An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Alanis Morissette coming to Hylands Park

Brand new major weekend camping festival State Fayre has today announced that seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Alanis Morissette will be coming to Hylands Park in Chelmsford to headline the Saturday night of the inaugural event. Alanis Morissette's appearance comes on the heels of her most acclaimed UK shows ever this past summer, with a sold out night at the O2 Arena and a career-defining set at her first-ever Glastonbury appearance. She will also be joined by musical powerhouse group Skunk Anansie.

Prezzo Italian Braintree stylish new look and kids eat for £1

Prezzo Italian Braintree has officially reopened its doors with a stunning new look, a refreshed menu, and an exciting money off deal to boot. Over half-term, with every purchase of an adult main, the kids can eat for £1 only! Simply download a voucher from the Prezzo Italian website for the deal. Vibrant and buzzy Prezzo Italian is nestled within the bustling Freeport  Shopping Centre which boasts over 90 stores, Prezzo Italian Braintree offers a serene retreat from the crowds, allowing you to savour the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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.

A Royal Visit to The Sun Inn, Dedham

On Thursday 5th February, The Sun Inn was honoured to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen as part of a wider visit celebrating community, sustainability and local heritage. The award-winning pub-with-rooms The Sun Inn hosted a diverse group of guests invited to meet Their Majesties, including local volunteers, representatives from sustainable and regenerative businesses, members of the military, and civic dignitaries. Among those attending were Danbury Ridge Wines, Thorrington Mill Wines, and regenerative farmer Pete Thompson, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible land use, local production and community values.

New look, same great choir

Southend Vox has unveiled a bold new brand — a joyful evolution that reflects who they are today: confident, collaborative, rooted in our community and ambitious for the future. For more than 15 years, Vox has been growing and bringing music to Southend. Now, with a refreshed identity, nearly 80 members from the local area and a renewed energy, they're looking ahead to deepen their impact across Southend's cultural life and beyond.

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:

Celebrate love, friendship and forever at Prezzo Italian

This February, Prezzo Italian is serving up the perfect excuse to celebrate love in all its forms with a series of irresistible Valentine's-inspired dining offers. From romantic date nights to Galentine's celebrations and Longhaul love worth toasting, guests are invited to indulge in Prezzo Italian's specially curated Valentine's Day Set Menu, (2 courses from £24.95, 3 courses from £29.95).  While enjoying exclusive, limited-time treats.

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.

STRICTLY STARS GRACE THE FLOOR AT APTON HALL

Are you looking for the perfect Valentine's gift for your partner or even a great excuse to get together with the bridal party before your big day? Multi awarding winning wedding venue Apton Hall in Rochford Essex is bringing a touch of sparkle to spring this March with its Dance with the Stars event featuring Strictly favourites Kai Widdington and Lauren Oakley.

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.

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

Summer 2026 availability at Hedingham Castle

Celebrate your wedding in style at the magnificent Hedingham Castle this summer. This exceptional all-inclusive package offers exclusive use of the castle, beautiful grounds and elegant ballroom marquee, complete with fine dining, drinks, evening entertainment and dedicated coordination - all designed to create a seamless and magical day. With prime summer dates available and savings of over £3,000, this is a rare opportunity to host a truly spectacular celebration in one of England's most breathtaking and romantic settings.

Crondon Park 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 Crondon Park, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 8th 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. Set in the beautiful valley of Crondon, with stunning views across the Essex countryside and our championship golf course - Crondon Park has established an outstanding reputation as a premier venue in Essex and the UK.

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

County Wedding Events coming Kimberley Hall, Norfolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kimberley Hall, Norfolk, for inspiration on Sunday 8th February 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. Built in 1712 during the reign of Queen Anne, Kimberley sits at the centre of a 700 acre park laid out in 1778. The house boasts spectacular views past grazing cattle and Norfolk's greatest concentration of ancient oaks, to a large lake at the bottom of the River Tiffey valley. Centrally located in Norfolk, 9 miles west of Norwich and close to arterial road, rail and air links (plus a private airstrip), Kimberley is ideally positioned.

Braxted Park 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 Braxted Park Estate, Essex, for inspiration on Sunday 15th February, 2026! The 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.

Down Hall Launches New Reformer Pilates Retreat for 2026

Bringing a renewed focus to movement for 2026, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate has unveiled a brand new Reformer Pilates Retreat, created in exclusive partnership with neighbouring studio Rural Health & Fitness. Set in the heart of the Essex countryside, the experience combines a personalised Reformer class with an overnight stay, breakfast as well as a guided morning yoga session.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

easyJet launches new route from London Southend to Ibiza for summer 2026

easyJet, London Southend's largest airline, has today announced the launch of a new route for summer 2026 to Ibiza, with seats and holiday packages now on sale. The inaugural flight will take off for the first time on 29th April 2026, with twice-weekly departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The latest in a long line of recent new routes from the airport mean customers now have the opportunity to explore cultural sites such as historic Dalt Vila, relax along the island's stunning coastline, or enjoy Ibiza's renowned culinary scene and famous nightlife. Whether exploring Ibiza's lively Capital San Antonio or meandering along the pebbled streets of its old town or basking in Ibiza's crystal-clear waters, this Spanish Island favourite has something for everyone.