Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Leeds Castle has been awarded five-star and four-star ratings across its accommodation options

Leeds Castle, renowned for its historic beauty, has been awarded five-star and four-star ratings across several of its accommodation options in its latest AA Quality Assessment. Further cementing its status as a premier destination for luxury and comfort, the castle, in the picturesque Kent countryside, has been recognised for its commitment to excellence and superior standards of hospitality, service, bedrooms, bathrooms, cleanliness and dining options.

Helen Bonser-Wilton, the chief executive of the Leeds Castle Foundation, tells us: "We are honoured to have received these prestigious AA ratings. They are a testament to the remarkable guest experience we provide and the outstanding service delivered by our hard-working and dedicated team, who ensure every guest has an unforgettable stay."

Holiday Inn Dover has several beautiful wedding spaces to choose from

Set in four acres of landscaped gardens, making it a great spot for wedding photos, the Holiday Inn Dover allows you to host your dream day, whether it be traditional or quirky.

The venue's Grand Marquee is aptly named indeed. It's one of the largest in Kent and is fully heated and air-conditioned. Its pillar-free interior makes it ideal for 400 of your guests to witness your vows.

Alternatively, for more intimate 'I dos,' the new Octagon Suite with an atrium ceiling is a quiet room with six of its eight sides being large windows. It can accommodate 50 nearest and dearest.

WoodWick® new Vapour Trails collection for the big day and beyond

Introducing the Vapour Trails Collection from Woodwick which celebrates the subtle beauty in everyday movement. There are fewer greater life moments than your wedding day, and whether it's to scent the big day itself or to give a gorgeous gift to loved ones, the new Woodwick Vapour Trails Collection would be ideal. Terra Haze: Petrichor, the refreshingly vivid scent of rain on soil, evokes the sense of nature being stripped down to its molecules. Notes of aldehydes, cedarwood, and mossy earth climb toward the sky, dancing back into the atmosphere like mist.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

Newlyweds' home inspiration 2025 trends

With modern day wedding gift lists evolving, the time of asking for a toaster is gone, Jon Flannigan, Head of Product at Crucial Trading shares his insight into the flooring trends set to define 2025 which people tying the knot this year can be inspired by for the guests' contributions. "In 2025, we expect to see a shift towards greater personalisation in home design Naturally, homeowners want their spaces to reflect their individuality and tastes, which can involve moving beyond pre-manufactured products in favour of bespoke options

Let's talk about the money, money, money

Even the healthiest of relationships can come under strain when couples have to talk about money matters; and this doesn't get any easier when planning a wedding where you'll find yourself discussing expenses and the cost of things more than ever before. If you got engaged over the festive period, then not only are you recovering from the expenses of Christmas and New Year, but you will also now be thinking about a wedding budget. Chris Henderson, Savings and Payments Director at Tesco Bank says: "No matter what time of year it is, having open and clear conversations about the health of your finances is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

Demand for Traitors-inspired hen weekends surge following BBC series

Following the nail-biting finale of The Traitors Season 3 on the BBC, requests for Traitors-inspired hen weekends have gone through the roof, according to one of the UK's leading hen party planners. Since the season wrapped up last week, GoHen.com have seen a sharp rise in demand for manor houses, castle stays, and activities designed to let brides-to-be and their squads recreate the show's iconic betrayals, mind games, and nail-biting roundtables. "It's a great addition to a hen party," says Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "It's the perfect mix of fun, drama, and suspense – everything you want on a weekend away with your best mates!"

Hayne House in Saltwood, Kent, has won an award

Hayne House in Saltwood, Kent, has been awarded 'Wedding Venue of the Year' at the esteemed 2024 World Luxury Travel Awards. This recognition celebrates the venue's service, stunning surroundings and commitment to creating unforgettable, sustainable wedding experiences for its couples.

Fleur Record Smith, the CEO of Hayne House, tells us: "We're thrilled to be named 'Wedding Venue of the Year' for the UK. This award is a testament to our team's passion, dedication, and hard work, who go above and beyond to ensure every couple's wedding is as special and unique as they imagined. A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us and to the couples who have entrusted us with their weddings."

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is a Grade II listed wedding venue

Best Western Premier Dover Marina Hotel & Spa has been renovated to cater to the 21st-century guest while retaining its Victorian charm and elegance. The Grade II listed building Dover Marina Hotel has retained its original appearance and there are balconies on the first floor and the ground floor alcoves in the restaurants and function rooms and in the Churchill Bar & Lounge bar that overlook the sea.

Located on Dover's waterfront, the terrace garden boasts outdoor seating allowing you to relax and enjoy the sea views. For weddings, the front façade of the hotel with Dover Castle in the background makes for an ideal backdrop for excellent photos.

55% of couples are together less than a year before getting engaged

British couples are rushing into marriage proposals, according to new data which found that over half (55%) are together less than a year before getting engaged. Modern relationships can come with personal, professional and financial pressures, but according to the study* by jewellery retailer Abelini, Brits are fast-tracking love and moving through milestones at a rapid pace, with a fifth spending less than a week planning the proposal, and 15% even admitting it was a spur of the moment decision. The report delves into the trials and tribulations that come with marriage proposals, considering costs and the engagement ring to proposal traditions and location. When it comes to the engagement ring, one in 10 admitted that it didn't meet their expectations, with the biggest concern (16%) being that they wished they knew their partner's ring size.

New from Yankee Candles - wedding ideas aplenty

This new candle selection from Yankee Candle features four gorgeous colours which are all perfect for wedding day colour palettes! Transport yourself to an Italian holiday with our latest collection, "Hello Italy!," where every scent captures the essence of Italy's charm and vibrancy. Inspired by the joyful gatherings with loved ones, indulgent feasts, and iconic travel experiences, this collection combines rich earthy tones and warm golden hues reminiscent of Italy's streets and countryside.

Delight in fragrances that evoke the freshness of olive groves, the zest of lemons, and the sea spray of coastal breezes. "Hello Italy!" is more than a collection, it's an invitation to savour life's beautiful moments through the essence of Italy. Bellissima!

The Weald of Kent Golf Course & Hotel has been selected as a finalist at the Kent Wedding Awards

The Weald of Kent Golf Course & Hotel has been selected as a finalist for the 'Wedding Venue of the Year – Something Different' award at the Kent Wedding Awards! With a record-breaking number of entries, the expert judges faced the challenging task of selecting the very best from Kent's outstanding wedding industry professionals.

The Weald of Kent is a beautifully maintained 18-hole parkland golf course and hotel. Set in rolling countryside with far-reaching views, it's just a short drive from Maidstone and Ashford and has several beautiful function suites to choose from. With a manicured golf course and lakes, the grounds offer a picture-perfect backdrop, allowing you and your loved ones to relax and capture those memorable moments.

Betteshanger Country Park is set among 250 acres of picturesque grounds

This stunning venue, set among 250 acres of picturesque grounds, is the ideal location to capture an unforgettable experience. The land has been developed since becoming a country park in the 1990s and continues to flourish in its natural offerings, complete with green pastures, woodlands and sea views. There are even hidden spots where you can capture memorable and private moments or open green spaces where you can accommodate group shots or images with real impact. What's more, the beautiful open interior spaces, with high ceilings and cascades of natural light, offer idyllic settings for your special day.

The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds 

A wedding on the calendar is always something to look forward to! But before you know it, it's time to pick out an outfit for the celebration and find the perfect gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds! With there being 643,000 searches for "wedding gifts" in the past month and an 89% increase in searches for "what do you buy for a wedding gift," online home store Wayfair UK has analysed Reddit data to uncover newlyweds' favourite wedding gifts and provide recommendations on what to consider buying if you're off to a wedding soon! The 50 best wedding gifts according to newlyweds. After analysing multiple Reddit threads discussing 'favourite wedding gifts received, Wayfair UK has revealed a list of the top 50 gifts to consider buying a soon-to-be wedded couple.

Baked By Steph launches fun Valentine's Day cookie collection for every type of partner

Baked By Steph, the favourite for quirky, cute, handmade treats, has unveiled its showstopping Valentine's Day collection and we're loving it. Known for combining playful designs with impeccable flavour, Baked By Steph takes romance to a whole new level with its personalised, letterbox-friendly iced cookies. Whether you're wooing your soulmate, pleasing your partner, or reminding your vegan Valentine how special they are, these cookies are the ultimate love language this February 14th. Inspired by everyone's favourite Friends quote, this adorable set includes cookies that spell out your love in the sweetest way. Perfect for reminding your lobster how much they mean to you.

The Ferry House has announced plans to become a dedicated wedding events venue

The Ferry House, a much-loved 16th-century venue on the Kent coast, has announced a significant transformation in its future. From April 2026, The Ferry House will evolve into an exclusive hire barn wedding and events venue, reducing its restaurant and bed and breakfast services. However, diners needn't despair, as the venue will continue to host select pop-up dining experiences, taster evenings and special occasions. 

Currently a 2AA Rosette restaurant with rooms and events venue, The Ferry House is set beside the Swale estuary in the hamlet of Harty, on the Isle of Sheppey. The venue's evolution follows years of dedication and passion from the local Burden family, who have owned and lovingly restored The Ferry House since 2000. The upcoming addition of a second wedding barn, named Spring Barn, set to be completed in April 2026, is at the heart of this transformation. This beautifully constructed barn will elevate the venue's capacity and ability to host unforgettable weddings and events, marking the start of a new era of quality.

The Pegwell Bay Hotel is a charming wedding venue idyllically located on the Kent coast

Idyllically located on the Kent coast, The Pegwell Bay Hotel boasts many beautiful spots perfect for memorable photo opportunities. Aside from the obvious stunning sea views, there's also the West Cliff Promenade and Gardens and the Pegwell Bay Country Park.

The venue is licenced to hold ceremonies for marriages and civil partnerships inside its two suites and al fresco in the gazebo, where you're able to exchange vows just feet from the water's edge.

The Ravenscliffe Suite has a contemporary feel and boasts a fully equipped bar, a solid wooden dancefloor, air conditioning and a fantastic veranda overlooking the sea. The veranda area also offers casual seating, allowing your guests to relax while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Meet the winners of The Lost Village of Dode's first Elopement Wedding Giveaway

In a heartwarming celebration of love and resilience, The Lost Village of Dode, one of the UK's most enchanting and secluded wedding venues, proudly hosted its first-ever Elopement Wedding Giveaway winners, Helena and Andrew, on 21st December 2024. The couple tied the knot in a magical winter solstice ceremony, surrounded by the atmospheric charm of The Lost Village of Dode's ancient chapel, just days before Christmas.

Some love stories are written over decades, and Helena and Andrew's journey is a beautiful testament to the enduring power of connection. After meeting in a pub in Enfield on Helena's 30th birthday, the couple has shared 24 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, family, and cherished moments. While they had often talked of marriage, the idea of a big wedding never felt right. But when Helena stumbled upon our Elopement Wedding Giveaway on Instagram, she knew instantly that The Lost Village of Dode was perfect for them.

Hen party trends for 2025

If you're planning a hen party in 2025, you're in for a treat. The trends for next year are shaping up to be fresh, fun and full of personality, offering something for every type of bride and her tribe. Hen party experts Fizzbox give us a sneak peek of their predictions on what's hot for hens in 2025. Drag shows have been a hen party staple for a while but, in 2025, they're stepping firmly into the spotlight. With drag culture thriving thanks to shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and its ever-expanding global franchises, hens are falling in love with the glitz, glamour and unapologetic fun that comes with a drag-themed celebration. Expect everything from live performances at local drag bars to private workshops where the group can learn how to strut in heels, master a smoky eye or perform their own lip-sync battle. The bottomless brunch industry will continue to boom with drag brunches taking centre stage. This is a standout trend for 2025.

Proud Fox Ceremonies recently featured on Married at First Sight UK

Martin Fox-Roberts, a celebrant based in Beckenham, runs Proud Fox Ceremonies who recently featured on Married at First Sight UK, marrying couple Ross and Sacha. Martin has also been announced as a finalist at the Quirky Wedding Awards – congratulations!

Martin tells us more about his company: "I'm proud of being a former theatre manager, dealing with large events and putting the customer's experience at the centre of the proceedings. I embrace, respect and honour people's lifestyles, beliefs, customs and cultures, which is what enriches our lives and the lives we celebrate. I'm proud to be drag queen, 'Maria Hurtz', a Drag Idol Semi-Finalist and QX Magazine Awards nominee for Best Drag Act and Best Comedy Act. So if you're looking for a drag themed or a cabaret themed ceremony, I can officiate your wedding as Maria Hurtz!"