An outdoor summer wedding in Highley Manor, Sussex

 

Family love, wrapped in elegance

 

Marai and Ben’s wedding in Highley Manor was an incredible day. And I do mean incredible! 

A stunning manor home wedding venue, an outdoor ceremony overlooking the Sussex hills. The gorgeous styling, the personal details, the pure-white florals…*sigh* It really was the perfect day. 

 

But my favourite thing about M&B’s wedding was the way it felt. It was a day all about family, connection and beauty; every kind of love, wrapped-up in elegance. 

 

If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Highley Manor, come take a little look. This really was the day that had it all. 

 

 

Highley Manor wedding venue in Sussex

 

Nestled in the West Sussex countryside sits the 19th Century home of Highley Manor wedding venue. 

 

And it’s one of those rare venues that has everything. Historic and modern, luxurious and inviting. Impressive, stylish, and intimate. 

 

There’s achingly beautiful rooms for you to get ready in; sweeping lawns, ancient trees, and an oh-so-photogenic swing! They have space for 86 day guests (and 200 evening partiers). And if the weather’s on your side, you can get married in the gardens with *the most* amazing view! 

 

And you know what else? The team there is amazing. I honestly can’t sing their praises enough! You’re so well looked-after, and so cared for. It feels like you’ve been invited into their home. 

 

If you’re looking for a country house wedding venue in West Sussex, this is the place. 

 

Bridal styling inspiration for your wedding in Highley Manor

 

Our day began in the timelessly stylish rooms of Highley Manor wedding venue. Marai and her girls- laughing, and telling stories. Her sons’ footsteps carrying through the house; running through the hallways and sneaking handfuls of pick-n-mix! 

 

Marai looked stunning in her off-the-shoulder silk gown. She completed the look with natural hair and makeup, a church-length veil, and a pure-white bouquet of lilies and orchids. And on her bouquet- a memorial charm for her mum. 

 

A little while later, she was walking down that iconic oak staircase of Highley Manor- where her dad, her sons, and her bridesmaids were waiting for her. 

 

And oh my, as a Highley Manor wedding photographer I adore moments like this! 

 

The quiet pride in her dad’s eyes, her sons’ happiness, her friends’ excitement. There was so much love in that one little moment. And I know it’ll be one of those core-memory moments Marai will never forget.

 

An outdoor ceremony with a view

 

Marai and Ben had an idyllic outdoor ceremony overlooking the Sussex hills. 

 

Rows of simple white chairs sat in the sunshine; dove grey hangings flowing down to the flagstones. The Highley Manor wedding gazebo stood silhouetted against the clear blue sky. And two white trees framed the altar. 

 

The ceremony was intimate, and heartfelt. They had personal vows (and more than a few tears!) And as they signed the register, their three sons came in for the biggest family hug!

 

They walked down the aisle as husband and wife. A huge cheer filled the sundrenched grounds, and confetti scattered the flagstones. 

 

And as they reached the end of the aisle, Mara and Ben had their first shot together as a married couple! 

 

Elegant reception styling for your wedding in Highley Manor

 

The reception styling was flawless. Considered, understated and timeless, with pure-white florals and soft, muted greys. 

 

A gorgeous floral arrangement of white roses sat on the fireplace behind the head table. And as the centrepieces, clouds of white roses floated on simple gold frames. 

 

Their cake was two tiers of delicious buttercream, made for them by a family friend. There was a pick-n-mix table for the kids (and grown-ups!) The wedding ‘post box’, and stationery; elegant in white and dove grey. 

 

The speeches were amazing. Personal, emotional, and downright hilarious! There were tears, hugs, and tons of laughter….honestly, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. 

 

When the wine had been drunk and the plates licked clean, we headed back out into the summer sunshine. And with golden hour calling, I snuck away with Marai and Ben for a stroll around the grounds. 

 

 

Swings, nibbles, and prosecco on the lawn

 

If you’re having your wedding in Highley Manor, pray for sun! Because let me tell you, an outdoor drinks reception here is the stuff dreams are made of! 

 

The guests mingled on the sun-warm patio, drinking prosecco, and sampling all the nibbles! The kids chased each other across the grass, and took turns on the swing. It was bliss! 

 

We had some group shots backdropped by *that* view, and a few impromptu couple shots with Marai and Ben (because why not?!) 

 

And as the smell of tasty food started drifting towards us across the lawn, we headed inside for the wedding breakfast.

 

Couples photography (and family photography!) at golden hour

 

I love moments like this. Wandering through your beautiful venue together; capturing you, just being you.

 

M&B chatted away, laughed, and hugged. They danced in the wedding gazebo, and had kisses on the swing. And then the boys ran over to join us, and we had some cute family photos- just the five of them together as a family. 

 

The sun sank lower in the sky; the shadows growing long and stretching across the grass. 

 

And Marai and Ben walked hand-in-hand through the grounds. Alone for the first time as husband and wife. 

 

 

Looking for a wedding photographer in Highley Manor? Let’s chat!

 

The evening party was so much fun! The beers flowed, the tasty cake was cut (and demolished!) 

 

We had chips, hotdogs, cheese and burgers (the best evening meal, by the way!) We had a song from one of their family. The grownups danced; the kids skidded on their knees across the dancefloor. 

 

It was such a wonderful, fun, wholesome way to end the day. So much happiness, and unfiltered joy. And just so much love in that beautiful room. 

 

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Highley Manor, I’d be so excited to hear from you. Get in touch today for a chat, and let’s see if we’re a good fit.