I am Paul Streeter-Staniford, a wedding photographer in Sussex based in Horsham, and I built my entire business around one simple belief:
your wedding photographs should feel like you, not like a catalog. If you are scrolling through wedding photographer
websites and feeling a knot in your stomach at the thought of standing stiffly for hours of staged portraits,
I understand exactly how you feel. That knot is the reason I do what I do.
As a Wedding photographer in Sussex I also cover weddings across Surrey, Hampshire and London, and I have lost count of the number of couples who have told me,
“We hate being in front of the camera.” My reply is always the same: perfect, because it’s your wedding day not a cat walk.
My approach is relaxed, natural, and mostly unposed. I want your photographs to capture real laughter, genuine tears,
and the quiet moments you might miss on the day itself. If that sounds like what you are looking for, you are exactly my kind of couple.
Why I Work as a Wedding Photographer in Sussex — And Why I Do It Differently
Let’s be real: too many wedding photographers act like they’re directing a high-budget movie,
treating your big day like a stage-managed set where you are just props.
Then, the second the clock strikes 7:30 PM, they start tapping their watches and charging you by the minute.
That is not my vibe.
If you book a package with me that includes the first dance, I am locked in.
I am staying until I capture the sweaty dance floor antics, the epic sunset, and your tipsy guests waving fire hazards (sparklers) around.
It’s your wedding day, not a military drill.
I believe 80% of the day should be pure documentary style. Think of me as a ninja in the background, letting the real,
unscripted magic happen while you actually enjoy your party. The other 20%? We will slip away for just 20 minutes to grab those moody,
romantic sunset or rainy shots. It is the perfect excuse to escape your chatty Aunt carol,
catch your breath, and get some absolute stunners for your living room wall.
Hitched lists over eighty wedding photographers in West Sussex alone, with starting prices ranging from around £350 to £1,595.
With so much choice, it can feel overwhelming. But when you strip away the fancy marketing, the difference always comes down to style.
Some photographers specialise in documentary reportage, others in editorial or fine art. My style sits firmly in the natural, relaxed camp.
I am there to document your day as it happens, not to direct it.
No Forced Poses, No Awkward Smiles
Let me be clear: I will never ask you to “look at the camera and smile” for more than a few seconds.
The only posed shots I take are the formal family groupings that many couples still want – and even those can be hilarious if you’ll join in with my craziness.
We also escape for 20 minutes for some wall worthy shots. The rest of the day is mine to observe and capture.
You will hardly notice I am there, although you’ll defo see me on the dance floor. .
Wedding Photography Packages for Sussex Couples
I offer three wedding packages, simply named The One With No Party, The One Where Paul Doesn’t Leave, and
The One With The Bridal Prep, with album add-ons, Pre wedding shoots and second photographers available for each.
I keep the structure straightforward because I believe you should spend your energy planning your day, not decoding a pricing grid.
Every package is designed to give you flexibility while covering the core elements that matter most: your story, your emotions, and your memories.
The One With No Party – Your Day, Documented
The One With No Party is my entry-level package, although I do offer bespoke packages which can be on an hourly basis.
This is perfect for smaller weddings, elopements, or couples who want coverage for the ceremony and main reception.
It includes a set number of hours of continuous coverage and a gallery of high-resolution edited images.
The One Where Paul Doesn’t Leave – More Time, More Coverage
The One Where Paul Doesn’t Leave extends the hours to cover the day, from Ceremony through to the first dance and beyond.
This is my most popular package because it gives me enough time to tell a complete story without rushing.
It also means you don’t miss out on sunsets, Sparklers or some cool light painting.
You get more images, a wider variety of moments, and the confidence that nothing will be missed.
For a wedding at a venue like Cissbury Barns, South Lodge or Brookfield Barn where the light and setting change dramatically from afternoon to evening,
The One Where Paul Doesn’t Leave is ideal.
The One With The Bridal Prep – The Full Experience
The One With The Bridal Prep is my comprehensive package, designed for couples who want the entire day captured from start to finish,
including the morning preparations, the ceremony, reception, speeches, dancing, and even the sparkler send-off.
If you are planning a large celebration at a venue like Highley Manor, Barnett Hill or Cottesmore Golf Club,
The One With The Bridal Prep gives you total peace of mind.
Album Add-Ons
Any of the packages can be enhanced with a beautiful, handcrafted wedding album. I design these albums myself,
ensuring the layout tells your story in a natural sequence. There is nothing quite like holding a physical book of your wedding photographs,
and the albums I offer are made to last for generations. You can add an album to any package, or choose a smaller parent album as a gift.
Venues I Know and Love in Sussex
Over the years I have had the pleasure of photographing weddings at many venues across Sussex, Surrey, and London.
Being familiar with a venue’s layout, light, and best spots makes a real difference on the day.
Here are a few venues I have worked at and genuinely enjoy returning to.
South Lodge
South Lodge, a 19th-century Victorian country house in West Sussex, is located on Brighton Road in Lower Beeding, Horsham (RH13 6PS).
Nestled in 93 acres of countryside with panoramic views of the South Downs.
Key Details & Capacities
South Lodge offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, making it versatile for any season.
Outdoor Ceremonies: A wrought-iron pavilion on the lawn can host up to 180 guests.
Wordsworth Suite: The largest indoor ceremony room, accommodating up to 180 guests.
Gladstone Suite: Ideal for grand receptions up to 180 guests, featuring triple-aspect windows, high ceilings, and stunning South Downs views.
Disraeli & Goodwood Suites: Perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings ranging from 30 to 50 guests.
Glyndebourne Suite: Suited for medium-sized ceremonies with up to 80 guests
Cissbury Barns
Cissbury Barns is a popular rustic-elegant wedding venue located on the historic Cissbury Estate in Findon, near Worthing, West Sussex.
Nestled high within the South Downs National Park, the venue consists of beautifully restored
18th-century flint barns that offer a relaxed, stylish countryside setting with expansive views.
The family-run estate dates back to the late 18th century, striking a perfect balance between a grand country estate and a warm, unpretentious family home.
Venue Capacities & Logistics
Ceremony & Dining: Up to 120 seated guests.
Evening Reception: Up to 200 standing guests.
Exclusivity: Couples receive exclusive use of the entire venue for their wedding day.
Beverage Policy: No corkage fee, allowing couples to bring their own drinks for the daytime.
Event & Ceremony Spaces
The East Barn: The primary indoor licensed ceremony space featuring exposed brick and flint walls, oak beams, large windows, and draped white voiles.
The Glade: A licensed outdoor ceremony location situated under mature trees overlooking the rolling downs, perfect for summer celebrations.
Walled Gardens: Enclosed, peaceful brick-and-flint outdoor spaces, including a secret garden and wide courtyard,
perfect for drinks receptions and photographs.
The House & Staircase: A private family home where couples meet registrars and can use the grand staircase for photos.
Amenities & Catering
Catering Flexibility: Partnered with choice associate catering firms, offering everything from formal three-course meals to informal BBQs and street food.
On-Site Bar: A quirky built-in bar serving a vast range of cocktails and drinks for the evening.
Pet Policy: Highly pet-friendly, allowing couples to include dogs in their ceremony.
Accommodation: Features the on-site, two-bedroom North Wing Apartment for morning preparations or overnight stays,
alongside nearby boutique lodging partnerships
Brookfield Barn
Brookfield Barn is an exclusive-use, purpose-built wedding venue located on
Winterpit Lane in Lower Beeding, near Horsham, West Sussex.
Awarded a Hitched Wedding Award, it seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern features like electric vehicle (EV)
charging stations and private preparation suites.
The property centers around a picturesque private lake, offering expansive views of the West Sussex countryside.
Ceremony Options
Lakeside Pergola: Fair-weather ceremonies occur outside by the water’s edge under a wooden pergola.
The Barn: Indoor events feature a handcrafted, traditional oak-beamed structure with massive floor-to-ceiling picture windows.
Capacity and Timing
Ceremony & Dining: Accommodates up to 138 seated guests.
Evening Reception: Expands to host up to 200 standing guests.
Curfew: Last orders are at 11:15 PM, with music concluding at 11:30 PM.
On-Site Amenities
Preparation Suites: Features two specialised morning spaces, including “Lakeview,” which is equipped with hair and makeup stations,
a private shower, and a lounge.
Accommodation: Provides 11 boutique guest bedrooms, including a honeymoon suite, sleeping up to 25 adults and 4 children.
Highley Manor
One of my absolute faves Highley Manor traces its storied roots back to 1669, eventually becoming the home
of the renowned Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley in the early 19th century. The estate’s glamorous history spans from
alleged 1920s royal rendezvous to a Canadian Army base during World War II,
before being beautifully restored into the enchanting country house hotel it is today.
Exceptional Wedding Features
Today, this exclusive-use venue allows you and your loved ones to enjoy the full run of the estate. Highlights include:
Stunning Ceremony Spaces: Choose from elegant indoor options like the Baronial and Great Halls,
or exchange vows outdoors in the pavilion overlooking the sweeping countryside.
Flexible Capacity: The manor is licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 86 day guests, and can host up to 200 guests for evening receptions
Luxurious Accommodation: Relax in the dedicated Getting Ready Room and luxurious Honeymoon Suite,
while 18 uniquely styled bedrooms are available for your guests to stay overnight
Covering Sussex, Surrey, and London
I am a wedding photographer in Sussex and my base is Horsham in West Sussex, so I know the area inside out.
I happily travel throughout Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and London for weddings, and I am used to the logistics of city venues, country estates,
and everything in between. Whether your wedding is in a Brighton hotel, a Guildford barn, or a London registry office with a reception in a Shoreditch warehouse,
I will be there with my camera and a calm, professional attitude.
Travel within these areas is included in my packages at no extra cost. I also photograph weddings further afield,
so if you have your heart set on a venue outside my standard coverage area, just ask. I will do my best to make it work.
Getting to Know You Before the Big Day
The best wedding photographs come from a genuine connection between photographer and couple.
That is why I always arrange a relaxed, no-pressure meeting (either in person or over a video call) before you book.
We can talk about your vision, your venue, and any particular moments you want me to capture.
You can ask me anything, and I will be completely honest about what I can deliver.
There is no sales pitch, just a friendly chat between people who want your day to be amazing.
Many couples also choose to add an engagement shoot to their package.
An engagement shoot is not about getting perfect photos for your save-the-date cards, though you will get those too.
It is about spending an hour walking somewhere nice with me, laughing, and realising that being photographed does not have to be a chore.
By the time your wedding day arrives, I will feel like an old friend rather than a stranger with a camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my Sussex wedding photographer?
Popular dates, especially Saturdays from May to September, often book a year or more ahead.
I recommend getting in touch as soon as you have your venue and date confirmed.
If you are planning a winter or weekday wedding, availability is usually more flexible, and I can often accommodate shorter notice.
Do you travel outside Sussex?
I am a wedding photographer in Sussex and I cover weddings across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and London as standard, with no additional travel costs for venues in these areas.
I am also happy to photograph weddings further afield on request. Just let me know where your wedding is,
and I will provide a quote based on distance and accommodation needs.
Can we customise the package?
Absolutely. The One With Bridal Prep, The One Where Paul Stays All Day , and The One Without The Party are starting points.
If you need more or fewer hours, an extra album, or a second photographer, we can tailor a package that fits your exact requirements.
I believe in total transparency, so I will always give you a clear breakdown of costs before you commit.
What if we are nervous about being photographed?
You are in good company. Most of my couples start off nervous. My relaxed, unposed approach means you do not have to perform for the camera.
We will spend the day enjoying your wedding while I capture real moments.
Many couples tell me they forgot I was even there until they saw the photographs and were amazed at how natural everything looked.
How do we reserve our date?
To secure your wedding date, I ask for a signed contract and a deposit of 25% of the package price.
The balance is due four weeks before the wedding. Drop me a message through my website or give me a call, and I will send over the contract and booking details.
I keep the process simple and paperwork light, so you can focus on the fun stuff.