How to plan a magical Christmas wedding in 2026

1) Choose a venue that feels like home for the holidays

The right venue sets the tone for the entirety of your wedding day. Look for somewhere that blends history with luxury, and allows your guests to experience the magic of the season both inside and out.

Solton Manor offers exactly that. We have a selection of enchanting indoor spaces to choose from that are ideal for an intimate festive celebration, including the historic Grade II-listed Manor House, the grand converted Dutch Barn, and the recently converted rustic Old Stables. Picture your guests gathered around the festive-decorated fireplaces in our Tudor Hall with a glass of mulled wine in hand, surrounded by flickering candlelight and evergreen garlands – the perfect way to celebrate your winter wedding in Kent!

2) Embrace the magic of winter styling

Winter wedding decor is all about layered textures, rich tones, and thoughtful, tactile details. Think velvet table runners, trailing winter foliage, and twinkling fairy lights strung between rustic beams.

This year’s winter wedding style leans into “quiet luxury”. Forest greens, champagne golds, and midnight blues are all taking centre stage, creating an elegant yet refined alternative to the traditional red and gold. Dress your tablescapes with flickering faux candles, winter blooms like hellebores and amaryllis, and shimmering cut-glassware for a look that feels both festive and modern. But, if you don’t have time to decorate the venue yourself, don’t worry – our expert team is here to help bring your festive vision to life!

3) Enjoy a delicious, hearty feast

One of the best parts of a winter wedding in Kent is the food and drink. Serve steaming mugs of mulled wine or spiced apple punch as your welcome drinks, followed by hearty dishes like slow-braised beef in red wine, roast turkey with all the trimmings, or a vegetarian chestnut Wellington. Festive cocktails are having a moment in 2026, too – from cranberry spritzes and maple old fashioneds to cinnamon espresso martinis. And to end the night, a hot chocolate bar or late-night mince pie station will leave your guests feeling cosy and warm.

Our catering partners, Invicta Food Design, specialise in seasonal delights inspired by local Kentish produce. Check out their sample menus and get inspired by their rich, comforting dishes that are guaranteed to impress your guests.

4) Dress for the season

In 2026, winter bridal fashion is all about drama and elegance. Think long sleeves, lace overlays, and luxurious fabrics that feel as good as they look. Choose a satin or crepe gown paired with a faux fur wrap or velvet cape to keep you warm and add a regal, romantic flair to your wedding photos. Jewel-toned velvet dresses in emerald, navy, chocolate, plum or timeless black tie are a great choice for your bridesmaids. And grooms can explore different textures, too: think wool, tweed, or velvet suits paired with boutonnières made from pine and berries.

Our grounds are a true photographer’s dream in wintertime. The frost-tipped lawns, twinkling lights, and grand architecture of the Manor House provide the perfect backdrop to capture the most stunning photos of your bridal party in all their festive attire.

5) Extend the festivities into the next day

A Christmas wedding doesn’t have to end when the music stops. We offer luxury on-site accommodation in the Manor House (up to 24 guests) and Dovecote Cottage (up to 4), allowing your guests to stay overnight and savour every moment of the celebrations. 

Once the festivities are over, your guests can drift off to sleep in their own private bedroom. The morning after, you can tuck into a relaxed breakfast and share stories from the night before, before venturing out to explore the surrounding Kent countryside. You could even make it a whole weekend staycation, with welcome drinks by the fire the night before, and a relaxed Sunday brunch after your big day. The perfect way to round off your winter wedding celebrations surrounded by loved ones.

6) Add some personal festive touches

Personal touches are what makes a Christmas wedding truly magical. Handwritten notes, gift tags attached to pine cone name cards, personalised ornaments, or embroidered blankets with signs like “To have and hold, in case you get cold” or “Grab a blanket and snuggle up” help to create a welcoming and intimate feel. 

Don’t forget to add some festive touches to your wedding cake, or if you are having a sweet trolley don’t forget to include candy canes. Instead of an arch, why not include a Christmas tree decorated in your festive colours and use wreaths for your table centre pieces. For entertainment, you could fill a festive playlist with classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to set the mood, include a sparkler send-off, or even hire a snow machine for a gentle flurrying of snow. Great for some wintery wedding photos! 

At Solton Manor, we’re experts at helping couples weave their personalities into every little detail. We’ll help you create a celebration that feels like a reflection of your unique story, all set against the backdrop of our wonderful Christmas wedding venue in Kent.