Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Leas Cliff Hall is an Art Deco, Grade II listed wedding venue in Folkestone

Located in Folkestone, situated 400 feet above sea level with commanding views of the English Channel and nestled into the coastal cliffs, Leas Cliff Hall is an Art Deco, Grade II listed building. This remarkable multi-functional venue has been at the heart of the community since 1927.

With its scenic vantage point over the English Channel, Leas Cliff Hall provides an enchanting backdrop for weddings of any style. Additionally, you will have the option to utilise the nearby beach path for picturesque seaside wedding photos.

Name change statistics after marriage in the UK

The UK Deed Poll Office, and we recently published an article with unique statistics on name changes after marriage in the UK. When it comes to marriage, one of the most recognizable traditions is changing your name. For many, adopting a spouse's surname is part of the process. But for others, the decision is more complex—some opt for a double-barrelled surname, while others keep their own. So, what does the data really say about name changes after marriage in the UK? Gender breakdown of name changes: After Marriage One of the most frequently discussed aspects of name changes is the gender breakdown. Traditionally, women have been more likely to adopt their husband's surname, but how does the data actually look?

Oad St Weddings is now offering a Twilight Wedding Package

Oad St Weddings is a family-owned and run wedding venue in Sittingbourne, Kent, that's now offering a Twilight Wedding Package. Twilight weddings are an ideal option for those who desire a more casual feel to their day. With a ceremony in the early evening hours, followed by a hand-crafted luxury grazing table and party all night, you can be sure your guests will receive the starlit treatment at Oad St Weddings.

"Working to suit customer needs for the last 30 years, we pride ourselves on the quality and warmth of service, creating those unforgettable memories for you to cherish," says the team at Oad St Weddings. "The venue is situated in rural countryside, with great links to the M2, M20 and Thanet, making us easy to reach but yet feeling like you're a million miles away. Our venue is surrounded by agricultural land, creating the perfect backdrop for those captured memories."

Greenwoods Hotel 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 Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, Stock, Essex for inspiration on Sunday 12th January 2025! 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. 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.

Winters Barns is a romantic wedding venue located just outside of Canterbury

Located in the Kent countryside, just outside of Canterbury, Winters Barns offers a romantic setting for couples looking for an exclusive use wedding venue with the perfect blend of historical features and modern amenities. The barns date from 1660, and the surrounding buildings have been lovingly restored.

After you've gotten ready in the venue's salons, everything will flow seamlessly with the help of its award-winning team, and once you've partied the night away, you can rest your heads in one of nine on-site bedrooms before meeting up with your loved ones the next morning for breakfast.

10 most wedding obsessed cities in Britain

A new finding by the online wedding rings retailer The Wedding Rings Co. (theweddingringscompany.co.uk) reveals a unique insight into where love is truly flourishing across the UK, with cities from all corners of the country making the list. A spokesperson for The Wedding Rings Co. commented on the findings: "It's fantastic to see so many people getting married all over the UK. The number of marriages is rising, which is wonderful to witness, especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is likely to continue, as more couples are inspired by beautifully curated wedding content on social media - creating a desire to create their own special day which they can share with their friends and family.

Leeds Castle's new luxury Lakeside Lodges provide an exclusive escape for couples

Leeds Castle's newest accommodation, its luxury Lakeside Lodges, provide an exclusive escape for couples seeking a serene getaway surrounded by nature, making it ideal for a romantic break for two. Accessed via a private walkway that meanders through the captivating Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces, the luxury Lakeside Lodges offer an outdoor sleek black bathtub on a private deck overlooking the expansive Great Water, where guests can have a relaxing soak while watching the wildlife flitting among the trees and gliding along the misty water.

The Lost Village of Dode is a Norman church that looks almost exactly as it did almost 1,000 years ago

A beautiful Norman church that looks almost exactly as it did almost 1,000 years ago, The Lost Village of Dode has floors covered with straw, while candles and torches that cast light on the scene. The interior of this structure would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from the time it was built, and the atmosphere and restful silence within are palpable.

Standing on an ancient, pre-historic mound overlooking the valley of Dode, this simple, two-cell Norman church is surrounded by meadows and woodland, which feature a wildlife pond and stone circle. Its walls are comprised of local flint, with its roof of Kentish peg tiles partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy, truly evoking the atmosphere of times long since passed. Tucked away below the church are two retreat cottages constructed in English oak in the 16th-century style.

Beautiful in Curves has begun stocking Island Bridal gowns

Beautiful in Curves, a bridal boutique in Ashford, Kent, has begun stocking Island Bridal gowns. "Island Bridal designs their gowns exclusively for curvy brides, offering fully boned internal support," shares the team at Beautiful in Curves. "Their designs encapsulate timeless charm to the ever-popular boho, festival vibe. We have many years of experience in the bridal industry and would like to think our collections represent today's exciting fashion trends in wedding dresses. From mermaid dresses to romantic princess gowns and everything in between in sizes 18-34. The collections are also carefully chosen to offer the support and structure we know you are looking for."

Pinterest Predicts 2025

Pinterest Predicts 2025 - the much anticipated annual future-gazing report which reveals the biggest wedding trends that will shape the year ahead! Next year, expect to see weddings and parties take inspiration from the post-Baroque period as Rococo Revival puts an opulent and ultra-feminine spin on celebrations. Corsets gowns, luxe accessories and ornate table decorations will take over. In 2025, hosts will think outside of the box as Surreal Soirees take centre-stage; curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and out-of-this-world tablescapes will prove popular the wackier, the better! Rococo Revival. All frills, no chill. This year, weddings, parties and aesthetics will draw inspiration from the Rococo era - a post-Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine. Gen Z and Boomers are driving this trend toward classical corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes.

The Quaives is a charming wedding venue nestled within 19 acres of glorious gardens

Just beyond the picture-perfect village of Wickhambreaux, you'll find The Quaives. Here, you have 19 acres of open space available to you for your wedding day, half of which is dedicated to beautifully manicured gardens featuring an array of flowers, plants and trees. The 17th-century house has an interesting history, having previously been owned by Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, and is where the current owners now live.

Best dates for a wedding and honeymoon in 2025

Research from leading UK jeweller Diamonds Factory has revealed the best dates to book your wedding and honeymoon in 2025 in order to get as much time off as possible. Online searches for 2025 weddings have leapt by 916% this year, meanwhile searches for honeymoons skyrocketed by 15,247% during the same period. As couples consider weddings and honeymoons for next year, Diamonds Factory analysis has revealed the best days to book your wedding ceremony which will maximise your annual leave for the honeymoon.

Hythe Imperial Hotel is an award-winning wedding venue

Nestled in impeccably manicured gardens, the award-winning Hythe Imperial Hotel's enviable seafront location allows for panoramic seaside views. Its exterior is an architectural marvel that beautifully complements its picturesque surroundings.

More than just a wedding venue, it's a luxurious haven that exudes both elegance, charm and exhibits a neutral colour scheme, providing a perfect blank canvas for wedding themes. It also houses a magnificent chandelier, the tallest in Europe! This resplendent centrepiece reaches dizzyingly high into the elegant, vaulted ceiling of the hotel's grand entrance hall.

For vows, couples can wed al fresco in the hotel's gazebo with up to 130 guests. Nestled in the heart of its landscaped grounds, this structural masterpiece commands a captivating view of the hotel's exterior. Inside, experience the grandeur of the Imperial Ballroom with up to 130 guests, elegantly positioned with adjoining sundecks that offer an impeccable view. Or, the hotel's Coast Restaurant (130) serves more than just fine cuisine, it transforms into an exquisite ceremony room.

Chilston Park Hotel is a luxurious place to spend the festive season

Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham, Kent, is a luxurious place to stay for those wanting to experience a classic British country house during the festive season. Perfect for pre-wedding breaks and mini-moons, the hotel is encouraging couples to use the festive season to escape the everyday.

The venue's Christmas package includes settling into your home away from home before indulging in a cream tea sharing platter on Christmas Eve. The Black Tie evening will start with a delicious champagne cocktail and canapés, followed by a three-course dinner and fireworks.

Hever Castle is a grand wedding venue nestled within 125 acres of idyllic Kent countryside

Nestled in 125 acres of idyllic Kent countryside, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, and is full of rich history.

The gardens at Hever Castle combine perfectly with its history to provide a wedding venue of distinction at any time of the year. One of the most magnificent areas of the grounds is the Italian Garden, which displays a splendid collection of Italian sculptures. There are breathtaking water features, including cascades, grottos, fountains and ponds. The Rhododendron Walk, the Rose Garden, the Golden Stairs and the Blue Garden offer an unbeatable backdrop to capture those special moments.

Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Wedding moodboards at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute.

Mint DJs is celebrating after winning an award

Mint DJs, run by Tim Cullen, is an experienced, client-focused DJ and music producer from Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Mint DJs has recently been awarded the South England Prestige Award 2024/25. "We were very happy to win the South England Prestige Award, which we have now won three years in a row," shares Tim. "We work very hard year in and year out to ensure our brides and grooms get the upmost service, and it feels really great to be recognised for this hard work. Mint DJs guarantees experience and reassuring quality with all of our hired DJs. We believe the main skill to DJ'ing is reading the crowd and making sure the right music is played at the right point throughout the night to keep the crowd interested and dancing! This skill only comes from years of experience – from watching people dance and learning how different groups of people with varied tastes react to different styles of music."

The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-framed tythe barn that's perfect for weddings

The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-framed tythe barn situated within two-and-a-half acres of professionally landscaped gardens. Home to refurbished overnight accommodation, it contains a stylish couple's suite and two additional double en suite rooms for family or friends.

The New Barn is the place to be for both ceremonies and receptions. It's a neutral, light and airy space that's easy to coordinate with any colour palette or theme. Oak-framed and open plan, with large windows and a light tiled floor throughout, the venue also includes a solid wooden dancefloor and stage area.

East Kent's biggest wedding fair is taking place in January 2025

Next year will start with a bang for all of you that are looking to get planning for your big day. East Kent's biggest wedding fair at the Kent Cricket Ground in Canterbury has a two-day event on the 11th and 12th January 2025 between 10am and 2:30pm and there will be so much to inspire you for your wedding day.

From stunning wedding dresses and beautiful flowers to bespoke rings and evening entertainment, the show will throw up an eclectic mix of everything you need to create your perfect day.

Hottest hen do Trends for 2025 revealed by GoHen

Well, GoHen.com, the UK's leading hen party provider, have just dropped a hitlist of the hottest hen do themes for 2025 with some absolutely iconic trends."2025 is going to be the most Instagrammable era for hen weekends, for sure," said Ellie Silk, Head of Events at GoHen.com. "The themes that are on-trend are absolutely iconic and there is something for every bride and every vibe. From chaos to cute, outdoors to outrageous, you're bound to find something for your group in that list. "A hen do theme helps elevate a weekend from average to unforgettable because it's the tiny details and extra thought that really make your celebration special.

"Having a theme doesn't have to equate to spending loads more money, either. You can lean into your chosen theme as little or as much as you want. From outfits to decorations to the activities you choose to do, there are plenty of ways to make it your own."