Your Somerset Glos and Wilts Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Step into a Traditional Country Christmas at Dunster Castle and Watermill

Dunster Castle and Watermill in Somerset is set to capture the magic of a traditional country Christmas, inspired by the festive customs of the Luttrell family. On selected dates from 29 November to 4 January, the National Trust property will be beautifully transformed with grand Christmas trees, natural garlands and seasonal displays throughout its historic rooms. Visitors can enjoy live music on December weekends, while a special illuminated experience from 13–21 December offers the chance to see the castle glowing after dark. With festive storytelling, family activities, Father Christmas visits and delicious treats in the Watermill Tearoom, Dunster Castle promises a warm and atmospheric Christmas experience for all ages.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

Step into a festive fairy tale: Once Upon a Christmas Time at Tyntesfield

This December, Tyntesfield is set to enchant visitors with Once Upon a Christmas Time, a festive celebration that transforms the estate into a magical storybook world. From the moment guests arrive at the Welcome Building, they'll be immersed in fairytales brought to life through imaginative decorations, creative installations and atmospheric storytelling. Highlights include Beauty and the Beast–themed décor in the Cow Barn Café, Cinderella's tale unfolding in the Rose Garden, and a series of whimsical scenes inside Tyntesfield House, from the Wild Swans to a towering beanstalk in the Hall. With more than 18 enchanting displays created in collaboration with local artists and community groups, visitors can look forward to a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Brakspear pubs triumph in Cotswolds Awards

Two Brakspear pubs are celebrating major wins at the Cotswolds Awards 2025, highlighting their excellence in food, hospitality, and guest experience. The Lamb Inn at Great Rissington secured the title of Best Sunday Lunch, while The Five Alls in Filkins was named Best Pub with Rooms. Both pubs are led by talented licensees whose culinary expertise, warm service, and attention to detail have helped create sought-after destinations for locals and visitors alike. These accolades reflect the passion and professionalism of the teams behind each pub, as well as their commitment to delivering memorable dining and overnight stays. Their achievements stand out in an awards programme shaped entirely by public nominations and votes.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Hotel Indigo Bath is awarded Green Key Accreditation

Hotel Indigo Bath is proud to celebrate its recent achievement of the prestigious Green Key Accreditation, a milestone that strengthens its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible tourism. As one of the world's leading eco-labels, Green Key recognises tourism businesses that meet rigorous environmental standards and continuously work to improve their sustainable practices. Earning this accreditation follows the formation of the hotel's dedicated "Green Team" in 2024, created to champion eco-friendly initiatives across all areas of the business. This accomplishment highlights the hotel's dedication to reducing its environmental impact while inspiring guests to make greener choices throughout their stay.

Bath’s Iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Launches Micro-Weddings

Just in time for one of the most popular seasons for engagements, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is excited to launch its micro-wedding celebrations at Bath's most iconic address. The AA five red star, two Michelin Key, historic Georgian property, renowned for its timeless elegance and stylish modern interiors, is pleased to introduce a refined collection of wedding experiences designed for couples seeking romance, heritage and five-star service in an unforgettable setting. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa with its beautifully manicured gardens, 45 individually designed rooms and spacious suites, and light-filled event spaces, offers endless possibilities for bespoke celebrations, from elopements to exclusive-use weddings.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

Elegance in Every Detail: The Art of the Christmas Table at Ellenborough Park

Embrace the magic of the season at Ellenborough Park, where timeless charm meets the spirit of Christmas in the heart of the Cotswolds. On Tuesday 16th December at 6pm, the historic 15th-century manor welcomes guests to take part in a festive table-scaping workshop designed to equip guests with everything needed to transform any Christmas table into a magical showcase. Fi Passey's two-and-a-half-hour workshop, set in the iconic Great Hall, will focus on elevating Christmas celebrations with easy, yet stunning projects, perfect for any table at home - with beautiful botanical wrapped candles, place settings, napkin rings, and professional gift wrapping. These nature-inspired Christmas details make it the ultimate masterclass in seasonal elegance. B

The Lush Spa gift guide

Nestled away above several of Lush's shop floors is the Lush Spa - home to 13 weird and wonderful spa treatments - from a hot chocolate body scrub under a warm duvet, a Scottish stone reading hot stone massage and a 'validating' facial with a soundtrack of positive affirmations. From teens to fitness enthusiasts, outdoor lovers and those who are mesmerised by the mystical, there is a Lush Spa treatment for every gift recipient. Starting from £40 up to the luxurious two-handed £275 Karma massage, treatments are available at all of Lush's 10 UK spas including your local one in Bath.

The Growth of the Winter Wedding

As the UK wedding calendar becomes more crowded during peak summer, an increasing number of couples are embracing the magic of off-season nuptials. Stats from Pinterest show searches for winter wedding inspiration are on the up, mirrored by Gloucestershire wedding venue Elmore Courts's own rise in wedding bookings between November and March by 20% over the last three years. Elmore Court, the 13th-century family estate located on the edge of the Cotswolds near the city of Gloucester, cites reasons for this trend ranging from sustainability, affordability and the growing appeal of the cosiness of a winter atmosphere with misty mornings, roaring fires and candlelit feasts replacing the pressure of chasing the perfect weather during summer.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Bristol is only UK city named one of the top 50 destinations in Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2026

Bristol has been named the only UK city in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026, recognised for its world-class street art and vibrant urban culture. Known as the birthplace of Banksy, the city's streets are adorned with colourful murals by both local and international artists, making it a dynamic outdoor gallery. Visitors can explore self-guided trails, join street art tours, attend the biennial Upfest festival, or take part in spray art workshops. This accolade highlights Bristol as a must-visit destination for 2026, celebrating creativity, independent spirit, and cultural experiences. From street art-themed hotels to galleries and live music, Bristol offers tourists an immersive, artistic, and unforgettable urban adventure in the heart of the UK.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa Marks the Festive Season with Jane Austen-Inspired Celebrations

Following the success of its 250th anniversary celebrations, The Gainsborough Bath Spa continues its partnership with Strictly Jane Austen Tours to bring Regency-era charm to life this festive season. On 4th and 5th December 2025, guests can enjoy immersive Austen-inspired Christmas experiences, including Regency dance workshops, expert talks on Austen family traditions, and elegant Afternoon Tea. These festive days celebrate the elegance, romance, and social intrigue of Jane Austen's world, perfectly timed ahead of Netflix's Bridgerton Season 4 in 2026. Looking ahead, The Gainsborough Bath Spa and Strictly Jane Austen Tours will host biannual Jane Austen Celebration Weeks in Spring and Autumn 2026, featuring scholarly talks, guided tours, creative workshops, and Regency entertainment, making it a premier destination for literature enthusiasts.

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Discover a romantic Cotswold winter walk or a Christmas outing with valley views at Newark Park

Embrace the fresh air this winter with a scenic seasonal walk at the National Trust's Newark Park in Gloucestershire. Set within 700 acres of stunning countryside, Newark Park offers beautiful winter walking trails with breathtaking views across the Ozleworth Valley. Visitors can enjoy improved pathways for easier access, with all-terrain trampers available to hire for an inclusive outdoor experience. Discover winter wildlife, frosty landscapes, vibrant berries and birds such as redwings and fieldfares, before warming up with a hot drink at the tea pavilion. With festive Christmas house decorations on select dates and plenty of natural beauty to explore, Newark Park is the perfect winter day out for families, walkers and nature lovers.

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.