Long banquet table set for a formal event with white tablecloths, glassware, plates, silverware, and green foliage centerpieces in a rustic hall with exposed wooden beams and string lights.

Pangdean Old Barn Wedding Photography | South Downs Photographer

Natural wedding photography at Pangdean Old Barn in the South Downs near Brighton – rustic-chic barn weddings captured with heart and authenticity.

Rustic Barn Wedding Photography at Pangdean Old Barn

Set amidst the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs National Park, Pangdean Old Barn is a beautifully restored 18th-century oak-framed Sussex barn wedding venue just outside Brighton. With its dramatic timber beams, wide courtyards, beautifully landscaped gardens and flexible indoor/outdoor spaces, it offers a wonderfully relaxed yet elegant setting for a wedding day. As a largely natural-light, storytelling photographer working across Sussex and beyond, I love weddings here because the day flows beautifully and the architecture, scenery and atmosphere do the work for you.

In summary: Pangdean Old Barn in the South Downs near Brighton offers rustic barn character, rolling countryside views and elegant, flexible spaces. This post shares natural wedding photography by Paul Read, capturing timeless moments inside oak beams and outdoor courtyards alike.
A historic brick building with a sign that reads 'The Cowshed' in a rural village, with a wooden fence in front, a red double-decker bus labeled 'Wedding Party Special,' and people walking around on a sunny day with trees and old buildings in the bac
Long banquet table set for a formal event in a rustic barn with string lights on the ceiling and potted plants on the wall.
A woman in a white lace dress leans in to whisper to a young girl through a glass door, with her nose almost touching the glass. The girl, dressed in a black and white outfit with a white furry cardigan, listens attentively, with her eyes slightly do
A bride looking down and holding her veil at her wedding.

Why I Love Photographing This Venue

What feels immediately special at Pangdean Old Barn is how relaxed and real the day becomes. Guests move easily between the barn, courtyard and lawn; children wander the gardens; golden light filters through oak beams and warms the outdoor spaces in the evening. Photographing at a venue where the structure, character and scenery create their own story means I can focus on capturing real connections, emotion and those authentic in-between moments that make a wedding truly memorable.

Group of musicians, including a woman playing the violin, performing outdoors at a concert in a park with an audience in the background and colorful decorations hanging overhead.
A cheerful woman in a red dress standing in a crowd at an outdoor event, smiling at the camera, with other people in the background.
A group of five musicians playing string instruments outdoors decorated with colorful ribbons hanging from a tree
A bride in a white lace wedding gown holding a bouquet, walking with a man in a black suit and a woman in a shiny gold dress, outdoors on a grassy area with umbrellas in the background.
A bride and groom exchanging vows outdoors during a wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests and greenery.
Two women, one in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, and the other in a shiny gold dress, are facing each other at a wedding ceremony. Several guests are seen in the background, outdoors with green foliage.
A smiling bride in a white dress holding a bouquet of yellow and orange flowers during her wedding ceremony.

My Approach to Photographing Pangdean Old Barn

I specialise in a documentary-style, mostly natural-light wedding photography approach and Pangdean Old Barn aligns perfectly with this. I work quietly during the day, capturing real smiles, movements and connections. For couple portraits, I use the gardens and wide outdoors to create relaxed, genuine images — nothing feels forced. I look for moments where light, texture and emotion meet, whether inside the timber hall or under the sky of the South Downs.

A outdoor wedding ceremony with the bride and groom sharing a kiss at the altar, surrounded by guests standing and seated, with a backdrop of colorful vertical ribbons hanging on the building behind.
A wedding ceremony outdoors beneath a wooden pavilion decorated with colorful streamers. The bride and groom are in the center, holding hands and smiling, with the groom kissing the bride's hand. Guests are seated on either side, clapping and watchin
Bride and groom signing marriage register, smiling and laughing, with colorful background.
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A bride in a lace wedding gown holding a bouquet, standing outside on grass, speaking with a groom in a black suit, with guests mingling in the background.
A woman in a white embroidered dress holding a champagne glass at an outdoor wedding reception, smiling and looking at her shoulder veil, with other guests in the background.
A smiling woman in a wedding dress hugs another woman at an outdoor wedding reception, holding a glass of champagne, with guests and greenery in the background.
Two women laughing and talking at an outdoor celebration, one holding a glass of champagne and the other holding sunglasses, in a garden with trees and other guests in the background.
People gathered outdoors in a garden for a social event, with some seated at tables and others standing and chatting, under a large green umbrella, with trees and a house with a tiled roof in the background.
A man in a black suit with a bow tie and sunglasses standing outdoors next to a young girl in a black sparkly dress and tan cardigan, both standing on a well-maintained lawn near a wooden gate, with trees and fields in the background.

Favourite Photography Locations & Highlights

Some of my go-to photography spots at Pangdean Old Barn include:

  • The landscaped garden and courtyards, offering calm and natural-light backdrops for couple portraits.
  • Mulberry Lodge and other outdoor ceremony zones.
  • The oak-framed barn itself, with its high beams and natural timber — perfect for intimate, candid moments during the speeches and evening reception.
  • The English countryside garden feel and architecture makes a wonderful backdrop for a wedding day

These varied settings allow for a full wedding story in one venue — preparation, ceremony, portraits, party — all photographed in a consistent style.

A woman in a wedding dress hugging another woman, both smiling with eyes closed, outside during daytime.
A large group of people dressed in formal attire gathered outdoors in a garden for a celebration, with some children present and a man riding a blue toy car.
Group of people in formal attire playing croquet outdoors, smiling and laughing, in a garden with trees and a cottage in the background, all captured in black and white.
Four women in colorful dresses standing together outdoors beneath a wooden arch, with a garden and house in the background, smiling at the camera.
A man in a tuxedo sitting on a mobility vehicle, holding a glass of champagne, smiling in a garden, with a woman sitting on a mobility vehicle nearby, and a dune buggy in the background.
Two horses grazing in a lush green field with trees and bushes, framed by blurred leaves in the foreground under a clear sky.

What Makes Pangdean Old Barn Unique

A working Sussex barn set in the South Downs National Park, Pangdean Old Barn combines rustic character with flexible elegance. Built in the early 18th century, it features oak beams, bespoke décor included in hire, no corkage fees and a genuinely relaxed but premium atmosphere. Being near Brighton, it offers countryside calm yet is easily accessible — making it a superb choice for modern barn weddings with style.

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Group of women at a wedding or formal event, laughing and holding champagne glasses outside in the evening.
Two women smiling and laughing outdoors during sunset, standing close together with one woman's arm around the other's shoulder. One woman is wearing a red dress, and the other is wearing a white lace dress.
A man in a blue tuxedo with a polka dot bow tie hugging an elderly woman in a white lace dress with jewelry, both smiling, standing in front of yellow flowers in a garden.
A group of people, including a woman in a white lace dress and a young girl in a green dress with a white fur jacket, holding hands and walking outside near an entrance to a venue during evening. Two men in suits are in the background.

Best Natural Light Spots at Pangdean Old Barn

  • The barn’s large doors and east-facing courtyard allow for soft morning light in preparation scenes.
  • The garden lawn faces west/south-west — perfect for pre-dinner portraits as the light turns warm.
  • Inside the barn beams, the warm glow from late afternoon lights the space beautifully, creating a mix of ambient and natural light.
  • Outdoor ceremony zones and courtyards provide flexible backdrops with flattering light all day long.
    Using these zones across your day helps capture consistent, flattering imagery.
A wedding reception taking place in a rustic barn with wooden beams, string lights, and long banquet tables filled with guests, greenery, and floral decorations.
A couple dancing outdoors, as viewed through a window, with the man wearing a dark suit and the woman in a white dress, surrounded by an outdoor garden with plants and a stone pathway.
People laughing and enjoying a dinner event, with a woman in the center wearing a white dress, surrounded by guests in formal attire, in a warmly lit room with wooden walls.
A smiling man in a tuxedo and bow tie at an elegant event or celebration.
People dressed in formal attire sitting at a long banquet table, applauding and smiling, during a celebration or wedding reception in a rustic indoor venue with wooden beams and decorative plants.
People in formal attire laughing and enjoying at a dinner event with drinks and floral decorations on the table.

Best Times of Year to Marry at Pangdean Old Barn

Spring brings fresh green fields and soft, pastel light across the South Downs. Summer offers long golden-hour evenings and outdoor garden receptions. Autumn gives rich, warm tones in the under-trees and golden glow through the barn. Even in winter, the historic barn and candle-lit interiors make for intimate, atmospheric weddings. Whatever the season, the surrounding countryside and architecture make this venue shine.

A woman laughing with her hand on her chest at a social gathering or party.
Guests at a formal event, laughing and enjoying themselves, with men in tuxedos and women in dresses, seated at a banquet table with drinks.
People sitting at a table laughing and clapping at a celebration or wedding reception.
A smiling man with a mustache and gray hair, dressed in formal attire with a bow tie, at a social event.
A man and woman dressed in formal attire laughing and enjoying themselves at a social event.
Two women embrace in a heartfelt hug, one dressed in a wedding gown, indicating a wedding celebration.

Why Pangdean Old Barn Works So Well for Documentary Photography

Because every element is organic and authentic: a barn with its own character, courtyards that encourage circulation, gardens that invite interaction, and architecture that frames moments naturally. I spend my days capturing un-posed movement, stories unfolding in real time, and the best spaces to let that happen are exactly what this venue offers.

Group of women and a man embracing in a close, intimate hug at a celebration or gathering.
A newlywed bride and groom share a dance, smiling with their faces close, in a dimly lit wedding reception hall with guests in the background.
A woman in a sleeveless, patterned dress dancing at a party, surrounded by other people, some dancing and others watching, in a dark indoor setting.
People dancing and enjoying themselves at a party or celebration in a dimly lit room.
Two men in tuxedos, smiling and playing with their fists, face each other in a lively party setting.
Group of women dancing and singing at a party, wearing elegant dresses
People dancing at a celebration or party, with a woman in a white dress dancing and a man in a tuxedo nearby, surrounded by others enjoying the moment.
Women dancing and celebrating at a party or wedding reception
People celebrating at a wedding reception, with a couple dancing and surrounded by friends who are clapping and smiling.

Venue Info – Pangdean Old Barn

Location: Pangdean Farm, Pyecombe, West Sussex, BN45 7FN
Venue style: Restored oak-framed Sussex barn with garden courtyards and countryside views
Capacity: Seated up to around 180 guests (Ceremony ~200) {source: listing} :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Typical hire: Exclusive-use barn weddings, bespoke catering, no corkage fee {source: listing} :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Ceremony options: Licensed Barn, Garden Wedding Gazebo (“Mulberry Lodge”) and Courtyard Areas {source: listing} :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Website: pangdean.com

If you’re planning your wedding at Pangdean Old Barn and you’d like relaxed, natural photography that tells your story beautifully, I’d love to hear from you.

You can explore more examples of my work on the featured weddings page or get in touch through my contact page to check availability.

Check Paul's availability!

Explore More Venues

If you’re exploring beautiful wedding locations and looking for more inspiration, you might also enjoy:

Natural, storytelling wedding photography by Paul Read – relaxed, romantic, and full of genuine emotion.

Two women, likely at a wedding, are standing close together, holding hands and touching their foreheads gently, near a body of water with a cloudy sky in the background.
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