If It Rains on Your Wedding Day in Sussex: What Really Happens (And What Doesn’t)
People love to say that rain on your wedding day is “good luck”.
That’s a comforting idea. It’s also mostly useless when you’re standing in a silk dress, looking at a grey sky, wondering whether the last twelve months of planning are about to unravel.
If you’re getting married in Sussex, rain isn’t a hypothetical. It’s a statistical likelihood, especially outside high summer. So rather than pretending it won’t happen, it’s far more helpful to understand what actually changes when it does — and what really doesn’t.
This isn’t a Pinterest version of rain. It’s the practical version, based on how weddings in Sussex genuinely play out when the weather turns.
First, the obvious thing that nobody says plainly: rain limits movement, not meaning.
What changes most on a wet wedding day isn’t the emotion or the story — it’s the geography. Guests cluster. Transitions slow down. Outdoor moments compress inward. This matters because Sussex venues are often designed around flow between inside and outside: lawns, courtyards, terraces, coastal paths. Rain collapses that flow.
The best venues handle this well. The worst ones technically have “wet weather options” that nobody has actually stress-tested with 100 guests and a tight timeline. If rain is on the cards, the success of your day depends less on optimism and more on whether your venue and suppliers have already solved this problem before.
Photography and film don’t suffer because it rains. They suffer when plans pretend it won’t.
Light is the real variable, not water.
Rain itself isn’t the enemy of good photographs. Flat, unmanaged light is. Sussex rain usually brings one of two conditions: soft overcast or dark, directional cloud. Both can look beautiful if you plan for them and miserable if you don’t.
Overcast light is even and forgiving. Skin tones are consistent. There’s no squinting. Colours are muted but rich. The myth that sunshine automatically equals better photos just isn’t true — especially at venues with lots of glass, white walls or open shade.
Where things fall apart is when couples are promised outdoor portraits at a specific time and that promise quietly evaporates. A photographer who understands Sussex venues will already know where the indoor light works, which rooms go flat, and how to adapt without making it feel like a downgrade.
What doesn’t happen, despite what people fear, is being forced into “sad” photos. Mood comes from people, not weather.
Group photos are the most fragile part of the day.
This is the one area where rain genuinely introduces constraints. Large group photos need space, light and patience. Rain removes at least one of those.
The mistake couples make is assuming group photos must happen outdoors or at a specific time. In reality, the smartest approach is flexibility: breaking groups into smaller clusters, using covered spaces, or moving them earlier or later than planned.
When this is handled well, guests barely notice the change. When it’s handled badly, it’s the only part of the day that feels tense. Experience matters here more than enthusiasm.
Couples often worry about umbrellas. The truth is simpler: umbrellas are either styled and intentional, or they’re visual noise. There’s no middle ground.
Rain doesn’t ruin dresses — panic does.
Another quiet fear is damage. Mud, hems, shoes, makeup. The reality is that most Sussex venues already account for this with pathways, mats and indoor alternatives. The damage usually happens when people rush or insist on forcing outdoor plans.
From a photography point of view, rain changes how fabric behaves, how people move, and how close everyone stands. Those things are visually interesting when anticipated and awkward when resisted.
The biggest difference between couples who love their rainy wedding photos and those who don’t is whether they accepted the conditions early or fought them all day.
Videography benefits from rain more than people expect.
This surprises couples, but moving indoors often improves audio, pacing and emotional continuity. Rain reduces wind, slows transitions and keeps people present. From a storytelling point of view, this can actually strengthen the film — provided it’s shot by someone who understands how to work unobtrusively in tighter spaces.
What never helps is pretending the day is “exactly the same as if it were sunny”. It isn’t. It’s different. Different can be better.
What doesn’t happen — despite internet horror stories — is the day falling apart.
Ceremonies still happen. People still laugh. You still get married.
The couples who come away happiest aren’t the ones whose day matched the original plan perfectly. They’re the ones who felt held by their suppliers when the plan shifted.
That’s the real value of experience in Sussex specifically. Knowing which venues flood, which ones don’t. Knowing where light disappears at 3pm in October. Knowing when to gently suggest moving something rather than powering through.
If rain is forecast for your wedding day, the most useful question isn’t “will it ruin things?” It’s “have the people we’ve chosen already dealt with this before?”
If you’re planning a Sussex wedding and weather is on your mind, that’s a conversation worth having early — not on the morning itself.
Beyond the Megapixel: Why Artistic Originality Matters for Your West Sussex Wedding
Choosing a wedding photographer in the heart of Chichester or across the rolling hills of West Sussex feels like a monumental task. You’ve likely scrolled through dozens of portfolios that look... well, exactly the same.
In an era where technology is doing more of the heavy lifting, the real magic isn't found in a camera’s specs, it’s found in the eye of the person holding it. Today, we’re diving into how the latest mirrorless technology meets the timeless need for artistic originality, and why that combination is the secret sauce for your wedding photos.
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You’ve probably heard photographers buzzing about mirrorless cameras. But what does that mean for your wedding day at a venue like Goodwood House or Upwaltham Barns?
Unlike traditional DSLRs, mirrorless cameras are:
Completely Silent: No loud "clack-clack" during your intimate vows in a quiet Chichester church.
Faster Focus: They lock onto eyes instantly, meaning we never miss that split-second tear or the "just married" grin.
Smaller Profiles: We can blend into the crowd, capturing candid moments without looking like we’re lugging around heavy machinery.
However, here is the honest truth: A great camera doesn't make a great artist. Having the best gear is just the entry fee; what we do with it is what counts.
The Trap of the "Wedding Preset"
Social media has created a "look" for weddings - often a specific filter or "preset" that makes every wedding look identical, regardless of the couple or the setting. While trends are fine, your wedding shouldn't look like a carbon copy of a stranger's.
Artistic originality is about responding to the light, the mood, and your specific personalities. It’s about:
Observing, not Orating: Capturing the day as it unfolds naturally rather than forcing "Pinterest poses."
Creative Composition: Using the stunning architecture of West Sussex—from the flint walls of the Downs to the coastal light of the Witterings—to frame your story uniquely.
Authentic Editing: Enhancing the natural beauty of the day so that in twenty years, your photos still feel timeless, not dated by a 2026 editing trend.
At Lemonstone Weddings Ltd, we believe that two heads (and four eyes) are better than one. As a husband and wife photography team, we bring a unique synergy to your day that a solo shooter simply can't match.
While one of us is focused on the "big" moments—the walk down the aisle or the first kiss—the other is looking for the "hidden" moments: your mum wiping her eyes, or your best friend laughing in the back row.
"We use our mirrorless gear to stay invisible, but we use our partnership to ensure no part of your story goes untold."
By combining high-end tech with a commitment to originality, we ensure your gallery isn't just a collection of photos—it’s a piece of art that belongs solely to you.
If you’re looking for a photography team in Chichester that values quiet discretion and loud creativity, we’d love to chat. We don't just "take photos"; we document the start of your legacy with a fresh, artistic perspective.
2026 Wedding Trends: The Photographer’s Guide to Editorial Style & Aesthetics
It is officially 2026, and as a wedding photographer who has spent the last decade behind the lens, I can tell you: the "cookie-cutter" wedding is officially a relic of the past.
This year, couples aren't just planning an event; they are worldbuilding. We’ve moved away from the "Pinterest-perfect" staged shots and toward something much more raw, cinematic, and—honestly—a lot more fun to shoot.
If you’re tying the knot this year or next, here are the trends I’m seeing through my viewfinder that are defining the 2026 wedding season.
1. The "Anti-Perfection" Movement
For years, the goal was flawless skin, straight horizons, and perfectly centered cakes. In 2026, we’ve flipped the script. My clients are asking for editorial candids—images that feel like they belong in a high-fashion magazine but were captured in a split second of chaos.
Motion Blur: We’re intentionally keeping the "blur" in dancing shots to capture energy.
Direct Flash: The "nightlife" vibe is huge. Think high-contrast, edgy photos that look like a celebrity after-party.
Hand-Painted Backdrops: Instead of standard vinyl, we're using textured, artisanal canvases for portraits that look like Renaissance paintings.
2. "Blue Hour" is the New Golden Hour
While everyone still loves a sunset, 2026 is the year of the Indigo mood. Couples are opting for "Blue Hour" sessions—that 20-minute window right after the sun dips below the horizon. The light is moody, cool, and incredibly romantic. It pairs perfectly with the "Opera Aesthetic" (velvet drapes, deep reds, and candelabra) that has taken over ballroom weddings this year.
3. The "Pen Pal" & "Poetcore" Aesthetic
There is a massive return to the tactile. I’m spending a lot of time photographing handwritten love letters, embroidered veils featuring lines of poetry, and even "live poets" who type out poems for guests on vintage Typewriters.
Photographer’s Tip: If you have embroidered details (like your wedding date inside your suit or a quote on your veil), let me know! These "micro-details" are the heartbeat of 2026 wedding albums.
4. Color Drenching & "Paloma" Palettes
Goodbye, "Sad Beige." Hello, Dopamine Decor. We are seeing a lot of "Color Drenching," where the ceremony space is entirely one vibrant hue—from the florals to the chairs. The palette of the year? Paloma Hues. Think sunset oranges, spicy terracottas, and "butter yellow" giving way to "bright lemon." These colors pop off the screen and bring a massive amount of warmth to the final gallery.
5. The Documentary Multi-Media Shift
Couples no longer want just digital files. 2026 is the year of the Mixed Media Gallery. My most popular packages now include:
35mm Film & Super 8: For that nostalgic, grainy texture that AI simply can't replicate.
Digital Content Creation: Beside me, there’s often a "content creator" capturing lo-fi, behind-the-scenes vertical video for instant social sharing.
Audio Guestbooks: Instead of a book, guests leave voicemails on vintage phones—which I then layer over your highlight film.
6. Sustainable & "Circular" Celebrations
Eco-consciousness is no longer a niche request; it’s the standard. I’m seeing:
Potted Plants instead of cut flowers (which guests take home).
Vintage/Upcycled Couture: Brides are rocking "something old" that has been radically redesigned.
Meadowcore: Aisles that look like they grew out of the floor naturally, rather than being placed there.
What’s your "2026 Vibe"?
Whether you’re planning a "Silent Ceremony" with high-fidelity headphones or a multi-day "Wedding Odyssey" in the Highlands, the goal this year is intentionality.
COVID: The Wedding Pause
Five years since the inboxes dried up, the venues went silent, couples cried on the phone, not just about flowers or favours, but about whether their families would even survive long enough to make it to the wedding. In early 2020, the wedding industry, like so much else, hit a brick wall and had to undergo a metamorphosis in order to survive.
Looking Back on How COVID Changed Everything
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years y’know.
Five years since the inboxes dried up, the venues went silent, couples cried on the phone, not just about flowers or favours, but about whether their families would even survive long enough to make it to the wedding. In early 2020, the wedding industry, like so much else, hit a brick wall and had to undergo a metamorphosis in order to survive.
Now, in 2025 we in the industry have begun to reflect on how the pandemic fundamentally rewired the emotional DNA of weddings.
The Rise of the Real
In a lot of ways, covid and its restrictions made people getting married think less about what was flashy, glamourous or just for show and more about what really matters to them. Guest lists were pared down to the most important people. Vendors, favours and accoutrements were all either scaled back or at least, selected more for significance to the couple and emotional weight rather than ‘that’d be nice’.
The big fat Pinterest-inspired weddings gave way to intimate elopements, back garden ceremonies, riverside vows with marquees and live music with unconventional genre artists. That unique intimacy shows through in the photos too. For us as creatives in the industry it was like a breath of fresh air had rushed back into the room.
For many of us behind the lens, it changed the job. We became documentarians of connection rather than just creators of pretty pictures. Weddings were less ‘on trend’ and more …human. And honestly? Better for it.
The industry itself - florists, photographers, caterers, planners - faced a brutal culling. A lot of us didn’t make it. Those who did had to reinvent. Livestream kits replaced second shooters. Booking policies became more compassionate. Refunds, postponements, reschedules that became a part of daily life running admin in the wedding photography industry, life became a logistical minefield but we did perhaps learn a bit about empathy in the process.
By the time weddings returned in full force (mid–2022 by most estimates), couples were looking for ‘something else’. The individuality of covid and post-covid microweddings and the like had become as much a part of a wedding as fitting is a part of buying a suit. A tailored approach to their weddings had become the expectation, and I think that’s likely to remain the case as we move out of Millenial weddings and into Gen-Z marriages that are starting to take place.
Smaller Weddings, Bigger Meaning
Even now, with the industry booming again, micro-weddings remain popular. People realised they didn’t need 150 guests to feel married. What they really wanted was a celebration that felt true to them, rather than the expectations of tradition or Instagram’s algorithm.
I can honestly say that some of the most moving weddings I’ve shot in the last two years were under 20 people. Not despite that, but because of it. There’s nowhere to hide and no reason to try.
What It Taught Us
COVID shook everything almost beyond recognition but it provided some back-handed clarity I don’t think many of us expected.
It reminded us that love isn’t a luxury. When everything else stopped, couples kept getting married. It moved from the historic churches and grand houses to be held in back gardens, in registrars’ offices and often broadcasts via Zoom. In that train-wreck of a year for all of us, getting married felt like reclaiming a defiant little piece of normality.
It reminded us why we do this work. Because it really matters. And what ultimately matters most is the story and the ceremony of the two most important people there. Everything else can wait.
And Now?
Now, in 2025, the wedding world is thriving. But the best of what we learned in 2020 still lingers. The honesty and the emotional depth that we strove to capture throughout our careers is still there but there’s perhaps an even stronger sense that our job isn’t about a show but a beautiful promise between two people.
And that’s what I try to hold onto every time I pick up my camera.
A Joyful Summer Wedding in Brighton
When Brighton decides to turn on the sunshine, it really goes all out. Alex and Sophie’s wedding in July 2025 was a perfect example!
Brighton Town Hall, The Grand Hotel, The Bandstand & The Seahorse
When Brighton decides to turn on the sunshine, it really goes all out. Alex and Sophie’s wedding in July 2025 was a perfect example — blazing blue skies, warm sea breezes, and the kind of golden light photographers dream about.
The day began at The Grand Hotel in Brighton, where the bridal party’s morning preparations unfolded in a flurry of laughter, hairspray, and a soundtrack of excited chatter. Against the backdrop of elegant suites and pastel tones, there was a real sense of anticipation. The bridesmaids’ dresses, ranging from soft blush to bold magenta and vibrant orange, hung in a row like a colour wheel of summer celebrations, while Sophie’s lace wedding gown took pride of place in the centre.
From there, it was just a short journey to Brighton Town Hall for the ceremony. The historic venue, with its grand architecture, offered a timeless setting for exchanging vows. The atmosphere was light-hearted yet heartfelt — the kind of ceremony where happy tears and broad grins coexist.
As newlyweds, Alex and Sophie emerged to a cascade of confetti, the bright petals catching in the summer light. Their smiles said it all: this was going to be one unforgettable day.
The iconic Brighton Bandstand provided the perfect spot for group photos. Its ornate Victorian design framed the couple beautifully, while the sparkling sea stretched out behind them. Friends and family gathered for a big, joy-filled group shot — sunglasses were very much the order of the day, not just for style, but for survival in the blazing July heat.
The celebrations continued along the seafront at The Seahorse, a contemporary space with unbeatable sea views. Guests enjoyed a relaxed reception that blended good food, heartfelt speeches, and plenty of laughter. The semi-naked wedding cake, adorned with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, was a showstopper in its simplicity — fresh, summery, and irresistible.
As the sun dipped, Brighton’s vibrant nightlife began to twinkle into view. The i360 lit up against the deepening sky, a reminder that this was a city that never stops moving. Inside, the dancing and celebrations carried on late into the evening, wrapping up a day that was as warm in spirit as it was in temperature.
For couples planning a Brighton wedding, Alex and Sophie’s day is proof that the city offers it all — from historic ceremony venues like Brighton Town Hall, to stunning seafront locations such as the Bandstand and The Seahorse. Add in the energy of a summer’s day by the sea, and you’ve got a recipe for wedding memories that will last a lifetime.
