Colourful, joyful, story-telling wedding photography

Hello, I’m Craig! I specialise in taking beautiful, bright & emotive photographs so you can relive all the amazing feelings and memories that you will have on your wedding day!

My approach is very much to let you thoroughly enjoy your day, blending in like a guest to capture the joy, happiness & emotions, while also stepping up to take the key family photos, couple portraits and the partying late into the evening.

With my background of growing up in the countryside, I love nothing more than taking couple portraits in the golden hour, heading into a field of long grass with a couple or simply making the most of a beautiful garden or view for the group and couple photos.

My night-time photos, including my signature sparkler light trail pictures, bring a fairytale feel to the end of your wedding gallery and make for the most striking pictures.

Weddings have become my passion in life and helping couples have the best day is so incredibly rewarding. We can visit your venue while discussing all your plans, I’ll attend your rehearsal, if free, and if you would like my opinion based on my years of experience then I’m more than happy to help. Most of all, your wedding is unique to you and I want to reflect this in my photos, while also helping to make it the best day of your lives.

~

“From start to finish, Craig made us feel at ease. He helped us create the itinerary of the day, was our incredible photographer and even took on the unofficial role of our Master of Ceremony! Craig: everyone commented on how amazing you are at your job, how smartly dressed you were and how comfortable you made everyone feel. As for your photos: we are gobsmacked. You captured the day beautifully, every mood, every feeling of joy, happiness and friendship. We cannot thank you enough!” – Olivia & Daryl

~

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 four times!

My Photographs

Here are a selection of galleries so you can see how my style and approach reflects in my photographs.

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 56 reviews
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Hannah Pomfret
Hannah Pomfret
2021-08-22T19:24:19+0000
Craig photographed our wedding day this summer at Buxted Park. He was professional and friendly throughout the whole... process. The photos he has produced from our wedding day are stunning. He has captured everything we wanted from our day, and also captured the beauty of our wedding venue also. All of our guests commented on how great Craig was throughout the day, he seemed like one of the guests at the wedding.We cannot recommend Craig and his work highly enough, we as a couple are overjoyed with our wedding pictures.read more
Rachael Durdle
Rachael Durdle
2021-07-17T10:06:07+0000
Craig photographed our wedding last week at Hendall manor barns. When we first saw his work we knew straight away that... we wanted him to photograph our wedding. He is the nicest person and so professional, nothing is too much trouble for him. He visited our venue with us before the day, listened to ideas we had, was always just a phone call away if we had any questions. Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without him that’s for sure. He went above and beyond and so many of our guests said to us how great he was. When we saw our preview photos we couldn’t believe they were us! We are so so happy with our wedding photos. We had our horse and dog there too and he was so great and patient with them! We couldn’t have picked a better photographer and we would recommend him to everyone! Thanks so much for everything Craig!read more
Scott Milliken
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Milly Ayling
Milly Ayling
2019-08-15T08:18:11+0000
Craig simply goes above and beyond to ensure he gets the best photos possible. We were swiftly sent the preview photos... the day after the wedding and they were simply perfect, can’t wait to see the rest of them! I would highly recommend!read more
Alex Kate Laramy
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
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
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
Kathleen Keatley
Kathleen Keatley
2019-03-04T22:24:35+0000
We booked Craig to photograph our wedding on the 10th of November 2018 after meeting him whilst he was photographing... our friends wedding the previous year. At this time we thought Craig must have been their friend or family member as he made everyone so comfortable and was such a friendly face at their wedding. Once we found out he was actually their photographer and that he came with glowing reviews we had to book him! Craig went above and beyond both before and on our big day, giving us loads of advice and ideas including recommending a bubble walk when confetti wasn't an option. This gave us the most amazing and unusual photos that we have got so many complements on! He helped make sure the day ran smoothly and we are really grateful he was able to stay into the evening to capture some photographic evidence of the hilarious dance moves! We couldn't be happier with our decision to book Craig and the photos he took of our day are absolutely stunning! Craig is the nicest guy- Me and my husband aren't natural photography subjects but Craig's friendly demeanour really put us at ease and allow us to get some great photos to remember the best day ever!Thank you again Craig!read more
Sarah Scott
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 Wallis
Harry Wallis
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 Rose
Lindsay Rose
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
Darren William Clark
2018-01-14T19:52:51+0000
Andy Colwell
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
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
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
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
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
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
Alicia Davies
2017-06-11T07:18:57+0000
Alexandria Berry
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
Peter Rossiter
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
Sean Parkinson
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
Christine Russell
2016-09-12T20:06:10+0000
Sarah Bonwick
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
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
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
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
Jack Arnold
Jack Arnold
2015-11-06T00:01:51+0000
Good photographer when it comes to bonfires and other things
Hannah Chamberlain
Hannah Chamberlain
2015-07-26T14:19:28+0000
Erin Gunn
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
Jessica Matthews
2015-05-16T19:12:19+0000
Mimi Nation-Dixon
Mimi Nation-Dixon
2015-04-02T07:09:53+0000
Sally Duffell
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
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
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 Adams
Lauren Adams
2014-12-21T21:02:39+0000
Rebecca Cook
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
Georgia Aloof
2014-12-03T13:56:20+0000
Angela Cutler
Angela Cutler
2014-12-02T17:35:53+0000
Lynzi Worsfold
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
Nicole White
2014-09-29T18:45:55+0000
Emma Sarah-louise Head
Emma Sarah-louise Head
2014-03-22T17:57:05+0000
Mima Willard
Mima Willard
2014-02-14T19:04:10+0000
Zsani Tóth
Zsani Tóth
2013-12-01T21:08:21+0000
Ellen Katherine
Ellen Katherine
2013-12-01T17:27:59+0000
Gwyneth Watkinson
Gwyneth Watkinson
2013-11-30T00:05:47+0000
Nika Germek
Nika Germek
2013-11-29T19:05:20+0000
Rosie Jones
Rosie Jones
2013-11-28T21:46:24+0000
Next Reviews

About Me

Your Investment - £1700

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 Sneak Peek Gallery of 80 photos with in 48 hours of your wedding, so you can relive your day while on honeymoon

High Resolution Digital Images, supplied on a rose gold crystal USB

50 6×4 inch prints & a walnut print display stand

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

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

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

A Video Slideshow of your best photos to music

~ £1700 ~

(from three hours before the ceremony to half an hour after your first dance)

Optional Extras

Into the evening coverage, staying til around 10:30pm, to take twilight couple portraits, sparkler light trail couple photos, plenty of dance floor shots and more, then this will be an additional £300.

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 and Parent 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!

FAQs

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! To book me I need a completed Booking Form and signed Terms of Agreement and then we the Photography List and Time Table chart can be completed closer to the wedding day.

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 list any specific photos you would like, along with the more standard photos I can take. 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’. Alternatively, I have set up a section above where you can read Facebook reviews that have been left by couples!

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.

How will you be dressed on our day?

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 R5 Mirrorless cameras with a range of Canon RF lenses from ultra wide angles to telephotos. I carry two camera bodies with me at all times, with a spare camera in my car, so if any problems occur I immediately have a backup to use.

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!

Would you like to know more & How to 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 I will send you my Booking Form!

Please view my Recommended Suppliers via this link.

If you do not hear from me in 48 hours please send a direct email to  craigtpayne@googlemail.com as sometimes emails go astray. Alternatively, please give me a call on 07858 962889 and we can have a chat!

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

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