Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Show 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 Chiddingstone Castle, Kent for inspiration on Sunday 1st February, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, 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.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

The Skin Investment Clinic opens new Surrey clinic

The Skin Investment Clinic, has launched its new clinic this autumn, serving patients from all over the South East of England. The new clinic is located in the beautiful courtyard setting on the Hampton Estate between Guildford and Farnham, which is easily accessible from London and the South Coast. As part of founder and skin health specialist Holly Mason's vision to offer both a holistic and medical approach to treating acne, the clinic allows clients to feel at ease throughout their acne journey, as well as offering market leading dermatology services - the clinic includes a dedicated minor surgery theatre, and a state of the art laser.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Award win for Dapper & Suave

Dapper & Suave are proud to announce that they have been named Best Online Men's Fashion Accessories Store 2025 at the Southern Enterprise Awards, hosted by SME News. This recognition highlights the brand's dedication to offering stylish, handmade accessories that bring individuality and confidence to every occasion. Founded in 2015 by Rob and Jason, Dapper & Suave is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. Over the past decade, the brand has grown from a passion project into a trusted destination for those getting married, their wedding party, and guests.

UPCYCLED GIFTING

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew unveils a stunning new collection of handcrafted homewares created using waste timber from felled trees in Kew's world-famous arboretum. Created in collaboration with celebrated woodworkers Selwyn House, each unique piece carries the legacy of Kew's historic landscape, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of botanical history. From butter knives to bowls, each item has been expertly crafted from specimens that were once part of the 11,000 trees growing in Kew's arboretum but have since been removed by Kew's dedicated team of arborists due to storm damage, disease, or necessary sustainable management.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Reopening for Chertsey pub

With roots dating back to 16th century, The Crown in Chertsey, has reopened its doors following a beautiful refurbishment. Blending period charm with modern touches, the much-loved local is back, complete with gorgeous bedrooms, elevated pub dining and an expansive beer range on offer. In the pub, an all-day dining menu of reimagined pub classics, where seasonal, British ingredients are the star.

DATE NIGHT SORTED!

It's an exciting new era at Great Foster's The Tudor Pass, Stefano Di Giosia is now at the helm after spending many years working in the development kitchen at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck helping to develop gastronomic delights that have made headlines. Stefano joins the team most recently from KOL (one of only two British restaurants to make the World's 50 Best) in London's Marylebone. With an exciting new menu it makes the perfect pre- or -post wedding date night destination.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Second place for Hampton Court Palace

With UK searches for 'wedding locations' soaring by 180% over the past months, wedding invite specialists Aura Print analysed Instagram hashtags to uncover the most photographed wedding venues on the 'gram – spotlighting the UK's most stunning backdrops for couples celebrating their big day. Whilst it's not all about Instagram ratings, knowing what venues are the most 'gramable could make or break your wedding aesthetic.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Wedding fair news

Perched upon Nutfield Ridge, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, boasts panoramic views of the Surrey countryside. The stylish interior is adorned with fine paintings and many original features. With elegant décor, spacious bedrooms, a relaxing spa and endless amenities, this house is an oasis of tranquillity. Inspired by the Neo-Gothic splendour of the Palace of Westminster, this is a one-of-a-kind Victorian mansion, dating back to 1872 and full of character and charm.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Syon Park Festive Market November

Dorking's Dapper & Suave's forthcoming Festive Market is taking place at Syon Park for three days from Friday 28th November – Sunday 30th November. Led by Jason and Rob, partners for more than 25 years, they bring their combined expertise in retail, events, and brand management to create pop-up events that customers love and exhibitors feel supported by. Inspired by their best friend and a shared love for style, Dapper & Suave represents more than just a brand - it's a feeling. Dapper & Suave began as a style blog, combining vintage charm with high street flair. From there, we evolved into creating bespoke lapel accessories and taught ourselves to sew our very first pocket squares. Over time, our collection expanded to include handmade bow ties, neck ties, and feather lapel pins, all crafted here in the UK. We even make scrunchies from every last bit of fabric – ensuring there's something special for everyone who values British suit accessories.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

It takes two to tango

In recent months, Surrey's First Dance Ltd has expanded beyond Woking and Farnham to offer first dance lessons across a wider area. No matter where you're based, the team can help you prepare for your special moment on the dancefloor. If you can make it to a studio setting, the company offers a tailored 90-minute session. In just one lesson, you'll learn how to move confidently around the floor together and be ready to kick off your celebration in style!

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.