Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Venues in Folkestone, Dover and Hythe

Whether it's a ceremony overlooking the sea, a celebration in a grand historic building or an intimate gathering tucked away in a coastal town, Folkestone, Dover and Hythe offer an impressive range of wedding venues. Rich in history and natural beauty, this corner of Kent combines romance, character and unforgettable settings for couples planning their perfect day.

LEAS CLIFF HALL is at The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ. Phone number - 01303 228 607. Website - www.leascliffhall.co.uk

VOCO THE CLIFTON FOLKESTONE is at 1 - 6 Clifton Gardens, The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2EB. The number is 01303 851 231 and the website is www.thecliftonhotel.com

I SA-y yes! How soon-to-be wedded couples and newlyweds can use their ISAs 

From venues and catering to the dress and rings, wedding expenses can quickly add up. With the average cost of a UK wedding now more than £20,000, and with so many other pressures on our finances, putting money aside for your special day can feel challenging. A Cash ISA can be an efficient way for couples to save for their big day. With the Personal Savings Allowance limited to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, the tax-free allowance in an ISA has the potential to help you reach your goals sooner. Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, shares his top tips on how couples can save for a wedding and beyond.

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

Local supplier spotlight: Chiddingstone Castle

A Grade II* listed historic house, Chiddingstone Castle boasts 35 acres of informal grounds comprising sweeping lawns, a lake, woodlands, and breathtaking views of the Kent countryside. The castle provides a magnificent backdrop for a wedding: turrets, towers, beautiful stonework, and impressively large doors add a sense of grandeur while still being small enough to offer intimate charm.

The Victorian Orangery features a Victorian stone structure with an award-winning glass roof and can accommodate up to 400 guests.

The Great Hall is a grand, formal room of Tudor heritage that can seat up to 80 people. The newlyweds sign the register at the 17th-century oak refectory table beneath the stained-glass window overlooking the courtyard rose garden.

Crondon Park 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 Crondon Park, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 8th February 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. Set in the beautiful valley of Crondon, with stunning views across the Essex countryside and our championship golf course - Crondon Park has established an outstanding reputation as a premier venue in Essex and the UK.

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

Braxted Park 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 Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 15th February, 2026! The 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 Leicester Arms has been named as one of the best pubs in Britain

Penshurst wedding venue and country pub The Leicester Arms has been named in The Good Food Guide's inaugural 100 Best Pubs in Britain. The accolade recognises the historic village inn for its outstanding food, quality drinks, and friendly, attentive service.

The listing comes hot on the heels of the venue's recent inclusion in The Guardian's 30 Best UK Pubs for an Autumn Escape with Great Food. The country inn plans to build on this momentum with a packed calendar of events and experiences celebrating great food, drink, and hospitality in the heart of the Kent countryside.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

Calligraphy artist Signed.Ami has won an award

Thanet-based calligraphy artist Signed.Ami has been named a South East Regional Winner at The Wedding Industry Awards 2026 in the Stationery category. Regional winners now go through to the national final being held in Liverpool in January 2026.

Ami Taylor, the calligrapher and artist behind Signed.Ami, says: "It was such a surprise to be nominated, and then to go on to win in such a huge region, which includes London, is simply amazing! I'm blown away by the votes and comments from the couples I have worked with over the last year locally. I learned calligraphy four years ago and have built the business working evenings and weekends around the demands of family life with high-support- needs, neurodivergent children."

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

Local supplier spotlight: ReNovia

Firm friends and business partners Mel and Lisa founded the bridal boutique ReNovia this year. Former secondary school teacher Mel and wedding and events planner Lisa have combined their experience and knowledge to launch this exciting business venture. Not only do they sell new and pre-loved wedding gowns and mother-of-the-bride/ groom dresses, but they also run a bridal-wear agency, plan weddings and events, and have even started a networking group in Hythe, Kent.

ReNovia has appeared at several wedding fairs this autumn and has begun forming collaborations with venues across Kent to work on exciting projects such as fashion shows and a curated wedding-fair experience, where couples can enjoy a fully interactive event with selected suppliers. Mel and Lisa have also featured as live guests on Simply Business Club's radio show, Business Networking Show.

Simon James Home has unveiled its most giftable collection yet

Simon James Home has unveiled its most giftable collection yet — a range of luxury soy candles designed to fill homes with warmth, comfort, and a touch of sparkle. This year's festive gift season celebrates indulgent scents and thoughtful gifting, with signature favourites and subtle nods to classic festive fragrances, from the nostalgic sweetness of Gingerbread to the citrus-spiced charm of Orange Biscotti and the winter- fresh sparkle of Berry Sorbet.

Each candle is hand-poured in Kent, vegan, and crafted from sustainable soy wax, making them both luxurious and planet-friendly. Perfect for thoughtful gifting or as wedding favours, the candles also support the environment: every order placed this season plants a tree, meaning your gift spreads joy far beyond the home.

Calling all men out there who need to get their side of things sorted – the outfit.

Whether you're the groom, best man or father of the bride, dressing for a wedding can be a sartorial minefield - you want to feel your best on the Big Day. Don't stress, Charles Tyrwhitt have your back – they've got every dress code covered, from the finest morning suits to luxe tailoring in all kinds of fabrics, designs and fits. They'll be exhibiting at the Bluewater Wedding Fair on Sunday, 1st March. Don't miss out on the opportunity to check out their smart menswear and get expert advice on what to wear for your wedding occasion, no matter your role on the day. Size and fit can differ vastly depending on suit fabric and style, so you'll be able to ensure the dream fit by booking an appointment at the Bluewater store. You'll get one-on-one fitting and styling advice from the Tyrwhitt experts, so you'll nail that wedding look – effortlessly.

What’s next for weddings? The Wedding Shop reveals all

Multi-award-winning gift list service, The Wedding Shop has revealed new data, showing the trends that are shaping weddings and couples' gift lists for 2026. Based on information from over 80,000 couples gathered since 2019, the leading personal gift service has looked at changes in how couples are choosing to celebrate, and how their dearest and nearest are gifting them to mark their special day with some surprising results.

Local supplier spotlight: The Barn

Built in the traditional Kentish style, with warm oak beams and a naturally rustic charm, The Barn offers an intimate, welcoming atmosphere from the very moment guests arrive. Reconstructed from a centuries-old Elizabethan barn and lovingly re-erected on its present site in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Barn carries with it a rich sense of history and charming character.

Just a two-minute stroll away lies a beautiful park, perfect for capturing photographs, while the sunny courtyard garden provides a serene setting by day and transforms into a softly lit haven by night. The garden has earned multiple awards in the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom competition, a testament to its charm.

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

The Radnor Arms has been listed in The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Pubs in Britain

The Radnor Arms, Folkestone, has been awarded a place in The Good Food Guide's 100 Best Pubs in Britain. Since the new owners took charge of The Radnor Arms in 2019, it has undergone a complete transformation – a true labour of love that has turned the historic pub into a vibrant dining destination that can also be hired for private events.

Jack Nimmons, operations director of The Pickled Egg Pub Company, said: "We are absolutely blown away by the support from our customers. Being recognised in The Good Food Guide and now receiving a spot in the UK's top pubs is a huge honour."

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.

Local supplier spotlight: Leeds Castle

Surrounded by over 500 acres of rolling parkland, Leeds Castle sits in the heart of the Kentish countryside near Maidstone. Manicured gardens, tranquil water features and sweeping lawns create a romantic, ever-changing landscape rich with seasonal colour, wildlife and more than 900 years of history, forming a breathtaking natural backdrop for your wedding day.

The interior of Leeds Castle is elegant, grand and atmospheric, with beautifully restored state rooms filled with natural light, pastel tones and historic details. From the refined Ceremony Room to the opulent Salon with its stone fireplace and ebony floors, and the glamorous 1930s Drawing Rooms, the Castle offers timeless romance and refined luxury throughout.