As couples plan their 2026 weddings, they’re increasingly embracing bold self-expression, immersive experiences and nostalgia.
For those saying “I do” at Happy Valley in Norfolk, these trends offer a perfect match: think woodland elegance, intentional details, celebrations that feel both grand and deeply personal, dramatic decor, statement table styling and more.
Here’s a look at the biggest 2026 wedding trends - (as per Hitched) - and how to translate them into a stunning, on-brand Happy Valley wedding.
A Touch of Regency Drama
One of the most striking trends for 2026: the “Bridgerton-style” wedding. Hitched notes a massive rise in searches for Regency-inspired elements - think corsetry, lace, soft pastels and old-money refinement.
At Happy Valley, you can lean into this elegance by blending romantic period details with the natural drama of our beautiful woodland surroundings.
Picture flowing empire-line gowns, delicate lace sleeves and soft corsetry paired with loose, undone hair and natural makeup. For décor, think antique-style candelabras, scalloped table linens, soft pastel florals and classical typography on your stationery. Gold-rimmed glassware and vintage china elevate tables without feeling overly formal, while taper candles add a sense of theatre as daylight fades through the trees. The Dutch Barn, with its large sliding barn doors and big windows, brings the beauty of the outside in - elevating your decor even further.
The key is balance: Regency romance, but relaxed enough to feel at home among the trees.
Sini and Kieran
Hannah & Edd
Immersive Celebrations
In 2026, weddings aren’t just about how they look - they’re about how they feel. Couples are designing days that engage all the senses, creating moments guests remember long after the last dance.
Happy Valley’s woodland setting is the perfect canvas for this trend. Think live acoustic music drifting through the trees during your ceremony, scented candles in jars or herbs woven into your tablescapes and seasonal menus that reflect the surrounding landscape. Evening fire pits, blankets and warm lighting help the celebration flow seamlessly from day to night, encouraging guests to slow down, connect and truly experience the setting.
Hannah & Edd
Statement Tablescapes
Tables are becoming a major design moment for 2026. Hitched highlights bold table styling as a key trend – dramatic florals, layered textures and intentional place settings that feel curated rather than traditional.
Long banquet tables work beautifully at Happy Valley, echoing the communal, relaxed feel of woodland dining. Consider moss runners, wildflower arrangements, fruits and foliage woven through the centre of the table or even mismatched ceramics for a collected-over-time look. Name cards handwritten on textured paper, stone or pressed leaves add a personal, tactile touch that feels perfectly in tune with nature.
Hannah and Matt
Hannah & Edd
Hannah & Edd
Nostalgia, Reimagined
Couples are increasingly drawn to nostalgic details – but with a modern twist. Rather than copying the past, 2026 weddings reinterpret it in fresh, meaningful ways.
At Happy Valley, this might look like vintage-style signage with contemporary fonts, mosaic guest books, classic cocktails form our on-site bar (The Cattle Yard) with locally inspired ingredients, or heirloom accessories paired with modern outfits. These thoughtful nods to the past feel especially powerful in a setting that already feels timeless.
Hannah and Matt
Bold, Personal Design Choices
Perhaps the biggest trend of all? Authenticity. In 2026, couples are choosing what truly resonates with them – even if it breaks tradition.
For woodland weddings, this could mean colourful florals instead of greenery-only palettes, unconventional ceremony layouts, or swapping formal sit-down meals for feasting-style dining. Happy Valley couples are embracing celebrations that feel expressive, warm and unapologetically them. Happy Valley’s south-facing Cattleyard Courtyard is the perfect setting for this kind of relaxed, festival or feasting-inspired catering. With the option to dine on picnic tables or set out on our trademark trestle tables, your wedding breakfast can feel unapologetically you.
Sini & Kieran
Hannah & Edd
Hannah & Edd
Bringing 2026 Trends to Life at Happy Valley
The beauty of a Happy Valley wedding lies in its flexibility. The woods don’t compete with your vision – they elevate it. Whether you’re drawn to Regency romance, immersive experiences or bold design moments, 2026’s biggest trends pair effortlessly with our natural setting. The result? A wedding that feels stylish, soulful and completely unforgettable. We can’t wait to see how our 2026 couples bring their visions to life.
To explore Happy Valley as a venue for your wedding, we would love to meet you on one of our exclusive tour dates. Our venue tours are taking place this month on the 16th and 19th January. Please email weddings@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk to book your place on a tour.
Weddings pictured:
Matt & Hannah.
Florist - The Wild Folk Florist @thewildfolkflorist
Caterer - Funnells Kitchen @funnellskitchen
Caterer - Broadside Pizza @broadside_pizza
Tableware & cutlery - Banqueting Hire @banquetinghire_official
Band - No Limit Street Band @nolimitstreetband
Daytime Entertainment - Fairgreen Ceilidh Band @fairgreenceilidh
Photobooth - Vintage Pod @vintagepodcompany
Makeup Artist - Hayley Clarke @haylieclarkey_makeup
Sini and Kieran
Photographer - Kate Bunny Hampson @katebunnyhampson
Alev Miller - HMUA @alevmiller
Fox and Fern - Florist @foxandfernflorist
Cosmos - Caterer @cosmosmexicana
Maame T’s - Caterer @maame_ts_kitchen
Spotlight Sound - Speaker Hire @spotlight.sound
Sherika Sherard - Musician @sherikasherard
Das Brass - Band @dasbrassband
Hannah & Edd
Celebrant - Louise Gather, Kick Ass Gatherings@kickassgatherings
Photographer - Emily & Steve Photography@emily&stevephoto
Daytime Caterer - Funnells Kitchen@funnellskitchen
Kitchen Equipment - Banqueting Hire @banquetinghire_official
Evening Caterer - Askers Wood Fired Pizza@askerspizza
Violinist - Bianca Blezard @biancablezardviolin
Daytime Music - JayRar@jayrarmusic
Evening Music - Cara Gates@rave.thedate
Florist - The Norfolk Floral Studio@thenorfolkfloralstudio
MUA/Hair Stylist - Gabby Caswell @gabby_caswell_mua
External Refrigeration - Rob Just Chillin’
External Bell Tent Hire - The Little Beach Bell Company@thelittlebeachbellcompany
Dog Chaperone - Oh Bella Wedding Day Dogs @ohbellaweddingdaysdogs
