Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The Chilham Bridal Boutique have expanded their collection

The Chilham Bridal Boutique are always looking for ways to bring their brides the very best choice of designer gowns and this year they've expanded their collection more than ever before. By working closely with some of the UK's most established boutiques, they're now able to source an even greater variety of off-the-peg dresses, giving their brides access to beautiful designer gowns at a fraction of the original price. Recent arrivals include gowns from much-loved names such as Wona Concept, Milla Nova and Dando of London, alongside their already impressive line-up of international labels.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Show 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 Chiddingstone Castle, Kent for inspiration on Sunday 1st February, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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.

Leeds Castle has launched four Black Friday deals

Leeds Castle is considered a national treasure, providing a window onto over 900 years of British history. It is a haven of tranquillity and offers a wealth of discovery and enjoyment for all ages.

Situated five miles southeast of Maidstone in Kent, Leeds Castle's rich and riveting history, including serving six of England's medieval queens, to its elaborate transformation into a glamorous 1930s country house retreat for the influential and famous by Anglo-American heiress, Lady Olive Baillie, secures its place as one of the most visited historic attractions in Britain.

Here Comes the Hound is celebrating being a part of 100 weddings

The Kent-based specialist in wedding dog chaperone services, Here Comes the Hound, is thrilled to announce a heart-warming milestone: as of 2nd August 2025, the business has played a part in 100 weddings, helping couples welcome their canine companions into their special day with style.

Founded in 2019 by professional dog trainer, Lizzie Benge and business partner Claire Lundie; Here Comes the Hound offers tailored services across Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex and the surrounding areas. From ring-bearing duties to guest greetings and picture-perfect moments, their service ensures pets are present, content, and impeccably behaved throughout the celebrations.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Weddings - Magazines and Events to host its Signature Wedding Shows at the site from January 2026. Based in Essex, renowned local wedding show organisers County Wedding Events host wedding shows across the Home Counties; the company's largest events, its Signature Wedding Shows, are at iconic locations Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, and Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent – sister shopping centre to Braintree Village in Essex.

Local supplier spotlight: Chilston Park Hotel

Chilston Park's interior exudes timeless elegance, blending classic Georgian architecture with rich period furnishings. Grand chandeliers illuminate oak-panelled walls, while antique portraits and plush fabrics add historic charm. The drawing rooms and library offer cozy sophistication, and each individually styled bedroom reflects traditional opulence with modern comfort. It's a refined, yet welcoming, atmosphere steeped in heritage. Chilston Park's exterior is a striking example of Georgian country house architecture, set amidst 77 acres of lush Kent countryside. Its red-brick façade, tall sash windows, and symmetrical design exude stately charm. A serene lake, manicured gardens, and tree-lined drive enhance its picturesque appeal, offering a tranquil, regal setting that captures the essence of English heritage.

A Kentish Wedding is hosting a two day event in January

A Kentish Wedding are holding Kent's biggest ever two-day wedding event this January to help couples plan their big day. The event will take place at the University of Kent in Canterbury on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th January 2026 and will be full of Kentish wedding professionals looking to inspire couples and ensure that their big day is one they'll remember.

The event will run from 10am- 2.30pm on both days and will feature everything from bridal and menswear to entertainment and venue décor.

County Wedding Events coming to Markshall in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Markshall in Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive 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. Less than an hour from London, it's an indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you've been looking for. 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside.

Rom-com Romance: Maria and Ben's wedding

Here at County Wedding Magazines, we see lots of real wedding forms - and whilst all are full of loving words and sentiments - there are some that truly stand out. The form submitted by Maria about her wedding to Ben at Bradbourne is one of them. The below is the heartfelt words of Maria, detailing how her and Ben met, and formed a beautiful relationship. Our wedding features couldn't fit in all of the romantic details, so we felt it was only right to share online too. We hope you enjoy the below as much as we did.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Local supplier spotlight: The Beaverwood

Outdoor weddings are forever on the rise, but with the temperament of British weather, you always need a backup plan. The Beaverwood is a venue that gives you the freedom of indoor and outdoor celebrations. The venue resembles a marquee, but the permanent building enables couples to book their wedding with peace of mind. You'll get the joy of an outdoor wedding with a failsafe should the weather take a gloomy turn. The beautiful room has a starlit ceiling and is headlined by two well-stocked bars, highlighted by a dancefloor and disco lights – the perfect party starter kit.

The venue sits on immaculate grounds, making for the ideal backdrop for your portraits and garden games. The whole venue is picture perfect and has ample space for you and your photographer to get creative! If the party remains outside, they have plenty of tables and chairs available, so your guests can rest their party feet between the ceremony and reception. This is accompanied by a seating area on the terrace, overlooking the celebrations.

County Wedding Events coming to Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th January 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive 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.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Byre Barn has partnered with an award-winning chef

Something new is arriving in the Kent countryside and it is set to become one of the most exciting wedding destinations for 2026 couples. Byre Barn, the latest venue from Boutique Weddings Kent Ltd, has been lovingly created as a space where every celebration feels unique. Step inside to find The Walled Garden, cosy wood burners, a chic outdoor bar for reception drinks, and even a luxury changing area; perfect for pre-wedding moments with your bridal party and complete with food (the heart of every celebration).

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Light It Up UK is celebrating its 10-year anniversary

Light It Up UK is celebrating their 10-year anniversary! A family-run business started by husband-and-wife team, Tim and Jane Coombs in 2015; their first job was for their friend's wedding. The success of which fuelled a new passion, and soon Tim and Jane's lights started appearing in photo shoots and wedding fairs.

To celebrate this milestone, Tim and Jane are very kindly offering Kent readers an exclusive discount! For 10 per cent off light hire, quote "Your Kent Wedding".

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.