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At Brookfield Barn, we know how important it is to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Our venue is set within 22 acres of secluded West Sussex countryside, offering a wealth of beautiful backdrops that make wedding photography truly special. From peaceful woodland paths to our charming lakeside bridge, every corner of the barn and its surroundings has been designed with beauty and unforgettable memories in mind.
In this blog post, we hear from a local photographer, Tom Keenan, who shares his favourite spots at our venue for wedding photos as well as his top tips for getting the best shots on your wedding day.
Written by Tom Keenan Photography
Brookfield Barn is one of those rare venues that offers a bit of everything, but also offers what many venues can’t. An amazing lake by a ceremony space, woodland paths, rolling countryside and a little golf course all included. There’s an atmosphere that feels peaceful and luxurious in equal measure. It’s a venue that gives couples space to be themselves, and from a documentary photographer’s perspective, that’s what we want.
I’m Tom, a luxury documentary and editorial-style wedding photographer based in Kent. I’m here to give you some tips on ideal photo spots at Brookfield Barn and things to keep in mind prior to your wedding. This venue is one of those places that naturally lends itself to the kind of photography I love most, which is authentic moments. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the best spots for photos around the venue, plus my top tips for getting wedding photographs you’ll actually love (and want to get up on your wall).
You can easily see beyond the barn is the former golf course where trees are dotted around all over the show. Looking out, gathered on the right, forms a natural canopy which is great. It’s quiet, slightly wild, and depending on the time of day, the light filters through in this soft way.
This is one of my absolute favourite spots at Brookfield Barn for portraits. It gives that natural woodland feeling without being too dark or too formal. It’s especially great around golden hour if you don’t have clouds and pick your angles. But even if the light shifts, the golf course gives us options. We can always pick the direction that works best depending on where the sun is setting.
Side note, they usually have a golf buggy charged, which is super helpful to get around on a hot wedding day!
The wooden bridge near the lake is a hidden gem at Brookfield Barn. Tucked among trees and surrounded by foliage, it’s one of those spaces that instantly feels calm and intimate. It works beautifully for close-up portraits or wider editorial shots with breathing space.
Because it’s narrow, I wouldn’t recommend big group shots here but it’s great for couple time. No stiff smiles or “say cheese” moments, just hanging out and me photographing you together.
Not far from the bridge is a peaceful little stream with ducks (if you’re lucky). This is where I like to create some of the quieter, scene setting photographs. It’s a brilliant spot where you can have the golf course in the background, or if I’m round with you, you have the venue in front of you where you can see all of your family and friends in one place.
Depending on the time of day, we can use this area for gentle couple shots or even a few family portraits with simplicity at the forefront. It’s a great example of how Brookfield Barn offers flexibility no matter what direction the light is coming from, we can always find the right space to work with it.
This lakeside ceremony spot is iconic for good reason. Whether you’re saying your vows here or using it later for portraits, the setting is beautifully framed by trees and water. It’s symmetrical without being formal, and it works well in both bright sun and softer, overcast light.
A touch of foliage or a floral installation here can add visual interest without overpowering the scene. I like to shoot this from a distance and then come closer for the details.
For the main entrance is a striking oak front of Brookfield Barn – a popular spot for family photos or shelter during unpredictable weather. I loved shooting the confetti moment here and had the couple walk down the steps towards me. Pretty epic.
It’s easy to focus on the outdoor spaces, but if you use the light coming from outside with the darkness in the background, you get some great looking contrast. It is quite dark in there and contrast-y overall, but the neutral tones and large windows give us beautiful light throughout the day.
I often shoot close to be in on the action, whether it’s parents emotions during the vows or the best man being a silly goose. These small, natural interactions are what bring your gallery to life and the barn interior is a huge space to celebrate in.
You’ll notice I haven’t talked much about stiff posing or complicated setups. That’s because in my opinion the best wedding photography isn’t about choreographed perfection but about the characters being photographed authentically.
I don’t want you to feel like you’re in a photoshoot on your wedding day. I want you to feel like and be yourselves. The photos that last are the ones that capture something real. It could be the joy you have with your husband/wife, an ugly-crying bridesmaid or seeing your 80-year-old grandparents dancing.
If you’re after hundreds of posed group shots, I’m probably not the right fit. But if you want imagery that feels alive and joyous, with a hint of editorial fashion, I think you’re in the right place.
One of the easiest (and sweetest) ways to end up in more photos together during the drinks reception is simply to hold hands as you mingle. It sounds small, but it’s such an effective way to stay with your bride/groom and make sure you’re both in frame when people come over to chat or hug you.
Unless I suggest to, which rarely ever happens, try to ignore the camera and focus on your people. You’ll be amazed at how much more relaxed and timeless the photos feel when you’re simply being present with your partner or your guests.
Forget the idea of “getting it right.” Just be yourselves. I’ll take care of capturing the magic.
Weddings are emotional. Let that show. Laugh as much as makes your face crinkle, let out the boo-hoo’s if you feel it, hug your Nan tight. I’m not there to document perfection but to document you.
Real emotion translates beautifully into authentic photography, and it’s those real moments that my clients hold onto for years to come.
Rather than disappearing for a big hour-long shoot, I recommend we carve out a few shorter pockets of time throughout the day. My suggestions are usually one at some point after the ceremony, one around golden hour, and maybe a final ten minutes at another point in the day if the venue or schedule calls for it.
This gives us variety in your images without pulling you away from your celebration for too long. You’ll get different light, different moods, and more chances to just enjoy each other.
Wedding photographs aren’t just about pretty backdrops, they’re about showing the relationships with the people that matter to you. If you want authentic, joyful photos with your best mates, siblings, or grandma, spend real time with them on the day.
Dance with them. Chat with them during the drinks reception. Toast with them at dinner. I’ll be there to capture the connections as they naturally happen.
Some people go for a photographer who is stand-offish in the corner of the room. My approach is being a photographer who is part of the family celebrating you – not a stranger lurking in the venue without chatting to guests or barking orders all day.
My opinion is that the best wedding photos come from genuine comfort and trust. I’ll get stuck into the social-ness of it all, chat with guests, share laughs, and quietly embody the day with you so nothing feels forced or awkward.
Brookfield Barn is a beautiful venue for real, emotive photography. With flexible outdoor settings, spacious interiors, and varied locations throughout the day, it allows us to create images that are editorial in style but always rooted in heart.
Whether we’re in the trees on the golf course, by the bridge, or near the stream, the setting never steals the show but facilitates it, if that makes sense. The deeper beauty is in the people, but it sure makes a difference when the venue is gorgeous.
If you’re planning your wedding at Brookfield Barn and want photographs that feel both high-end and heartfelt, I’d love to hear from you.
I’m Tom, a wedding photographer with a background in fashion photography. That means I’m no stranger to working with people under pressure. Having been in the business since 2012, my work has been featured in Italian Vogue, and I’ve photographed everything from celebrity portraits at the BBC to intimate, windswept ceremonies in the Kent countryside. These days, I specialise in a blend of documentary-style storytelling with an editorial aesthetic, creating imagery that feels both fashionable and soulful. I believe in genuine connection over stiff posing, and my goal is always to help you feel fully yourself in front of the camera. Whether you’re belly-laughing with your mates or sharing a quiet moment after the ceremony. If you’re still searching for a photographer come check out my website and see if I’m a fit for you.
Where glorious countryside meets breathtaking lakeside views. Where you can say ‘I do’ at the water’s edge and celebrate under enchanting oak beams. Private, peaceful and picturesque.
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