Craig Payne Photography – Sussex Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photography

Stories engage you, embrace you, make you feel joyous and tearful. They are not told in one line but instead through a series of well written chapters. Likewise, your wedding album is a classic book, capturing many details and unique moments that come together to tell your unique wedding day through pictures.

Like great writers, great photographers love what they do and I am passionate about my role. My focus is always to take bright and colourful photos filled with natural emotions of happiness and fun, while letting you and your guests enjoy the day as much as possible.

2021 will be my thirteenth year of photographing weddings and I am always honoured when a couple chooses me to photograph their day. I enjoy helping each one to have the best day possible, both in the planning stages where I can advise based on my experiences, and on the day by helping to ensure it run smoothly, while always wishing to go above and beyond.

I am proud to be a qualified Licentiate Member of the Society of Wedding Photographers and to have reached the Regional Finals of the ‘Wedding Industry Awards‘ in the last four years! Equally, it is heart warming to have received so many kind words from now married couples and a selection of these can be found on the ‘Reviews’ section of my Facebook page, which is also shown beneath my Portfolios.

My Photographs

Here are a selection of galleries for you to look through! To begin with there is my Portfolio showing my best work from the last 13 years, followed by two of my ‘Best of’ collections featuring my best work from 2018 & 2019 and photos showing off my ‘Into the Night’.

Beneath these are four Real Weddings so you can see how I have documented each couples’s day from the morning preparations into the evening!

Venues

I enjoy working at many venues throughout the South East and here are some of these that I regularly visit:

Brookfield Barn Wedding Photography

Hendall Manor Barns Wedding Photography

Bluebell Vineyard Wedding Photography

Facebook Reviews

Below are the Reviews that have kindly been left on my Facebook page by couples who have booked me to photograph their wedding days.

Craig Payne Photography

5.0

Based on 62 reviews

Scott Milliken

2020-12-31T11:47:41+0000

Craig Payne photographed my wedding a few weeks ago. Craig is a brilliant photographer and it is clear how much care he... puts into his work. Craig went above and beyond and we have an amazing collection of photographs that perfectly document our day. We cannot recommend Craig Payne highly enough - Craig is a polite and professional photographer and a friendly person who has been a pleasure to work with.read more

Toni Hogman

2020-12-13T11:04:22+0000

Craig photographed our wedding and he was amazing, so patient with our two daughters and calm the whole time. We got a... sneek peak collection the same evening of the wedding and the photos are absolutely amazing. Anyone looking for a wedding photographer look no further! Highly Highly recommend.Lots of people commented how lovely he was. couldn't praise him enough. so so happy😊 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐read more

Harley Mays

2019-12-23T08:33:31+0000

We got married in October at Brookfield Barn and we cannot express how amazing Craig was and the photos he took are... amazing! We couldn’t stop laughing with Craig and felt so comfortable. All our guests commented saying how lovely he was. I love the photos and the video and cannot stop looking at them. I’d 100% recommend he’s truly a star ⭐️read more

Emily Brooker

2019-12-10T21:58:14+0000

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Craig photographed our wedding at Brookfield Barn in September.Thank you so much Craig, we absolutely love... all our wedding pictures and the video you made and cannot stop looking at them!Craig was amazing from the beginning and we and our guests felt completely comfortable having him there on the day- everyone still comments on how brilliant he was! He is such a lovely guy and his attention to detail was second to none, which is reflected in the pictures we received.We would 100% recommend Craig!Jamie & Emilyread more

Linda Sharp

2019-11-23T22:36:39+0000

He was so friendly, just like someone we have known for a long time. He worked so hard and produced wonderful... Photographs. A real professional.read more

Lewis Emms

2019-11-18T14:51:44+0000

Craig absolutely made our wedding - we can offer him no higher praise. He was incredibly relaxed and helped the bride... to keep calm, even through some last minute changes to her preparations, with which he was beyond helpful and flexible with his schedule. He kept us running on time in concert with the venue and was a constant source of good humour, with not a cross word or raised voice the entire day. To top it all off, he stayed well beyond the first dance and ended up leaving at around 11pm, having started before 9am.Craig is a stellar photographer and we can wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to book someone for a wedding or any other function. You get far more than a man behind a camera and we will be forever grateful to him for making our wedding not just a great day, but truly special.read more

Ashleigh Goacher

2019-10-25T13:07:55+0000

Craig was amazing on our wedding day! Going above and beyond all day to capture our day without us even knowing he was... there half the time. We wanted natural genuine photos of us and our family and friends and he has achieved that! From meeting Craig to the finished photographs he has always stayed in close contact with us and the whole process was seamless. He captured moments on the day that we as a couple missed so it was great to sit and see these through his photography. He adapted to changes on the day so well and worked fantastically with our videographer. Our guests loved him too which was an added bonus. We can’t thank Craig enough for our fabulous photos that hold so many great memories that will last us a life time!read more

Carly Louise Davies

2019-09-18T22:14:41+0000

Craig is simply a wonderful and talented photographer. His perfect ability to capture our special day from start to... finish with his attention to detail and all the little things we wouldn’t of even thought of has given us the most memorable photos. Craig was everything we wanted from a wedding photographer and exceeded all our expectations undoubtedly. Thank you so much!read more

Alex Kate Laramy

2019-05-07T13:47:19+0000

Myself and my husband used Craig for wedding photographer our wedding on the 18th April from the start Craig was... amazing. Craig was highly recommended by our wedding venue Brookfield Barn and once we saw the work he had done he knew we wanted him to capture our day! Craig was nothing but professional and his service was outstanding we can't thank him enough. We would both highly recommend Craig to anyone thank you so so much again 😀 !!!read more

Robert Fish

2019-04-22T09:56:01+0000

My wife Emma has already put a review on here from 14-04-19, I just had to echo everything she said. A top top bloke... with a real passion for photography. We couldn’t have asked for more from Craig and kept us laughing throughout the day, including the dance floor selfie! The snapshot photos we have already seen less than 48 hours after the big day are everything we wanted and more. Word of advice, book him now before he gets too booked up!read more

Emma Catherine

2019-04-21T13:09:31+0000

Craig is a very talented photographer capturing natural and creative shots. Craig photographed our wedding on 14.4.19... at Brookfield Barn and we are so pleased with the photos. A genuinely nice guy and works really hard to get the best shots possible. Thank you Craig. Emma and Jamesread more

Sarah Scott

2019-01-24T18:43:53+0000

Craig went above and beyond to capture our wedding day. He gave us so many gorgeous photos to cherish and to share. I... would highly recommend Craig!read more

Harry Brown

2018-06-02T19:28:09+0000

Craig has not even done our wedding yet and he has already gone above and beyond! He has met us at home, the ceremony... venue and the reception venue. He has been influential in the order of the day thanks to his vast experience, we have gone through all the photos we would like taken, seen various vantage points and discussed what would and wouldn’t work. It’s preparation like this which not only puts us as ease but also makes the running of the day so much smoother. Knowing Craig will be there to help us on the big day and no doubt go above and beyond the call of duty again will make the build up a lot less stressful and the day more memorable for all the right reasons. Thank you!read more

Lindsay Willis-Wood

2018-01-27T00:48:16+0000

We can 100% recommend Craig. From the booking process to the follow up meetings/emails to the day itself Craig never... faltered. We have over 1200 amazing photographs, all cherished memories of our special day. Thank you to the moon and back! Linz, Pete & The Girls �read more

Darren William Clark

2018-01-14T19:52:51+0000

Andy Colwell

2017-09-18T09:51:49+0000

I would like to say a big thank you to Craig for being our Wedding Photographer. We are so pleased that we chose Craig.... Not only is he a brilliant photographer but a really nice bloke. The photos we have seen so far are absolutely fantastic. We can't wait to see them all. I would 100% recommend Craig as a wedding photographer.read more

Chelsey Huntly

2017-08-23T21:05:35+0000

We recently had Craig for our wedding and we can not recommend him enough! He was absolutely brilliant he captured all... the photos we requested and more. We had a big wedding and he was so patient and calm throughout managing to organise everyone in a calm and professional manner! Craig has amazing visions for capturing different unique images and you can defiantly trust him to provide you with the best shots of your special day!read more

Jackie Turley

2017-07-20T19:05:45+0000

The best photographer I have ever known he made our daughters wedding the best, he worked so hard from morning till... late at night xxx I recommend him%100read more

Claire Scott

2017-07-20T18:46:55+0000

Craig is amazing. He made our wedding day fun and detail he puts in to the photography is amazing

Natalie Wiles

2017-07-18T12:08:37+0000

A truly talented photographer!! Our wedding photos were fantastic! A genuinely kind hearted and passionate photographer... who works in such a discreet manner and gives his clients so much confidence. For 2 people who hate their photo being taken Craig had us laughing and relaxed in no time and we are absolutely over the moon with our photos!read more

Lyzette Bels Dunscombe Edmonds

2017-06-29T16:20:13+0000

The most perfect photographer for our wedding. Craig really puts in the time and effort to get to know his couple and... therefore understands what you want from the day. He made everyone feel so comfortable and all our guests praised him to the ground! So glad we picked Craig and the photo's we have received already are stunning! Thank you!read more

Alicia Davies

2017-06-11T07:18:57+0000

Alexandria Berry

2017-05-23T17:16:08+0000

Craig, What can we say?? You've been absolutely amazing and we couldn't have asked for a better, more professional... and friendly photographer to have captured our wedding. We can't rate you highly enough! I hope this isn't the last time that we will be seeing you. Gutted we didn't get a chance to get a selfie with you! Thanks an absolute million again 🙂 Alex & Iain xread more

Laurie Searle

2017-04-25T21:32:21+0000

Craig, Thanks again for all your hard work on the day of our recent wedding. You truly went above and beyond to... ensure that everything went smoothly and it was great to have you around as part of the day. We really couldn't have asked for more and the amazing photographs that you have produced really do speak for themselves! Several of the guests have since commented on your good manner; it's great to have a photographer who is friendly and gets involved with all the fun aspects of the day whilst retaining keen attention to detail and a high standard of professionalism throughout, and producing excellent results. Thanks again! Laurie & Lucyread more

Peter Rossiter

2016-11-01T21:35:49+0000

Thankyou Craig for taking the photo's at both my Daughters weddings over the last 18 months, both times yourself along... with Jo and Andy (Get well soon) have been outstandingly professional in your preperation and dedication before and the day of each of Gemma and Laura' weddings. You have given us such great memories through the amazing photo's, you can be sure should we have another event requiring your services we will be in touch thanks again .read more

Laura Hills

2016-10-23T18:47:07+0000

Craig recently photographed our wedding day. The photos we have received so far are beautiful and capture the magic of... the day. Craig and Andy (the second photographer) are both very professional and make you feel at ease the whole time. Craig has a great ability to capture natural looking photographs as well as some more artistic shots.Craig is a very talented photographer and we highly recommend him for all your photography needs! We also recommend the pre wedding engagement shoot if you are a bit nervous in front of the camera, as you will get to know what you need to do on the big day and you can use the photos on invites etc. :-)Thank you so much Xread more

Sean Parkinson

2016-10-03T09:34:32+0000

We hired Craig to photograph our wedding on Saturday 1st October 2016 and we couldn't be happier. He took it upon... himself to visit the church 2 days before the wedding then to meet up with us at the reception venue to run through everything that we wanted. He was professional, friendly, helpful and most importantly has the most amazing photographs of the best day of our lives capturing every single shot we could have wanted. An amazing pro who we would thoroughly recommend- thank you Craigread more

Christine Russell

2016-09-12T20:06:10+0000

Sarah Bonwick

2016-09-03T17:12:50+0000

Thanks Craig for the beautiful photos! Can't wait to see them all! You have captured Joey in his true... character.Wonderful to win in your competition!! Your are truly skilled in your profession! It shows!!read more

Kerry Walton

2016-07-21T19:05:22+0000

I was recently privileged enough to be part of Frankie and Matt's wedding as a bridesmaid. Craig is without a doubt... one of, if not the most professional creative photographer you will find. He's unique ideas and outgoing personality brought so much fun and laughter to our photoshoots and I am so exited to see the wonderful photos 🙂 I look forward to booking craig you for my weddingread more

Frankie Penny

2016-07-04T09:02:00+0000

A truly professional and fun photographer who won't rest until your happy and most importantly he is satisfied with the... shot...he is so creative and talented and I cannot wait to see our photos...don't hesitate in booking as you won't find anyone better...thank you sooo much Craig Frankie and mattread more

Emma Parnaby

2016-06-07T11:56:00+0000

Craig is an extremely talented photographer who I highly recommend to everyone looking for fantastic quality images in... such a friendly atmosphere. I am absolutely over the moon with the professional service and images I received. I cannot thank Craig enough, I most certainly will be coming back in the future.read more

Kate Smith

2016-04-18T12:30:38+0000

I have just spent a great (if cold) morning with Craig having a photography lesson. Informative and fun, tailored to... what I want to take pictures of! Highly recommended, although 3 hours didn't seem long enough! Thanks Craig!read more

Jack Arnold

2015-11-06T00:01:51+0000

Good photographer when it comes to bonfires and other things

Hannah Chamberlain

2015-07-26T14:19:28+0000

Erin Gunn

2015-06-09T16:55:11+0000

I've known Craig & Andy for many years now, and had the recent pleasure of recommending them for my best friends... wedding at South Lodge. It's the first time I've seen them at a wedding, and can honestly say that I've never seen 2 people work so hard and passionately in all my life. They were enthusiastic, thorough and extremely creative with their shots, leaving absolutely nothing out. The bride and groom were delighted with their overall attitude and professionalism which of course is all very important when trusting someone to capture the best day of your lives. Andy and Craig are both very talented and I would recommend anyone to book them for their special day... I know when that day comes for me they will be the first people I go to! Thank you for everything.read more

Jessica Matthews

2015-05-16T19:12:19+0000

Mimi Nation-Dixon

2015-04-02T07:09:53+0000

Sally Duffell

2015-03-15T17:26:57+0000

Really enjoyed my one to one with Craig on the beautiful Ashdown Forest. Craig was informative, structured the session... to my interests and the areas where I need most help and was very patient. Looking forward to our next lesson! Thank you Craig!read more

Wendy Alder

2014-12-28T17:51:37+0000

Craig and Andy took the most amazing photos of my daughters wedding in June. They were so professional we hardly... realised they were taking pictures and that's the secret of their stunning images.read more

Angela Whitehead

2014-12-28T17:23:25+0000

Craig and Andy you were both amazing at our wedding. Both very organised and professional. You didn't make having... photos a chore like some weddings I've been to in the past. Many of our guests commented about how brilliant you were. We can't wait to see our photos. Highly recommended.read more

Lauren Bonwick-Adams

2014-12-21T21:02:39+0000

Rebecca Cook

2014-12-07T23:11:55+0000

Craig's ability to capture animals at the perfect moment is second to none. He has a real connection with and... understanding of the horses and dogs that he photographs and really captures their characters in the most stunning photographs.I've also worked with Craig at weddings and he manages to get the most beautiful shots while remaining unobtrusive and very importantly to me without making the day run late! If you want natural shots that capture the live and joy in your day then call Craig.read more

Georgia Aloof

2014-12-03T13:56:20+0000

Angela Cutler

2014-12-02T17:35:53+0000

Lynzi Worsfold

2014-11-26T23:02:24+0000

Me & my partner had a photoshoot 2day it was amazing, craig helped us pick where to have it & he made us feel so... comfortable in every picture cant recommend him enough xxread more

Nicole White

2014-09-29T18:45:55+0000

Jenny To Be Everitt

2014-04-23T18:00:15+0000

Emma Sarah-louise Head

2014-03-22T17:57:05+0000

Mima Willard

2014-02-14T19:04:10+0000

Zsani Tóth

2013-12-01T21:08:21+0000

Ellen Katherine

2013-12-01T17:27:59+0000

Nika Germek

2013-11-29T19:05:20+0000

Rosie Jones

2013-11-28T21:46:24+0000

Sharon Gregory

2013-11-27T20:24:29+0000

Next Reviews

About Me

Horses and Dogs

I would say that at least half my couples are either horse or dog lovers, and I enjoy nothing more than when either four legged friends attend the wedding! To me, they’re just as much as your family as your blood relatives and the memorable portraits I take of my couples with them are often their favourite pictures from their wedding!

Me at weddings

My first ever wedding was my Aunty’s wedding! I was 17 years old and was absolutely terrified, but I got the bug for weddings on that day. Being able to provide a couple with photos that allow them to relive the best day of their life is such a privilege. People often ask how I deal with the stress… well when I have such fun and produce unique pictures that are going to be treasure, I really don’t feel it!

Countryside

As you can probably tell, even with my wedding photos, I love the countryside! Often my couples are also big fans and using the natural surroundings of a venue for couple and group photos, making the most of the sunshine, flowers and foliage is a key part of my style and approach to telling a couples story.

Fun

Weddings are fun, you’re marrying the man or girl of your dreams after all! I feel your pictures should be filled with smiles of joy, laughter that hurts and tears of emotion. As such, I enjoy being a fly on the wall for those special, natural moments while also getting stuck into the vibe of the day… such as buying you an ice cream ahead of a five min walk!

LSWPP

On 25th March 2016 I was delighted to be awarded a ‘Licentiateship in Wedding Photography’ with the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers. It is great to know they feel my photography is worthy, although I am keen to continue to grow my creative skills and overall production quality to please my couples while also reaching higher grades within the SWPP.

More about me

Want to know more about me and my photography over the last ten years? Please do take a look around my website to view my Equine and Rural Life work and visit my ‘About Me’ page by following this link…

The Collection - £1600

I have created a Collection that brings together the modern day flexibility of digital images with the tradition of physical outcomes, so you can cherish your photos in both prints and on screens! For, as I truly believe, ‘pictures should be printed and admired, not just seen on phones!’

The Collection includes all of the following,

A Meeting prior to your wedding at your venue

Myself photographing from three hours prior to the ceremony through to half an hour after your first dance

High Resolution Digital Images, supplied on a glass USB

50 6×4 inch prints and walnut print stand

A linen coated walnut presentation box to store your USB and prints

A Sneak Peek Gallery of 120 photos so you can relive your day while on honeymoon

40 Thank you Cards featuring a photo of your choice on the front

An Online Gallery & Printing Service, so your guests can view your photos and order their own professionally printed copies from me

Digital Downloads so your guests can download your photos (if you wish)

A Video Slideshow of your best photos, so you can easily relive your day

The Price – £1600

The Optional Extras

If you wish me to stay til around 11pm, to take twilight couple portraits, sparkler light trail couple photos, plenty of dance floor shots and more, then this will be an additional £250.

A second experienced wedding photographer, to document the grooms preparations, the arrival of your guests, a second angle during the ceremony, plenty more informal photos during the drinks reception and more! – £300

Additional thank you cards, to the 40 cards you receive with your Collection

High Quality Wedding Albums, in a choice of three different styles

Professionally produced mounted prints, in a range of print sizes from 6 by 4 inches through to 30 by 20 inches, and larger!

Want to know more & book me?

Please do get in touch via the contact form below, or give me call, to see if I am available for your wedding date. I will send you my Information Pack and we can arrange a video call and/or send across my Booking Form!

Please view my Recommended Suppliers via this link.

FAQs

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

I have been a wedding photographer since 2010, when I photographed my Aunt’s wedding! Since then I have photographed hundreds of weddings, while also photographing equine and the countryside.

How many weddings do you shoot a year?

I limit myself to 30 weddings per year and will only shoot two weddings every weekend (Thur-Sun), so I can devote my energy to each of my couples days.

Can I see some weddings from start to finish?

Yes certainly, I have included some full weddings in the Portfolio section of this website and when you make an enquiry I will be sure to send you links to weddings at similar venues to yours, so you can see how I approach documenting similar weddings.

Have you worked at our venue before? If not, will you visit beforehand?

I have photographed at many of the venues across the South East and can send you sample photos from these. If I haven’t been to your venue then it would be great to meet up and have a good look around with yourselves, while discussing your plans!

What information do you need from us before the wedding day?

I have a simple Booking Form, a Photography List and a Time Table chart to complete prior to the wedding day, so that on the day I know your key family members, what is happening when and the photos you would like me to take!

Will I be able to give you a list of specific shots we would like?

Yes please do, as part of my Photography List I will invite you to ask for special photos and feel this is integral to my service. I want you to be as relaxed about your photography as possible and this List ensures that you can focus on enjoying your wedding, knowing that I am capturing those special pictures you have requested.

How would you describe your photography style?

For me, my style is natural, colourful and genuine. I want you to look at your photos and for all those amazing memories of the day to come flooding back, through the photos being full of life, happiness, colour and stories. Key to this is my approach of being personable and friendly, while blending into the background, so your guests and yourselves enjoy the day without realising you are being photographed!

Can I read some testimonials from past couples?

I am really proud that many of my couples have left reviews on my Facebook business page and my Google business page and you can easily find these by searching for ‘Craig Payne Photography’

What time will you arrive in the morning?

So much happens on the wedding day morning and as such I arrive three hours prior to the ceremony to take photos of the dress with your accessories, the hair and make up being done, family photos and plenty of informal snapshots that sum up the fun of the morning!

Do we need to provide you with food and drinks?

I would really appreciate a main course and a dessert, as these really help to keep me going throughout the day. During the breakfast I will be taking plenty of photos of your guests mingling and joking at their tables (sometimes the best adhok photos of the day) and as such I prefer to eat on my own. I will only really drink water on the day.

Do we need to cover any travel expenses?

As long as you are in Sussex, Kent or Surrey then there are no additional travel costs. I tend not to shoot outside of the South East, but welcome enquiries, so please do get in touch and I can put together a quote for you.

What will you be wearing?

I enjoy wearing a two or three piece suit as this gives off a professional impression, while also blending in with your guests… and after all, it is a wedding!!

Will other people be able to take photos during the day?

Yes certainly, I am not going to shout at anyone who wishes to take photos! This said, it would be great if they let me get my photos and then stage any photos that they may wish to take, but the more the merrier I say!

What equipment do you use and do you have back up cameras?

I use Canon 5D Mark IV cameras with a range of Canon ‘L’ lenses from ultra wide angles to telephotos. I carry two camera bodies with me at all times so if any problems occur I immediately have a spare camera.

Do you have insurance?

Yes I do, and I am more than happy to send across a Certificate to yourselves or your venue, if they require proof of it.

How much is the deposit and when is the remaining balance due?

I ask for a £300 deposit to secure the booking and then the remaining balance is due one month prior to the wedding.

What happens if you are ill on our day?

I have a few professional photographers that I can call upon to replace me, but if you are not keen on their website portfolios then I will happily refund your deposit and you can find another photographer yourselves. Touch wood this never happens, but if it does I would want you to be as comfortable as possible with your chosen photographer!

How much time do you need for group and couple photos?

Ideally I like to have about forty-five minutes to take all of your group photographs, and these can be split between the ceremony venue and reception venue if you wish. This said, they can be over in a flash if you just want a few small family group photos, the choice is entirely your own! Likewise, some couples like to have lots of portraits of the two of them, while others are happy with just one or two really special photos. You tell me what you would like and I will go with this, it is your wedding day after all!

How do we book?

Please fill out the Form below, drop me an email or give me a call and I will be in touch to let you know my availability for your day, along with a comprehensive Information Pack. We can then arrange a video call and/or I will send across a Booking Form for you to complete!

Have a question that has not been answered? Then please do get in touch!

Contact Form

It would be great to hear from you and please make sure to list your wedding date, venue and any key details. I will be in touch asap with my availability and my Information Pack!

Alternatively, please give me a call on 07858 962889 and we can have a chat!

If you do not hear from me in 48 hours please send a direct email to me at craigtpayne@googlemail.com as sometimes emails go astray.

I look forward to hearing from you, Craig! 10/10 Scored for both ‘Ability to Understand and fit into our wedding’ and ‘Value for Money’ by all couples that voted for Craig in the ‘Wedding Photographer of the Year’ Awards