THE DETAILS THAT SET THE TONE

The little things matter: the rings, the dress, the nerves, the people helping you get ready and the room waiting to be filled. Fitzleroi’s private Hayloft gives you a calm preparation space for hair, make-up, dresses and those lovely in-between moments before everything begins.

CEREMONY OPTIONS & THE NEARBY CHURCH

Fitzleroi is fully licensed for civil ceremonies in the Main Barn, Long Room, Courtyard and Meadow, so you can keep the whole day in one place. If a church ceremony is important to you, there is also a beautiful historic church less than five minutes away, which is what Jodie and Jordan chose.

Either route works brilliantly: an on-site ceremony removes travel altogether, while the nearby church still lets you return to the barn quickly and begin the celebration without losing the flow of the day.

DRINKS, THE COURTYARD & KEEPING EVERYONE CLOSE

One of the biggest strengths here is the courtyard. Rather than guests sprawling across a huge venue and disappearing in different directions, it naturally keeps everyone together. Drinks, conversation, hugs and all the spontaneous moments stay close to the heart of the day.

You do not have to go far for family photographs either. I keep formal groups short — usually eight to ten at most — and I will only step just outside the courtyard when the light is kinder there. Informal group photographs can happen naturally at any point.

FORMALS WITHOUT THE FORMALITY

Group photographs do not need to become a long interruption. We plan the essential combinations, keep them efficient and let the rest happen informally. That means you get the photographs that matter without leaving your guests standing around or turning the afternoon into a production.

THE MEADOW & COUPLE PORTRAITS

They call it the Meadow, but the backdrop feels much bigger: long grass, open sky and sweeping views across the South Downs. It is beautiful without needing hours of posing.

My couples usually want something lovely and natural, but really quick. Ten minutes after the ceremony and another ten minutes around sunset is often all we need. If the weather gives us golden hour, we step out, make a small set of strong portraits and get you straight back to everyone you love.

WEDDING BREAKFAST, SPEECHES & CELEBRATION

The Main Barn keeps the atmosphere warm and connected as the day moves into dinner and speeches. Mid Sussex Catering created a Greek-inspired menu for Jodie and Jordan and absolutely nailed it — genuinely one of my favourite meals of 2026.

Fitzleroi offers freedom around catering and drinks, including no corkage, so the celebration can feel personal rather than forced into a standard package.

EVENING COLOUR & DANCE-FLOOR ENERGY

Once the formal moments are done, the barn becomes a brilliant backdrop for the full-colour, arms-in-the-air part of the story. These are the photographs that hold the noise, movement and personality of the people you brought together.

PHOTO + FILM WITH THE DYNAMIC DUO

Jodie and Jordan booked both photography and film. I work alongside my husband Mike and, honestly, we are an absolute dynamic duo. We know how to anticipate what is happening, help the day run smoothly and efficiently, and still bring all the joy, laughter and fun.

Because we work as one team, photography and film support each other rather than competing for time. The result feels calm on the day and complete afterwards: the still moments you want to frame, plus the movement, voices and atmosphere you want to relive.

MY FITZLEROI BARN WEDDING TIPS

PRACTICAL INFORMATION