No, you don’t need to spend £20,000 on a wedding venue to have the absolutely BEST time at your wedding. I photographed Rachel and Lewis’s wedding at The Crown Barn in Finglesham, Kent, and from the minute I arrived, I knew it was going to be a special one. These two actually met at the pub within the venue, so getting married there completed the circle in the most perfect way. The whole day was relaxed, emotional, and full of fun – just the kind of vibes I love.

“Thank you so much!! We have just sat together and gone through them and have absolutely loved reliving every second of the day!! I cant thank you enough!! I am sat here ready to look through them all over again!”

“Stan made us feel like we had known him forever!”

– Rachel & Lewis

Rachel and Lewis’s Wedding Photos at The Crown Barn (Crown Inn Finglesham)

All The Little Details

The ceremony itself was intimate – just their nearest and dearest – with the rest of the guests joining later in the afternoon to celebrate. I love it when couples do it this way; it makes the morning feel calm and personal, and then by mid-afternoon, it turns into a full-on party.

Everything about the day had this warm, personal touch. Their best man, Rob, gave a lovely speech – the only one of the night – and it was heartfelt, funny, and perfectly summed up the pair of them. The music for the evening was handled by Lewis’s dad, who was also the DJ, which made it all the more special. Even the couple who own the pub (and the venue itself) where Rachel and Lewis first met came along to celebrate – how good is that?

There was also a really emotional detail that everyone noticed – a chair set up in memory of Rachel’s grandad and Lewis’s dad, who couldn’t be there. The children decorated it themselves which was such a lovely moment to capture. It was such a thoughtful and moving touch that made the day feel even more meaningful.

Then came the fun bits – Magic Mike (the magician, not that Magic Mike) kept everyone entertained with tricks that had people properly belly-laughing. The Emotives band played through the afternoon and into the evening, bringing the perfect mix of energy and atmosphere. And, because no great wedding is complete without something sweet, there was an ice cream van parked up outside. The Cadbury 99 Flake was the crowd favourite, and yes – I might’ve had one too, if I wasn’t too busy snapping away.

The Crown Wedding Barn sits right next to the Crown Inn at Finglesham, near Deal in East Kent – and it’s one of those hidden-gem barns that feels like home as soon as you arrive. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and surrounded by that peaceful Kentish countryside the county’s known for.

The venue has all the charm you’d want from a rural barn wedding – exposed beams, warm lighting, and space that flows beautifully from the ceremony area to the reception room. The garden out the back is perfect for mingling and photos, especially when the sun dips low over the fields.

One of my favourite things about The Crown Wedding Barn is how personal it feels. The team (and the owners, who actually came to Rachel and Lewis’s wedding!) make everyone feel part of something special. The barn itself is elegant without trying too hard – rustic wood, festoon lights, and that laid-back Kent vibe that just makes people smile.

Whether it’s a summer celebration with the doors open or a cosy autumn gathering inside, The Crown Wedding Barn is the kind of place where real moments happen – laughter over pints, hugs under fairy lights, and plenty of room for a proper party.

Photography at the Venue

From a photography point of view, The Crown Wedding Barn is a dream to shoot. The indoor light is amazing – big windows flood the space with natural light, so you never have to worry about harsh shadows or dark corners. That mix of soft light and warm wood tones gives every photo a natural, timeless feel.

The garden at The Crown Wedding Barn is great for photos – plenty of space, nice light, and a relaxed vibe that keeps everyone comfortable. The little field opposite the venue caught my eye straight away. That’s where we headed for a few couple shots just after sunset, and honestly, the light was unreal. No posing, no fuss – just the two of them having a laugh while I snapped away.

I shoot weddings in a documentary style – natural, unposed, and full of real emotion. My goal is to photograph the laughter, the quiet moments, and the unexpected bits that make every wedding unique. At The Crown Wedding Barn, that approach works perfectly because the venue itself tells part of the story. The countryside views, the wood textures, the warm light – it all adds up to one beautiful visual narrative.

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If you’re planning your own Crown Wedding Barn wedding, I’d love to be there to photograph it for you. I don’t charge travel costs for weddings in Kent, and I’m always up for a chat about your day. Whether you’re planning a ceremony in the garden or a full-on party in the barn, The Crown Wedding Barn is the perfect setting.

Are you looking for a photographer who knows and loves The Crown Wedding Barn?
Drop me a message — I’d love to hear your plans and capture your day exactly as it happens.

Suppliers

• Venue – The Crown Wedding Barn Kent
  
• Hair – @daydreamsbridal
  
• MUA – @belindanicholmua
  
• Magician – (Magic) Mike Davis
  
• Arches – Crystal Carriage Weddings
  
• Band – @theemotivesband
  
• Dress – Ivy Rose Bridal

OR… let’s get to know each other