Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Allington Castle has opened its doors to couples for the very first time

Allington Castle, one of Kent's privately owned historic castles, opened its doors to couples for the very first time this spring. In March, guests were invited to step through and explore hidden courtyards, the Great Hall, greenhouse and fairytale gardens – spaces that, until now, had remained largely unseen. Set beside the River Medway, the medieval castle offers a rare glimpse inside a living historic home.

The Open Day was created for couples considering a castle wedding, as well as those already booked. Dating back to the 12th century, Allington Castle boasts a distinctive round tower, stone walls and fortified layout, reflecting its early defensive role along the Medway, an important medieval trade and transport route.

Expert says prenups aren't just for the rich and famous

Legal experts at Richard Nelson LLP are urging Brits to rethink who prenups are really for. While often seen as something reserved for high-profile couples, data suggests they remain largely overlooked in everyday relationships. Just 7 percent of divorced Brits had a prenuptial agreement in place before separating, highlighting a significant gap between perception and reality. Regionally, attitudes vary. Manchester has emerged as the UK's 'prenup capital', with 13 percent of divorced couples having one in place, compared to 8 percent in London and 11 percent in Birmingham. Meanwhile, cities including Liverpool and Southampton reported no uptake among those surveyed.

Local supplier spotlight: Photography By Kirsty

Kirsty Airey is a talented wedding photographer based in Medway, Kent. Kirsty says: "I feel incredibly lucky to be able to have a career doing what I love most – capturing weddings. My relaxed, fun, non-obtrusive and uniquely creative approach allows couples to feel completely themselves, resulting in natural, honest and heartfelt images that reflect real personalities and genuine emotions."

"I don't expect you to perform for the camera or force big, cheesy smiles. Instead, I focus on the moments that matter most – the genuine smiles, quiet glances, bursts of laughter and everything in between. These are the details that tell the true story of a wedding day and essentially reflect the 'you' that everyone knows and loves."

Channels 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 Channels Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 29th March, 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. The beautifully restored, 17th-century, thatched Essex Barn is an idyllic wedding venue for your special day. Tie the knot with your soulmate in surroundings full of character with up to 100 of your loved ones there to share the moment.

Pre-wedding nerves, relationship advice and the secrets to a long, happy marriage

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons in a couple's life. It is also one of the most emotionally revealing. As someone who has coached over 1,300 women into healthy, committed relationships and marriages through my Love Success Framework, I can tell you this: the way you handle wedding planning is often a preview of how you will handle marriage. Not because of the flowers. Not because of the guest list. But because of how you navigate stress, expectations, decision-making, and emotional needs together. A wedding is an event. A marriage is an energetic ecosystem.

The Candle Making Kit Company has launched a new at-home kit

The Candle Making Kit Company has launched a new at-home kit, perfect for wedding favours or a pre-wedding date night. Founder Philippa shares her inspiration behind the brand: "I really love candles and enjoy making them, especially when experimenting with new fragrances. I've always been drawn to more masculine, herbal and woody scents, which you'll find reflected in our kits. I find candle making incredibly therapeutic and previously ran candle-making workshops at our shop in Cranbrook, Kent. There's something special about lighting a candle you've made yourself – the gentle glow, the fragrance you chose and the quiet satisfaction of knowing it was created by your own hands. At The Candle Making Kit Company, we believe candle making should be simple, relaxing and accessible to everyone, even if you've never made a candle before."

Countdown to County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 22nd March 2026! It's one of four Signature Wedding Show of 2026's Spring wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the winter months. 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Layer Marney Tower, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events fair at Layer Marney Tower, Essex on Sunday 22nd March, 2026! A must-visit event for engaged couples, the show puts you 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.

Thoughtful Wedding Gift Ideas for Gay Couples

The joy of a wedding is a beautiful occasion, and finding the perfect gift to celebrate a gay couple's special day is an opportunity to express your love and support. Beyond traditional registries, a wealth of unique and personal gifts can truly reflect their journey and shared future. This guide explores a range of inspiring ideas, highlighting some fantastic artisans and companies that cater to diverse tastes and celebrate love in all its forms.

Local supplier spotlight: St Julians Club

St Julians Club is an enchanting venue, filled with old-world charm and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Blending 1950s architecture with elegant Grade II–listed rooms, the house features a light-filled conservatory and tall bay windows that frame sweeping views across the Weald Valley.

The Georgian mansion provides a beautiful canvas for weddings. Its grounds offer a picturesque setting of manicured lawns, elegant gardens, and semi-ancient woodland. In spring, bluebells carpet the woodland floor, while summer brings abundant blooms across the hillside, all set against breathtaking valley views.

Nicky’s Photography is running a competition

Nicky's Photography is celebrating the season of love with an exciting competition. Couples have the chance to win an engagement shoot worth £250.

The prize includes an on-location photo shoot and 30 high-resolution digital images to download. On top of this, the winning couple will also receive £100 off any full-day wedding package, making a total saving of £350!

To enter, head over to instagram.com/nphotography82. Follow the page, share the competition post, press like and comment 'LOVE'. The competition closes on 31st March 2026.

66% of engaged or married couples have uninsured rings - experts explain the risks

In the past month alone, Brits have searched for "engagement rings" more than 396,000 times, while interest in "oval" and "emerald" rings has exploded - up by 5,000%, according to Google search data. But as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket highlights a vital step many couples risk missing in the lead-up to getting engaged. The data* revealed a significant protection gap, with two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples failing to insure their rings under their home insurance, and more than a quarter (27%) having no insurance cover at all.

New booking data reveals Hen Do spend is up 59%

New booking data from kate & tom's reveals Hens are leading the way on forward-planning, with only 7% of Hen Dos being booked within 3 months, compared to almost a quarter of Stags leaving it to the very last minute. The way we Hen Do and Stag Do is evolving; once a crazy night out on the town is now all about creating memories with longevity. We're seeing the rise of the 'Zen Do', multi-generational getaways, 'Sten-do' joint celebrations, and a shift towards individual celebrations tailored to personal hobbies and interests that transcend the classic one-nighter.

Local supplier spotlight: Hythe Imperial Hotel

Set within meticulously maintained gardens, Hythe Imperial Hotel blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. Nestled within peaceful grounds, our landscaped lawns, vibrant flowerbeds and charming gazebo create enchanting spaces for outdoor ceremonies and romantic photography.

A striking architectural landmark on the Kent coastline, the hotel's grand exterior features elegant balconies and period detailing that beautifully complement its picturesque seaside setting. The building's classic Victorian design exudes timeless charm, providing a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photography, while its prominent seafront position offers sweeping panoramic views that are sure to captivate couples and guests alike.

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

Rituals has opened a new boutique in Maidstone

Luxury beauty and wellness brand Rituals has opened a new boutique in Maidstone. The boutique offers an immersive experience showcasing Rituals' signature range of luxurious bath, body, and home products, all designed to inspire moments of mindfulness and self-care in everyday life.

With an expansive portfolio spanning body care, home fragrances, natural skincare, men's grooming, and homeware, Rituals is committed to continuously improving its social and environmental impact. The brand is working towards formulas made with 90 percent natural-origin ingredients, alongside packaging that is refillable, recyclable, or made from recycled materials. Beyond its sustainability efforts, Rituals is also dedicated to making a positive impact beyond the business, pledging 10 percent of net profit towards the wellbeing of people and the planet.

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

Local supplier spotlight: Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham

Chilston Park Hotel is a romantic wedding venue in Lenham, set amidst 77 acres of lush Kent countryside. A striking example of Georgian country house architecture, its red-brick façade, tall sash windows, and symmetrical design exude stately charm. A serene lake, manicured gardens, and a tree-lined drive enhance its picturesque appeal, offering a tranquil, regal setting that captures the essence of English heritage.

Inside, the hotel 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 cosy sophistication, and each individually styled bedroom reflects traditional opulence paired with modern comfort. The result is a refined, yet welcoming atmosphere steeped in heritage.

Hall of Cakes has launched a new collection of wedding cakes

Hall of Cakes has launched a new collection of wedding cakes, available to order via its website. Offered in one, two or three tiers, each cake can be styled with your own fresh flowers or personalised with one of the company's luxury acrylic toppers. Faux tiers can also be added to create a more dramatic look without increasing the number of portions.

Established wedding cake makers, Hall of Cakes has over 18 years' experience creating and delivering wedding cakes across London, Kent, Essex and Surrey.