Your Kent Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Win an Engaged Couple a Dublin Minimoon with GoHen & StagWeb

Leading UK stag and hen party providers, StagWeb and GoHen, have launched a brand-new competition offering one lucky engaged couple the chance to win a Dublin minimoon - completely free. Whether it's a little pre-wedding trip to escape the planning stress or a post-wedding adventure before the honeymoon, it could be the perfect little wedding gift for the happy couple - read here now!

Local supplier spotlight: voco The Clifton Folkestone

Bringing together elements of modern style and traditional charm, voco The Clifton Folkestone has recently been refurbished and provides an ideal setting for celebrating your big day, whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale affair.

Situated on The Leas in Folkestone, next to the Clifton Gardens, the hotel offers several idyllic spots for capturing those all-important couple portraits, with the beautiful English Channel as your backdrop.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Countdown to the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 26th April, 2026! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. 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 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.

County Wedding Events coming to Houchins in Coggeshall, Essex!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at to Houchins in Coggeshall, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 14th April 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 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.