Your chance to shine…entries for the Kent Wedding Awards 2027 are open!
Exciting times… Entries for the Kent Wedding Awards 2027 in association with sonas, are officially OPEN! And the awards are set to be the biggest ever with a staggering 42 categories, including six brand-new for 2027 awards.
As the largest wedding county in the UK, the Kent Wedding Awards shine a spotlight on Kent’s best wedding talent, from incredible venues and teams to superstar suppliers, and this is your chance to be recognised amongst the best of the best.
From getting a coveted ‘Finalist’ badge to kickstart your recognition promotion, to the hugely anticipated build up of judging and the announcement of the coveted Highly Commended runners up to the glittering crowning of the Winners, Kent Wedding Award entrants, partners and sponsors all report boosts in bookings, growth in brand recognition and increased confidence from couples who ‘look for the Kent Wedding Awards badge’ as a trusted sign of quality.
How to enter the awards
If you’re a wedding professional ready to showcase your work, find the perfect category for you here.
You’ll find five tailored questions designed to highlight your expertise, passion, your glowing testimonials from your couples and of course what sets you apart and makes you excellent in your field.
What’s new for 2027?
This year sees 42 categories available for you to enter, the BIGGEST amount in Kent Wedding Awards history! The awards will see the return of much-loved categories across beauty, hair, photography, videography, entertainment, retail, catering and of course venues, too, as well as the ever-popular Couple’s Choice Award, for which newly-wed couples can nominate their favourite wedding supplier.
There are also some brand-new categories including:
– Cultural Wedding Award
– Wedding Content Creator of the Year
– Wedding Co-Ordinator of the Year
– Wedding Inclusivity Award
– Wedding Seamstress / Tailor / Atelier of the Year
– Wedding Venue of the Year – Something New
And for the first time, the industry itself will vote for the coveted Supplier’s Choice Award, celebrating professionals and businesses alike that have earned admiration and respect from their peers.
The most exciting part? All finalists will have the opportunity to attend the Kent Wedding Awards in association with sonas – the No.1 event management system for modern wedding venues – 2027 Gala Night, firmly recognised as the highlight in the Kent wedding industry calendar where you can expect a black tie celebration like no other.
So what are you waiting for?
Don’t miss out on the most prestigious awards in the county. Entries close on 30 September 2026
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.
The Kent Wedding Awards has named its finalists for 2026, recognising exceptional service across Kent’s wedding industry.
Following new ownership by Sideways Media in 2025, the awards have seen the introduction of new categories and an expanded panel of expert judges including former Kent Wedding Award winners and respected leaders from local businesses. Over two rigorous judging days, finalists were selected based on bespoke services offered, quality of work and commitment to bringing a couple’s vision to life.
In total, more than 150 finalists have been named across 30 categories, including talents from photography and live entertainment to catering and jewellers. Each finalist now proudly carries the Kent Wedding Awards finalist badge, a mark widely recognised by couples and industry professionals alike.
View the full list of 2026 Finalists here.
Each year, over 7,000 couples choose Kent, ‘The Garden of England’, as their perfect place to get married, all of whom choose highly regarded suppliers for their big day. With a decade’s legacy, the Kent Wedding Awards continues to champion the best of the best in the region’s wedding industry, shining a light on the businesses that help make the county one of the UK’s most sought-after wedding destinations.
The 2026 Winners will later be announced in a glittering ceremony on the 29th January 2026 at the Ashford International Hotel. Watch this space to see who’s crowned the best of 2026.
Entries for the Kent Wedding Awards 2026 are now OPEN with entries closing on Tuesday 30th September 2025.
To celebrate the launch of our NEW Honeymoon Provider of the Year Award, our category sponsor Sea Breeze Beach House is giving ALL 2026 Kent Wedding Award entrants the chance to win an unforgettable getaway at their luxurious Beach House resort.
That’s right ALL 2026 Kent Wedding Award entrants will be automatically entered into the competition (not just those in the Honeymoon category!) to win a 5 night all inclusive stay for two people*.
[T&Cs: Prize winners must be over 18 and an entrant of the Kent Wedding Awards 2026. Bookings are not available 15 December 2025 – 15 April 2026 and 15 December 2026 – 15 April 2027.
Flights and airport transfer are not included. Prize is valid for redemption for two years. No cash alternative. Couple’s Choice nominations are not eligible for competition entry. Prize is offered and fulfilled by Ocean Hotels Barbados.]
And there’s more – ENTER before the 30th June 2025 and you’ll receive a bonus entry – doubling your change to win!
The excitement is building as the finalists for the Kent Wedding Awards 2025 are officially announced! With a record-breaking number of outstanding entries across every corner of the wedding industry – from visionary venues to talented beauty artists, and everything in between – the judges had a truly tough job this year. Each finalist represents the heart and soul of Kent’s thriving wedding scene, showcasing creativity, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to making every couple’s day extraordinary.
From the elegance of boutique venues to the magic of live music, the passion of hair stylists, florists, and celebrants truly shines through. The anticipation now turns toward the glittering awards ceremony on January 30th, 2025 at Ashford International Hotel – a night filled with celebration, entertainment, and the moment every finalist has been waiting for: the crowning of this year’s winners. Congratulations to all the finalists – you’ve already made Kent proud.
There are many awards out there—but the Kent Wedding Awards hold a unique place in the hearts of wedding businesses across the county. Why? Because they focus solely on Kent, and only on weddings. That local spotlight means the recognition is personal, powerful, and deeply meaningful to those who work tirelessly to create unforgettable days for couples in our beautiful county.
Each year, the awards bring together a vibrant community of talented professionals. It’s a chance to celebrate achievements, make connections, and take a well-earned moment to reflect on the love and dedication that goes into every wedding. From intimate elopements to grand affairs, the suppliers behind these events deserve to be seen—and that’s exactly what the Kent Wedding Awards are here to do.
Finalists and winners often tell us how being part of the awards gave them a new sense of pride. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, it’s not always easy to stop and say, “I’m doing a great job.” The KWA gives you permission to do just that—and to be recognised by an expert panel who truly understand the industry.
But perhaps most importantly, the awards are about couples. When they see that pink heart badge, they know they’re choosing a trusted business. One that’s committed to excellence, and that has been recognised not just by clients, but by peers and industry experts too.
So whether you’re thinking of entering, cheering on a friend, or just browsing the talent Kent has to offer—know this: you’re looking at the best of the best. And that’s something worth celebrating.
Every couple dreams of a perfect wedding—and behind every magical moment is a team of passionate, dedicated suppliers who go the extra mile to bring that vision to life. From florists and photographers to venues and makeup artists, the Kent wedding industry is bursting with talent. The Kent Wedding Awards were created to shine a spotlight on that talent, celebrating the very best in the business and recognising those who make weddings truly unforgettable.
Winning a Kent Wedding Award isn’t just about a trophy or a logo—though our iconic pink heart badge has become a proud symbol of quality across the county. It’s about credibility, trust, and the reassurance couples crave when choosing suppliers for one of the most important days of their lives. An award win tells the world that your business is trusted, respected, and consistently goes above and beyond for clients.
Past winners often tell us that the impact is immediate: more inquiries, stronger brand visibility, and new opportunities they hadn’t imagined. Whether it’s being featured in regional wedding magazines, forming new partnerships, or simply hearing from couples who “found us through the KWA site,” the value of recognition can be transformational.
The awards also offer something more personal. It’s a moment to reflect on how far your business has come. It’s about celebrating late nights, happy tears, and the genuine joy of helping others. Whether you’re a finalist, highly commended, or a winner, entering the Kent Wedding Awards is your chance to share your story—and let your work be seen, recognised, and celebrated.
For over a decade, The Kent Wedding Awards have stood as a beacon of excellence, celebrating the talent and passion of wedding professionals across the Garden of England. From enchanting venues to exceptional florists, stylists, planners, and everything in between — the awards have become a hallmark of trust and quality for engaged couples and a prestigious stamp of recognition for wedding businesses across Kent.
In 2024, a new chapter began as Sideways Media acquired the awards, breathing fresh energy into the legacy brand while maintaining the identity so many hold dear. Known for their expertise in media and events, the team at Sideways Media has set out to take the awards to new heights — and the first step in this exciting journey is a complete overhaul of the Kent Wedding Awards website, set to go live in March 2025.
The existing website, while functional, lacked the romance, elegance, and modern appeal that today’s digital users — especially wedding professionals and couples — expect. The new design will reflect not only the revitalised brand identity but also the passion and professionalism that defines the Kent wedding industry. With intuitive navigation, beautiful visuals, and enhanced user journeys, the site will cater to a wide audience: from aspiring entrants and past winners to discerning couples seeking award-winning services for their big day.
More than just a website refresh, the new platform aims to become a central hub for everything wedding in Kent. From detailed information on how to enter the awards to showcasing winners and finalists, testimonials, galleries, and even a Supplier Directory in Phase 2 — it’s about building a community. It’s about creating a digital space where industry experts are celebrated, and couples can find inspiration and assurance in choosing recognised suppliers.
The updated site will also better serve the business side of the awards — simplifying entry processes, driving ticket sales for the black-tie gala, and opening up sponsorship opportunities. Each design element has been crafted to balance professional robustness with romantic charm, making it as visually captivating as it is efficient.
Under the leadership of Sam Ready and the Sideways Media team, the Kent Wedding Awards are entering an era of greater reach, refined recognition, and renewed pride. The message is simple: same love, more power. Whether you’re a local wedding supplier looking to elevate your brand or a couple planning your dream day, the Kent Wedding Awards are here — stronger, sleeker, and more special than ever.