Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Discover magical Christmas breaks with Chilston Park Hotel

Chilston Park Hotel, part of Hand Picked Hotels, a family-owned collection of 21 unique country houses and coastal retreats across the UK and Channel Islands, has launched a range of Christmas breaks.

Chilston Park Hotel is a luxurious place to stay for those wanting to experience a classic British country house located in rural Kent during the festive season. The hotel is encouraging locals to use the holidays to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in its Hand Picked Hospitality.

Bradbourne House is a grand Queen Anne country house dating back to 1590

Surrounded by 20 acres of breathtaking parkland, Bradbourne House is a magnificent Queen Anne country house dating back to 1590. Boasting a tranquil lake, waterfall and thriving grounds, the gardens offer far- reaching views, making them the perfect setting for photographs.

Full of history, this Grade I listed building has lots of original character with elegant interiors that create a blend of tranquillity and classic elegance, from the striking teal and gold walls in the Great Hall to the spectacular ornate ceiling in the Committee Room.

Chapel House Estate unveils its new glass courtyard for weddings

Chapel House Estate has announced the approval of a new oak-framed glass courtyard. This exciting, versatile new venue space will join No. 9 Restaurant and the Lounge Bar. It has received planning permission, heralding an exciting new chapter for the estate.

Construction will begin in the winter of 2024/25, using local builders and suppliers. The Glass Courtyard, featuring an oak frame of high quality and proportions, will transform the venue into a stunning setting for intimate weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Notably, it will provide an al fresco dining experience'for restaurant patrons, regardless of the weather conditions.

St Julians Club boasts a combination of 1950s architecture and Grade II-listed rooms

St Julians Club is an attractive venue with an old-world charm and bohemian atmosphere. The property boasts an eclectic combination of 1950s architecture and Grade II-listed rooms, a conservatory and tall bay windows framing the expansive views across the Weald Valley.

The Georgian country house transforms into the perfect canvas for weddings. The grounds are a charming setting, with manicured lawns and gardens with elegant stairways and a semi-ancient woodland. Bluebells grow in the spring and gorgeous blooms are in abundance throughout the summer, all nestled into the hillside with outstanding views.

Seasonal style

As seasons change, it's important to be aware of how the weather affects the wedding. Editorial Assistant Millicent Garton takes you through some suggestions of how to embrace the chill and celebrate the sun. Much like seasons, it's only natural that weddings and their themes flow and evolve with changing year. From the cake and catering to the dress and décor, all elements of the big day can be influenced by the time of year, so it's only fitting that special attention should be given to those minor details.

The White Van Wedding Company has started offering wedding games

The White Van Wedding Company has started offering wedding games to couples looking to tie the knot. Kelly Morey tells us more: "We offer an impressive selection of larger-than-life indoor or outdoor games to rent at an affordable price. Prepare for endless fun and entertainment that suits all ages. Our handmade, bespoke sideshow wedding garden games are one-of-a-kind creations, exclusively available from us. Additionally, our fantastic vintage-style giant garden games are perfect for outdoor weddings, garden parties, school fairs, fetes, garden barbecues, corporate events, or fun days. Our outdoor game hire items have been beautifully finished in neutral off-whites, greys, and gold accents."

Stone Court House is a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse

Located in the heart of Kent, Stone Court House is a grand Grade II-listed four-storey Georgian townhouse of historic and national importance. With parts dating back to the Medieval period, it was once the private residence of Lady Sackville of Knole House, Sevenoaks, spanning in excess of 15,000sqft with 25 rooms. It boasts historical features such as a Medieval wall, Roman wishing well, oak-panelled Tudor and Georgian living rooms, masonic and spiritual carvings and windows, and Tudor fireplaces.

Extensions have been added to the original building over the past seven hundred years, with the last addition of a large grand ballroom in the late Georgian period boasting 4m-high ceilings and crystal chandeliers with a grand Regency staircase.

The Moss store at Bluewater Shopping & Leisure centre has undergone a rebranding

The Moss store at Upper Rose Gallery in the Bluewater Shopping & Leisure destination in Kent has undergone a rebranding. Moss has decades of tailoring know-how and a history of innovating to meet the changing needs of the menswear customer. In line with its new direction, everything is stripped back to show off the product in a simplified way. The brand recently changed its name, dropping 'Bros' from its moniker of old to just Moss. The move reflects the modern, more diverse, digital, omni-channel retailer Moss is today without losing its heritage.

Havenfield Hall is a grand exclusive-use venue

Havenfield Hall is hidden away from the public roads; as you pass through the front gates and approach the house via the front drive, its grand scale becomes apparent. The rear of the house opens onto the gardens, where guests have seating, so they can make use of the space provided. The exclusive-use venue is fully surrounded on all sides by acres of well-kept gardens, fields and woodlands.

The interior has recently been fully refurbished to a high standard, and although modern touches have been added, the rooms have been sympathetically decorated in a way that helps keep their character and charm.

The Bilsington Priory Estate has announced the launch of its new website

The Bilsington Priory Estate, a historic gem nestled near Ashford, has announced the launch of its new website. In collaboration with Lemonade Design Co., the updated site features an enhanced user experience, highlighting the Priory's rich history, a range of wedding packages and the Edwardian manor house with fabulous afternoon teas and events.

Libby Lawson, the owner of Bilsington Priory and Estate, tells us: "We are excited to unveil our new online presence. The new website reflects our commitment to providing an engaging and informative experience for recently engaged couples, our wonderful returning afternoon tea guests, and visitors to the numerous and exciting events we hold across the Estate. We invite everyone to explore the site and discover what makes Bilsington Priory a unique destination for a wedding or celebration."

Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible. Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

The George Vaults is a vibrant venue boasting five wedding spaces

Nestled in the heart of historic Rochester, The George Vaults is a vibrant venue boasting five stunning spaces for all your eating, drinking and entertaining needs. This 14th century wedding venue is perfect for couples seeking a historic setting near Rochester's magnificent cathedral, historic castle and charming cobbled streets.

The team offers comprehensive packages for both wedding breakfasts and evening receptions within the enchanting ambiance of the Vault. With a dedicated team of professionals, you will receive personalised assistance to help you plan every detail of your special day, ensuring a memorable experience that you and your guests will cherish forever.

Celebrant Kate is offering our readers an exclusive discount

Kate Mitchell, who runs Celebrant Kate, is a talented wedding celebrant based in Kent. Kate tells us more about her company: "As a celebrant, my passion is creating wedding ceremonies that are completely personal to you and that provide the perfect start to your lives together. As you can see from these photos, your wedding ceremony with me can happen wherever you wish, and it will be written just for you! If you're planning a winter wedding, let me help you create your perfect celebration. I'm offering 10 per cent off my usual wedding fee to anyone who books me for a winter wedding in 2025. That means that you will have more money to spend on all those little touches, which make all the difference! Book your free discovery call and find out how I can help you have the perfect celebrant-led, wonderful winter wedding."

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent’s largest wildlife reserve with over 900 endangered animals

An enchanting setting draped in history, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent's largest wildlife reserve, set within 600 acres of private parkland and home to 900 endangered animals. With picture-perfect panoramic views of the English Channel and Romney Marsh, the reserve's centrepiece, the Grade II* listed Port Lympne Mansion, surrounded by 14 acres of landscaped gardens, is regarded as one of England's finest country houses and has entertained royalty, aristocracy, prominent politicians and playwrights for over a century.

20% offer for show attendees

Anjali Ghosalkar is a wedding designer and planner and the founder of Ashford-based Let Us Do It Ltd offering event design and management. You can meet Anjali at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Mercedes-Benz World and Ascot Racecourse this October! What's more, the company is offering 20% discount on all services booked at the show - be sure to pop along and say hi

Show discount from Lavish Decorative Events

London-based, Lavish Decorative Events, will be on hand at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October to talk about all of your venue styling needs. What's more, the company is offer 20% discount for those who sign up to its services at the show. Decoration services including: Floral arrangements, Table settings, Lighting, Staging decorations, Centerpieces, Dessert tables, Love seat, Chair/table covers

Make your wedding day truly bespoke with Personalise 365

Looking for something unique and different for your wedding table decor? Surrey-based Personalise365, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World and may have just the thing you're looking for. Making a variety of personalised engraved guest place names that double up as wedding favours, the company can also create guest books that can be engraved with any wording of your choice.

Book your dream safari honeymoon at Bluewater this Sunday!

UBON Safari specializes in crafting unforgettable honeymoon experiences and luxury beach holidays across the breathtaking landscapes of Southern and Eastern Africa. Its tailor-made journeys take you to some of the continent's most romantic and awe-inspiring destinations, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Start your honeymoon with a once-in-a-lifetime wedding blessing in the Serengeti, where the Maasai tribe will honour your union amidst the stunning backdrop of Africa's endless plains. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, you'll create memories that will last foreve

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.