By Amy Barnes | Sussex Photographer

A Relaxed May Wedding at Cissbury Barns, Nepcote

October 14, 2026

A Cissbury Barns Wedding in the Bank Holiday Heat

B&C’s wedding at Cissbury Barns in Nepcote was one of those really hot days we had in the May bank holiday heatwave … I was melting before the day had even started! But when I arrived at Cissbury House, where the bride was getting ready with her bridesmaids, everything felt super calm. Once she was ready, a few of her close friends from school arrived and she did a first look with them, which was such a lovely way to start the day.

When we had our initial video call before they booked, the bride told me her biggest worries were posed photos and feeling really awkward. Most couples tell me exactly the same thing, so she definitely wasn’t alone.

In the end, she chose me because of my relaxed style and she could see from my work and from chatting together, that I’d help her feel like herself in front of the camera.

“She made us feel so comfortable and at ease.”

Wedding dress with a lace bodice hanging on a white wardrobe beside floral wallpaper at Cissbury House

Black and white photo of the bride holding her bouquet as she pauses on the staircase at Cissbury House

Bubbly, Fun and Just Right Together

With their friends, these two are both bubbly and fun, but when they’re together you can really see why they’re so right for each other. She brings out the energy in him, and he calms and grounds her when she needs it.

And then there’s Simba, their bouncy Labrador, who is very much their baby. He is just SO gorgeous (more on him in a bit!).

“Amy was such a lovely and calming presence.”

A Venue Just Down the Road

Cissbury Barns is just down the road from me (which is super handy!), but there are so many reasons to love this stunning venue in the Sussex countryside. If you’re planning your wedding here, this is what to expect.

If you want to get ready there, they have a lovely apartment down a long country road at the main Cissbury House. There are a few rooms to change in, plus space to do hair and makeup together, with a sofa and a kitchen … the perfect space for a relaxed morning.

The drive up to the barns is breathtaking, with views of the Downs in every direction, and there’s plenty of parking for guests. You can choose an indoor ceremony in the barn, or an outdoor one overlooking the countryside. There’s loads of outdoor space for confetti, garden games and reception drinks, and the bar is outside but under its own barn roof. For the evening there’s lots of outdoor heating and comfy seating, and a second, larger barn for the meal and party.

“Amy is an absolute wizard at capturing the candids!”

The toilets are also really nice … I’m abit of a self-proclaimed toilet snob (I think we all are really aren’t we?!), and I can honestly say, Cissbury Barns have got it right here. And for sunset photos, you can head into the fields where the sun sets in the perfect spot.

Wooden order of the day sign beside a flint wall in the gardens at Cissbury Barns

Floral pergola post and milk churn arrangement with fields behind

Confetti, Beer Pong and a Sunset in the Fields

While the bride was getting ready at Cissbury House, it was so close that I also had time to quickly jump in the car to pop up and get a few photos of the boys getting ready at the barns.

B&C had their ceremony outside, then everyone headed onto the lawns in front of the barn for confetti. After that it was drinks and canapés, and group photos in the gardens. Simba came along after the ceremony too, just for 10 minutes so it didn’t all get too much for him, especially on such a hot day.

Speeches and the meal were inside the barn, followed by beer pong on the lawns, and then we headed out into the fields for sunset portraits.

Couples often tell me I’m a bit of a ninja on a wedding day and just blend in … and B&C proved it! The morning after, they texted me to check I’d actually been at their first dance. I was there, front row!

“Half the time you don’t even realise she is there.”

Bride and groom facing each other under the flower-covered pergola during their outdoor ceremony

Bridesmaids in rust dresses holding bouquets and paper fans during the outdoor ceremony

The Moment Simba Arrived

The best moment of the day for me has to be when Simba came to see them. He was so excited to see his mum and dad, and he was wearing the cutest little tuxedo collar … he really did look the part!

We went for a little walk through the woods and fields right next to the barn so he could have a run around. B&C got a breather from all the excitement and got to share it with their special boy. Their wedding really wouldn’t have been the same without him, and he was only there for 10 minutes!

“Amy captured his happy and boisterous nature perfectly.”

Labrador in a tuxedo collar sitting between the bride and groom in the fields

Bride and groom walking along a grassy path through the fields next to the barn with their Labrador

Bride and groom on a woodland path with their Labrador trotting alongside them

“I would recommend Amy to anyone in a heartbeat!!”

Planning Your Own Cissbury Barns Wedding?

If you are planning a wedding at Cissbury Barns, or anywhere else in Sussex, and you’re worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera like this bride was, then come and chat with me!

I’d love to hear what you have planned and whether I could be the right photographer for you.

You can see more about my Wedding Photography and check my availability here.