The Kent Wedding Awards, powered by Sideways Media, is the county’s number one wedding event of the year and the only regional wedding industry awards dedicated to celebrating excellence across both wedding suppliers and venues in Kent.
Proudly sponsored by Sonas, the Kent Wedding Awards 2026, took place at Ashford International Hotel on 29th January, recognising more than 150 finalists across 31 categories and awarding accolades to 67 standout businesses within Kent’s wedding industry.
View all the 2026 Winners and Highly Commended Finalists here.
This year saw a record number of entrants, reflecting the continued growth and strength of Kent’s wedding industry. Finalists were judged by a panel of leading industry experts and previous Kent Wedding Awards winners against the most stringent criteria. In some categories, winners were awarded with just half a point in difference, demonstrating the outstanding standards of every finalist.
The glittering ceremony saw standout recognition for Best Newcomer Bridal Artistry & Co, Winter’s Barns who triumphed as Events Team of the Year and were named Venue of the Year – Barn, and for Preston Court who were crowned Venue of the Year – Something Different and overall Venue of the Year.
The gala evening featured a three-course dinner from Ashford International Hotel, Bridgerton-inspired live music from BBE String Quartet, high-energy afterparty entertainment from The Rockpins and resident DJ, DJJG and an all-inclusive Barbados holiday giveaway courtesy of Sea Breeze Beach House.
Commenting on the event, Samantha Ready, KWA Director and Co-Host said:
“The Kent Wedding Awards 2026 was a truly standout night! It was an absolute pleasure to welcome over 350 wedding industry professionals to recognise their passion, dedication and the highest of standards across so many supplier and venue categories. Celebrating excellence, the Kent Wedding Awards not only rewards hard work and success in the country’s largest wedding county, but also offers extra reassurance to Kent nearly-weds when it comes to choosing recognised venues and wedding suppliers.”
Robin Longman, Sales & Marketing Director at Sonas commented:
“It was a privilege for Sonas to be headline sponsor of the Kent Wedding Awards. Seeing so many outstanding venues and professionals celebrated in one room was a reminder of why we do what we do. We’re proud to serve this industry and grateful for the opportunity to support their success.”
With acclaimed businesses now proudly boasting their Kent Wedding Awards 2026 Finalist, Highly Commended or Winner’s badges, couples seeking suppliers and venues in Kent can ‘look for the badge’ as an extra element of reassurance in their wedding planning.
2025 & 2026 Kent Wedding Award Winner, Jennifer Lady Toastmaster shared:
“This is two years in a row for me. I have really felt the benefit of being able to say I won all year and now I can say I’m a multi-award winner and that means a lot to me.”
Entries for the 2027 Kent Wedding Awards will open in March with submissions closing on 30th September 2026.
