picturesque setting for their wedding - it's definitely one for those who love that outdoor vibe, yet wish to keep guests from wondering too far, it's easy to keep everyone in one place despite the idyllic rural surroundings. 

I have photographed weddings here in both sunshine and rain, they've been equally beautiful and couples really have made it their own with the Upwaltham staff always going above and beyond.

If you are foodies and I mean you like your meat and real British food then out of many wedding venues in West Sussex, Upwaltham Barns weddings always deliver on this!