Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

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.

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.

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.

Simply Ice Cream has announced the launch of new two-litre scooping tubs

Multi-award-winning artisan producer Simply Ice Cream has announced the launch of new two-litre scooping tubs. The tubs will initially be available in two of the brand's best-selling flavours, Dreamy Vanilla and Heavenly Honeycomb, making them the perfect addition to any wedding dessert table.

Handmade in small batches in the heart of the Kentish countryside, Simply Ice Cream's creations are crafted using natural ingredients, with no artificial colours, flavours, or emulsifiers.

County Wedding Events coming to Hedingham Castle in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Hedingham Castle, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 11th January 2026! 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.

The region’s biggest, must-visit wedding show coming to Braintree Village hosted by County Wedding Magazines & Events

Braintree Village has teamed up with County Weddings - Magazines and Events to host its Signature Wedding Shows at the site from January 2026. Based in Essex, renowned local wedding show organisers County Wedding Events host wedding shows across the Home Counties; the company's largest events, its Signature Wedding Shows, are at iconic locations Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, and Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent – sister shopping centre to Braintree Village in Essex.

County Wedding Events coming to Markshall in Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Markshall in Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 18th January 2026! 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. Less than an hour from London, it's an indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you've been looking for. 2,350 acres of serene Essex countryside.

Local supplier spotlight: Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa

Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa is the perfect wedding venue for couples seeking a blend of elegance, charm, and modern luxury. Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, this beautiful Georgian mansion provides a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. Surrounded by 12 acres of private grounds and woodland, the hotel offers a tranquil, romantic setting ideal for outdoor ceremonies, stunning photography, and intimate celebrations. Combining classic beauty, modern amenities, and an idyllic location, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa delivers everything you need for a truly memorable and magical wedding day.

Offering fully customisable wedding packages, the dedicated team will ensure every detail reflects your style and preferences, expertly coordinating everything, from catering and décor to timings and logistics, to make the planning process seamless and stress-free.

The philosophy of white - Pantone's Colour of the Year

White has always been more than a colour; it is the quiet space between thought and form, the light-filled pause where the eye rests and the mind find clarity. Today, in a world buzzing with distraction, white takes on renewed significance. Pantone's selection of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026 celebrates this very essence - a lofty, aerated white that whispers calm and serenity into a frenetic society. At James Cropper, the historic British papermaker, white is not just a conceptual ideal - it is a craft, a product, and a philosophy...

Wedding Flower Trends Set to Bloom in 2026

As couples begin planning their nuptials for the year ahead, 2026 wedding trends are already coming into bloom. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bridgerton and regency-era romance, Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, shares how brides and grooms can embrace these tones through their floral choices creating looks that feel understated yet refined, moving away from bold brights toward something more subtle, romantic and dreamlike.

ORA Pearls has opened The Pearl Shop in Whitstable

British pearl jewellery brand ORA Pearls has opened The Pearl Shop in the heart of Whitstable on Harbour Street. The store's marine aesthetic reflects the brand's identity: elegant, modern, and rooted in a deep appreciation for nature's most cherished gem.

In addition to its signature pearl pieces, The Pearl Shop offers permanent welded jewellery — a growing trend in which custom-fit bracelets or anklets are painlessly welded on, symbolising connection or personal milestones.

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: Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

Engagement season is officially here – that magical time of year when proposals fill our feeds, excitement is high, and couples across the South East start asking the big question: "Where should we get married?"

If you're newly engaged (congratulations!), you're probably already imagining a celebration filled with romance, style and effortless joy. A place where beauty meets ease, where guests can unwind as naturally as you do, and where every moment feels like a cherished escape. At Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, your coastal wedding weekend begins right on the waterfront, with sweeping sea views, luxurious touches and an experience crafted for modern couples who want more than a venue – they want a place that feels like part of their love story.

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

We visited Camp Wildfire

The buzz that hangs in the air at a festival is electric, but what about one built with community in mind? I had the pleasure of attending Camp Wildfire this year for their 10-year anniversary and I was instantly thrown into a world of excitement. The premise of Camp Wildfire is that adults can live out their dreams of an American summer camp packed full of activities, games, and music. A natural fit for hen and stag parties, but in this review, you'll meet two couples – one who got engaged at the event, and the other who made this their mini-moon destination.

Bradbourne House 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 Bradbourne House, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 22nd 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.

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

Chapel House Estate has announces The Courtyard Kitchen, launching in February 2026

Chapel House Estate has announced the launch of The Courtyard Kitchen, an exciting new addition to the estate's Glass Courtyard and on-site restaurant, number nine, opening in February 2026.

Located on the outdoor terrace beside the Glass Courtyard, The Courtyard Kitchen has been thoughtfully designed as a warm, social space that brings people together around live fire cooking, seasonal produce and shared experiences. The new space enhances the estate's existing dining and event offering, while remaining true to its relaxed, countryside setting.

A defining feature of The Courtyard Kitchen is its open kitchen, set beneath exposed timber beams and softly lit by hanging lights. Guests will be able to watch Chapel House Estate's chefs at work across a bespoke barbecue grill with a fire brick base, alongside a traditional spit roast where slow-turning meats and vegetables are cooked over open flames, filling the courtyard with rich, smoky aromas.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Local supplier spotlight: A Stolen Moment Photography

A Stolen Moment Photography is a talented photography business based in Folkestone, Kent. Owner Daniel Ilkhan first picked up a camera at the age of 11 and has had a passion for seeing life through the lens ever since.

"I photographed my first wedding abroad in 2015, and from that moment I knew I didn't want it to stop there," says Daniel. "By being present from the bride's preparation right through to the first dance, I fell in love with the entire concept of the wedding day. Every wedding story is unique, and I love to savour each moment as your story unfolds, capturing the raw emotion as you and your loved one start the next part of your journey together.