Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

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.

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

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.

Channels Golf Club 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 Golf Club, 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.

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.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

Bluewater's Signature Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events

We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 1st March 2026! It's one of our Signature Wedding Shows of 2026's Spring wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer 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.

Local supplier spotlight: Majestic Atelier

Step into a world of timeless elegance with Majestic Atelier, where founder and designer Jacqueline transforms the finest timeless materials into bridal treasures. From her Kent studio, she creates extraordinary, jewelled wedding bouquets and exquisite accessories, designed to be cherished long after "I do."

At the heart of her collection are sculptural bouquets, each finished with Majestic Atelier's signature crystal-styled handles – luxurious statement pieces that beautifully embody craftsmanship and artistry. Every design is handmade in Kent, ensuring individuality and quality.

Venues in Maidstone and Medway

Set in the heart of Kent, Maidstone and Medway bring together riverside beauty, historic landmarks and elegant countryside venues, offering a wonderfully varied backdrop for weddings. From grand manor houses and castles to contemporary spaces overlooking the River Medway, this area blends heritage with modern charm. Whether you're planning a classic celebration or something more relaxed and distinctive, Maidstone and Medway provide inspiring settings for a day that feels entirely your own.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

Leeds Castle is offering a winter discount

Book a winter break in February 2026 in Leeds Castle's Stable Courtyard accommodation at a reduced rate of £134 per night, for two adults on a bed and breakfast basis.

Perfect for those looking for a peaceful and memorable countryside escape, Stable Courtyard offers a cosy and characterful place to stay within the heart of the estate. Each en-suite bedroom is individually designed and furnished to provide a comfortable and relaxing retreat.

County Wedding Events coming to Frasers, Kent!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Frasers, Kent for some much-needed inspiration on Sunday 17th May, 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. Licensed to hold civil ceremonies, the idyllic rural setting at Frasers offers rustic charm and elegance. With panoramic views across the countryside, it provides a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photographs all year round.

Venues in Canterbury and Thanet

From medieval streets and cathedral views to big skies, chalk cliffs and seaside charm, Canterbury and Thanet offer some of Kent's most atmospheric wedding settings. Whether you're dreaming of a historic venue steeped in romance, a countryside escape surrounded by rolling fields, or a coastal celebration with the sound of the sea in the background, this corner of the county has it all. Here, timeless elegance meets relaxed coastal character, creating unforgettable backdrops for every kind of "I do."

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.

The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home

For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:

Make Valentine’s extra special with a stay at Leeds Castle

Treat your loved one to a romantic getaway this Valentine's weekend at Leeds Castle, one of Kent's most iconic landmarks. Nestled in 550 acres of stunning parkland, Leeds Castle offers a variety of charming accommodation options, perfect for a cosy, intimate escape this winter.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful break in one of the luxury Lakeside Lodges or a historic stay in the Maiden's Tower, Leeds Castle has something for everyone. The Castle's breathtaking surroundings, rich history, and fun activities make it the ideal destination to create unforgettable memories with your loved one.

Maiden's Tower on the Castle Island offers the ultimate romantic getaway. This 16th-century tower, once allegedly used by Katherine of Aragon's Maid of Honour during her wedding to King Henry VIII, combines period elegance with contemporary comfort. Each spacious bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, and the tower's breathtaking views across the Castle grounds, including the beautiful surroundings of the moat and parkland, make it a memorable location for your romantic break.

Trending Stag Do Destinations for 2026

2026 looks set to be the year of the European stag weekend, with more guys looking at heading abroad than staying in the UK. Yes, according to one of the UK's leading stag do providers, a whopping 59% of stags are jetting off to celebrate in Europe with Benidorm, Albufeira, Prague and Lisbon all top choices for the groom's big send-off. "With the rise of budget air travel and comparatively cheaper costs abroad for food and drinks, it's no huge surprise more stags are looking at a weekend away over staying in the UK," said Jon Stainer, Creative Director at StagWeb.co.uk.

County Wedding Events comes to Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Nutfield Priory, Redhill, Surrey, for inspiration on Sunday 17th May, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples face-to-face 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.

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.