Marquee Wedding Photography in West Sussex
A Documentary Story at St George's Church and a Private Home near Petersfield
What happens when you bring together a rugby-mad groom, a timeless English country church, a family Labrador, a world-class tenor from the Royal Opera, a bit of British rain, a double rainbow, and 120 joyous guests under canvas?
You get a wedding with heart. And I had the pleasure of photographing every honest, beautiful moment.
“Hi, Kevin-They are absolutely fantastic. You are very talented and have managed to capture the day and the feeling. Thank you very very much.”
Anna and Seb’s wedding took place at the remarkable St George’s Church in Trotton — a building steeped in character and history (we’re talking Norman era). It was followed by a relaxed marquee reception at a private home nearby, nestled deep in the West Sussex countryside. These kinds of weddings — with no formal ‘venue,’ just people, place, and purpose — are where documentary photography really shines.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m not interested in staging moments or firing off tens of thousands of frames. My aim is to tell the story as it naturally unfolds — using light, composition, and timing to quietly document the emotion, energy, and character of the day.
I began the morning with Anna, her bridesmaids, and the ever-loyal family dog. The skies were moody — dramatic even — and just as the heavens opened before the ceremony, they cleared just in time for Anna’s arrival at the church. It’s those small, unscripted moments that I live for.
After the ceremony, guests made their way to the marquee where the party truly began. Drinks flowed, hugs were shared, and Anna’s father — a hugely talented musician — treated everyone to a surprise performance alongside a tenor from the Royal Opera. It was spine-tingling stuff. You don’t often get O Sole Mio belted out between canapés and cake, but somehow it all felt gloriously fitting.
There was a wonderful undercurrent of Italian warmth running through the whole day. Music, family, good food, and people fully living in the moment — it was a dream to photograph.
The night wrapped up with laughter, napkins swinging, emotional speeches, and a first dance full of heart. I quietly stepped away as the celebrations continued, leaving Anna, Seb, and their guests in fine voice under the glow of the marquee lights.
Below is a selection of some of my favourite frames from this beautiful West Sussex wedding.
Note to Photographers
All these images were edited with my Lightroom Presets. If you want to learn how I work at Weddings, take a look at my Online Course The Art of Documentary Wedding Photography.
Destination: West Sussex
Venue: Private Home
Setting: Marque Wedding
Are you looking for a Documentary Wedding Photographer?
Please review my Documentary Wedding Photography approach and contact me to check availability.
You may want to explore the journal or some of my other recent candid wedding photography.
You can also keep up with Kevin’s Instagram channel for more daily photographs.
