An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Leez Priory celebrates 30 years of weddings with a search for its first couples

Leez Priory goes in search of couples who married at its Essex venue in May
1995 to celebrate 30 years since the first wedding was held. Part of the Country House
Weddings Group, the wedding venue will be hosting a 30th anniversary party for staff and its
suppliers and hopes to have its first couples in attendance to mark the occasion. The
company will also announce the winner of its Win A Wedding competition, running
throughout May.

New Study Reveals the Best Places in England to Get Married

With wedding season fast approaching, the wedding experts at F.Hinds have analysed hundreds of the best wedding venues that England has to offer, to uncover where nearly-weds should be adding to their shortlist this summer. The study considered several factors such as popularity, reviews and weather predictions and awarded bonus points for how "Instagrammable" the aesthetic is. The systematic scoring system has revealed the "best of the best" English wedding venues for couples planning a wedding in 2025.

Outdoor cinema returns to Braintree Village

Braintree Village is set to welcome back it's open-air cinema for the late May Bank Holiday weekend.The Outdoor Cinema at the Essex shopping outlet will screen 10 movies over four days with the line-up including family favourites, blockbuster hits and much-loved classics. Launching on the evening of Friday 23rd May, the Braintree Village Outdoor Cinema will be open all weekend until the night of Monday 26th May.

To pre-nup or not to pre-nup?

What is a pre-nuptial agreement and why does it sound so intimidating? Anna Cross, Legal Director in Ellisons' Family Law Team unpacks the rise in the pre-nuptial agreement and why this should be explored by newly engaged couples. Pre-nuptial agreements offer couples transparency and peace of mind, helping them enter marriage with a clear understanding of their financial rights and responsibilities.

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

DAINTY LONDON UNVEILS AÉRÅ

Dainty London, the award-winning jewellery brand, based in Chelmsford, proudly announces the launch of AÉRÅ, a groundbreaking new fine jewellery collection that marries sustainable luxury with conscious shopping. Founded by former Children's Heart Transplant Nurse Specialist Jade, Dainty London has rapidly become one of Britain's most innovative sustainable jewellery brands. The company has received multiple accolades, including "Online Retail Strategy of the Year" at the UK Jewellery Awards 2024.

Youth Chairman at Billericay Rugby club takes on the London Marathon

Paul Bolton, a dedicated runner and passionate advocate for grassroots rugby, is set to take on the challenge of the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby. Paul, who works as a Marketing Manager for Ford Motor Company, first laced up his running shoes in 2018 when he attended his local Parkrun. Despite not always enjoying running, he quickly became hooked on the supportive atmosphere, the opportunity for self-improvement, and the camaraderie of fellow runners. During the Covid lockdowns, running became an even more significant part of his life, helping to improve both his mental and physical health.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

Getting to know... Leez Priory

Leez Priory is a stunning Tudor manor house. The ancient red brick architecture is steeped with characterful features including castle-like battlements, leaded windows and an outer gate house complete with original and ornately carved solid oak doors. The historic Great Tower, accessed by a fairytale spiral staircase, is a fantastic feature and can be used for a more intimate ceremony, for photographs and also as the backdrop for your nuptials too.

F.Hinds reveals best wedding venues in England

New research by wedding experts at F.Hinds has revealed the real top wedding venues in England for 2025, based on data like venue reviews, social media popularity, weather data, and more. With UK couples now spending an average of £23,250 on weddings, venue choice has never been more important. This study analysed 240 venues across England, with some surprising results: A 14th-century castle in Durham takes the top spot, a restaurant in London ranks second, however Essex boasts two of the top 10 venues

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

A timeless touch of elegance

A wedding day is one of the most memorable moments in a couple's life, and every detail counts. With Beauford Brides Wedding Cars, couples can elevate their big day with a luxurious, classic Beauford vehicle. Specialising in vintage wedding cars, the company offers an unforgettable and prestigious arrival for brides and grooms alike. Stepping into a beautifully restored Beauford is like stepping back into an era of romance and grandeur. The vehicle's sweeping fenders, gleaming chrome accents, and plush leather interiors exude timeless elegance, capturing the essence of a golden age when craftsmanship was paramount.

THE 2025 MUDDY AWARDS FINALS ARE OPEN

Now in their 12th year, The Muddy Stilettos Awards are back! 2,205 finalists have just been announced as the best independent lifestyle businesses across 35 Muddy counties, including 105 in Essex, chosen by their customers and Muddy Stilettos readers. From the first round of Essex nominations across 21 lifestyle categories, only the top 5 with the most nominations in each category have made it into the finals. Running now until 15 April 2025, the final round of voting has begun, inviting customers, friends and family to vote for their favourite business, including four new categories of Best Family Experience, Best Sports & Fitness Instructor, Best Wellbeing Specialist and Best Women's Style.

Hanbury Manor 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 Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 13th April 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. Accessed by an impressive sweeping driveway and set on 200 sprawling acres of land that once housed some of England's most important historical figures, Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club is an enchanting venue. Rebuilt in the stately Jacobean style, the stunning hotel surrounds you with timelessly elegant interiors, state-of-the-art amenities and stunningly refurbished function rooms Whether you're planning a small and intimate affair or grand and glamorous Hanbury Manor is the perfect choice.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

George Clarke officially opens restored Gatehouse at St Osyth Priory

Renowned architect and TV presenter George Clarke has officially opened an historic landmark which has been a crucial element of decades of careful restoration work. George, who is best known for his work on the Channel 4 programmes The Home Show, The Restoration Man and George Clarke's Amazing Spaces, visited St Osyth Priory to see the work carried out on the Gatehouse.

Mr England visits Greenwoods

As a lance corporal in the King's Cold Stream guards at Buckingham Palace, recently crowned Mr England Manuel Alcantara Turner doesn't have too much time to relax so when he got the opportunity for a rare weekend off, he booked his girlfriend Steph in to sample the delights of Greenwoods Hotel and Spa in Stock, Essex. Manuel Alcantara Turner who was born in Spain but now lives in Windsor and is the first solider to have won a beauty pageant such as Mr England and was crowned in Autumn of last year.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Coltsfoot Country Retreat 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 Coltsfoot Country Retreat, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 6th April 2025 - 11pm - 3pm! 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. Coltsfoot is a beautiful venue set in the hamlet of Bulls Green in Hertfordshire, situated in close proximity to Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Knebworth and Stevenage. We are surrounded by acres of beautiful and blissfully quiet Hertfordshire countryside.

Braintree Village to hold exclusive three-day shopping event

Braintree Village is set to hold an exclusive three -day shopping event for Spring, allowing the outlet's PLUS+ rewards club members to unlock extra special savings. The PLUS+ Discounts Weekend will be hosted at the Essex shopping outlet, from Friday 28th March to Sunday 30th March, with incredible savings on top of already discounted outlet prices across more than 30 brands.