VENUE GUIDE · BROOKFIELD BARN
BROOKFIELD BARN
A photographer’s honest guide to weddings at Brookfield Barn
Brookfield Barn is a polished countryside wedding venue in West Sussex, with lake views, an atmospheric barn and the rare luxury of keeping the whole day in one place. Mia and Ben’s wedding shows how naturally the spaces work together, from morning preparations to the last dance.
THE QUICK TAKE
A polished barn venue with a relaxed country feel, open skies and genuinely useful on-site spaces.
CAPACITY
Up to 138 guests for ceremonies and dinner, with eleven bedrooms on site.
BEST FOR
Couples who want beautiful countryside, one location, good accessibility for disabled guests and a stress-free day
THE DETAILS THAT SET THE TONE
The morning details are part of the venue story too: there is an absolutely stunning ‘Lake’ prep room with a curtain for unveiling and a more rustic ‘lodge’. I would suggest for couples that both want a more feminine space but are not seeing each other prior to the ceremony, that one couple uses the honeymoon suite.
CEREMONY OPTIONS & THE LAKE
Brookfield can host ceremonies indoors or outside, with options for a full legal ceremony and space for up to 138 guests. The outdoor setting and lake views are the obvious draw, but the indoor option is not a consolation prize. It matters to love both plans, because that is what lets you stop worrying about the forecast. The barn can also seat up to 138 for dinner, while the on-site rooms keep the morning calm and reduce unnecessary travel.
DRINKS RECEPTION & THE TERRACE
After the ceremony, the lake edge and terrace give everyone room to breathe and enjoy a cocktail. This is the useful in-between part of the day: drinks in hand, confetti still in the air, and your group photographs that feel like a natural extension of the celebration as we can do them nearby by the lake or at the steps. Great for less mobile or wheelchair-bound family members – there is an outdoor lift to navigate to the lower terrace.
COUPLE PORTRAITS
The lake gives us reflections and open sky, while the surrounding land is brilliant in softer evening light. I would rather make a handful of strong portraits than turn your wedding into a venue catalogue! These are quick, connected photographs — I suggest taking two 15-minute sessions at this venue – due to needing an extra 5 minutes to get a golf buggy up to the end of the meadow swing!
WEDDING BREAKFAST & RECEPTION
The barn works beautifully for dinner, speeches and the change of pace into the evening. There is room for atmosphere without losing sight of what is happening, and the layout of the venue means guests never have to wander too far!
NOT ANOTHER BORING WEDDING VIDEO
Alongside photography, Mia and Ben opted for our snappy Highlights Video. This is where I work with my husband Mike (aka ‘The Dream Team’) to create cinematic wedding highlight films. This is not your traditional wedding video; the 3–4 minute film is pure sunshiney, dopamine-fuelled joy — big belly laughs, misty-eyed moments and dance floor chaos, all wrapped up in cinematic 4K. Basically: your day, but with movement, music and all the feels. Have a little taste of that video here:
EVENING CELEBRATION
Whilst you are having your quick couples evening session, the venue staff will turn the room around ready for your first dance! The barn is big so you have an excellent dance floor – I do always highly recommend a live band. Ben is actually a musician so he took to the stage for a few songs – it was epic!
ONE LAST LOOK
A few final frames from the day: the people, the details and the small moments that make the whole story feel complete.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Location: Brookfield Barn, West Sussex very close to Horsham.
- Phone: 01403 900606
- Capacity: Ceremonies and dinner for up to 138 guests, with eleven bedrooms on site. Nearby hotels and B&B’s available due to proximity to Horsham a well connected town.
- Best light: the lake and surrounding land are especially beautiful in softer evening light. I suggest taking 15 minutes here if your weather is good all day.
- Weather plan: the venue staff are able to turn an outdoor ceremony into an indoor ceremony within a short space of time – perfect for all times of year.
- Getting ready spaces: The Lake prep room is absolutely stunning, while the Lodge has a more rustic feel. For couples who would both prefer a softer, more traditionally bridal-style space—and who are getting ready separately—the honeymoon suite may be a lovely alternative. It’s worth chatting through room options if this is important with the venue itself when planning your morning.
- Accessibility: Brookfield Barn has thoughtful accessibility features, including an outdoor lift to the lower terrace. The pea-shingle drive may be less comfortable for some wheelchair users, so it’s worth discussing the most suitable arrival route with the venue in advance; they can advise on using the side loading entrance for more direct access to hard outdoor flooring.
- Website: brookfieldbarn.co.uk
SUPPLIER CREDITS
- Photography: Hayley Kim Hall Photography
- Videography: Hayley Kim Hall Photography
- Venue: Brookfield Barn brookfieldbarn.co.uk
- Florals: Bella June Flowers Hassocks @bellajuneflowersltd
- Hair & makeup: @amyrosebridal and @charlottewadleymakeup
- Dress: @whiteleafboutique
SAVE THIS BROOKFIELD BARN WEDDING
Planning a Brookfield Barn wedding? Save these images for venue inspiration, shot ideas and give me a shout if you would like to have wedding photos that look and feel like you and your day.
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
If this venue or my relaxed, storytelling way of photographing a wedding feels like you, let’s chat more!
