Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Venues in Canterbury and Thanet

From medieval streets and cathedral views to big skies, chalk cliffs and seaside charm, Canterbury and Thanet offer some of Kent's most atmospheric wedding settings. Whether you're dreaming of a historic venue steeped in romance, a countryside escape surrounded by rolling fields, or a coastal celebration with the sound of the sea in the background, this corner of the county has it all. Here, timeless elegance meets relaxed coastal character, creating unforgettable backdrops for every kind of "I do."

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.

The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home

For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:

Make Valentine’s extra special with a stay at Leeds Castle

Treat your loved one to a romantic getaway this Valentine's weekend at Leeds Castle, one of Kent's most iconic landmarks. Nestled in 550 acres of stunning parkland, Leeds Castle offers a variety of charming accommodation options, perfect for a cosy, intimate escape this winter.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful break in one of the luxury Lakeside Lodges or a historic stay in the Maiden's Tower, Leeds Castle has something for everyone. The Castle's breathtaking surroundings, rich history, and fun activities make it the ideal destination to create unforgettable memories with your loved one.

Maiden's Tower on the Castle Island offers the ultimate romantic getaway. This 16th-century tower, once allegedly used by Katherine of Aragon's Maid of Honour during her wedding to King Henry VIII, combines period elegance with contemporary comfort. Each spacious bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, and the tower's breathtaking views across the Castle grounds, including the beautiful surroundings of the moat and parkland, make it a memorable location for your romantic break.

County Wedding Events comes to Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 17th May, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Trending Stag Do Destinations for 2026

2026 looks set to be the year of the European stag weekend, with more guys looking at heading abroad than staying in the UK. Yes, according to one of the UK's leading stag do providers, a whopping 59% of stags are jetting off to celebrate in Europe with Benidorm, Albufeira, Prague and Lisbon all top choices for the groom's big send-off. "With the rise of budget air travel and comparatively cheaper costs abroad for food and drinks, it's no huge surprise more stags are looking at a weekend away over staying in the UK," said Jon Stainer, Creative Director at StagWeb.co.uk.

Venues in Folkestone, Dover and Hythe

Whether it's a ceremony overlooking the sea, a celebration in a grand historic building or an intimate gathering tucked away in a coastal town, Folkestone, Dover and Hythe offer an impressive range of wedding venues. Rich in history and natural beauty, this corner of Kent combines romance, character and unforgettable settings for couples planning their perfect day.

LEAS CLIFF HALL is at The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ. Phone number - 01303 228 607. Website - www.leascliffhall.co.uk

VOCO THE CLIFTON FOLKESTONE is at 1 - 6 Clifton Gardens, The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2EB. The number is 01303 851 231 and the website is www.thecliftonhotel.com

I SA-y yes! How soon-to-be wedded couples and newlyweds can use their ISAs 

From venues and catering to the dress and rings, wedding expenses can quickly add up. With the average cost of a UK wedding now more than £20,000, and with so many other pressures on our finances, putting money aside for your special day can feel challenging. A Cash ISA can be an efficient way for couples to save for their big day. With the Personal Savings Allowance limited to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, the tax-free allowance in an ISA has the potential to help you reach your goals sooner. Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, shares his top tips on how couples can save for a wedding and beyond.

Local supplier spotlight: Chiddingstone Castle

A Grade II* listed historic house, Chiddingstone Castle boasts 35 acres of informal grounds comprising sweeping lawns, a lake, woodlands, and breathtaking views of the Kent countryside. The castle provides a magnificent backdrop for a wedding: turrets, towers, beautiful stonework, and impressively large doors add a sense of grandeur while still being small enough to offer intimate charm.

The Victorian Orangery features a Victorian stone structure with an award-winning glass roof and can accommodate up to 400 guests.

The Great Hall is a grand, formal room of Tudor heritage that can seat up to 80 people. The newlyweds sign the register at the 17th-century oak refectory table beneath the stained-glass window overlooking the courtyard rose garden.

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

Crondon Park Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Crondon Park, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 8th February 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events. Set in the beautiful valley of Crondon, with stunning views across the Essex countryside and our championship golf course - Crondon Park has established an outstanding reputation as a premier venue in Essex and the UK.

Countdown to the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 26th April, 2026! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. The event brings couples in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Bradbourne House Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Bradbourne House, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 22nd February, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Bluewater's Signature Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 1st March 2026! It's one of our Signature Wedding Shows of 2026's Spring wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. The event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Braxted Park Estate Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 15th February, 2026! The sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

The Leicester Arms has been named as one of the best pubs in Britain

Penshurst wedding venue and country pub The Leicester Arms has been named in The Good Food Guide's inaugural 100 Best Pubs in Britain. The accolade recognises the historic village inn for its outstanding food, quality drinks, and friendly, attentive service.

The listing comes hot on the heels of the venue's recent inclusion in The Guardian's 30 Best UK Pubs for an Autumn Escape with Great Food. The country inn plans to build on this momentum with a packed calendar of events and experiences celebrating great food, drink, and hospitality in the heart of the Kent countryside.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

Calligraphy artist Signed.Ami has won an award

Thanet-based calligraphy artist Signed.Ami has been named a South East Regional Winner at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026 in the Stationery category. Regional winners now go through to the national final being held in Liverpool in January 2026.

Ami Taylor, the calligrapher and artist behind Signed.Ami, says: "It was such a surprise to be nominated, and then to go on to win in such a huge region, which includes London, is simply amazing! I'm blown away by the votes and comments from the couples I have worked with over the last year locally. I learned calligraphy four years ago and have built the business working evenings and weekends around the demands of family life with high-support- needs, neurodivergent children."

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."