Virginia Weddings: Finding Your Dream Venue in Virginia

Virginia Beauty makes for amazing wedding venues. A pathway bathed in sunlight, bordered by blooming flowers, guides you to a delightful garden gazebo, establishing a tranquil and welcoming ambiance.

By Emma Taylor, Kateri Events and Weddings

Let’s get one thing out of the way: if you’re planning a wedding, you’re already crushing it. Seriously. You're building a day that's all about love, style, and who you are as a couple. But before you dive headfirst into flower walls and signature cocktails, there's one decision that practically sets the entire vibe: the venue.

So, how do you choose the one? Especially if your Pinterest board screams "elegant vineyard garden party with chandeliers and champagne towers"? I got you. Here’s your ultra-chic guide to choosing a wedding venue that fits your vision and your vibe.

Step One: Lock in Your Vibe

Before you Google "best wedding venues near Charlottesville," take a moment. What does your dream wedding feel like? Is it moody and romantic with candlelight flickering off crystal glassware? Or is it timeless and airy with lush florals and sweeping valley views?

Jot down a few keywords: Romantic. Glam. Nature-infused. Maximalist garden. Elegant rustic. These help you stay on track when venue options start to blur together.

At Kateri Events and Weddings, for example, we’ve designed our space to feel intimate and elevated, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains with a working bourbon distillery (hello Ragged Branch) nestled in the fields below. It's giving high-style and high-country, all in one.

Guest List Goals

Your guest list directly affects the venue size and layout. Are you planning an intimate affair with 40 people, or a 200-guest bash? Kateri offers flexible space: think cherry wood floors, oversized windows, a cocktail-ready side lawn, and even a poolside fireplace moment under the stars.

Plan your flow: ceremony in the gardens, cocktails by the gazebo, and dinner under twinkling lights. Spacious yet cozy. Elegant, not cavernous.

Let's Talk Budget (and Be Real About It)

Venue budgets vary widely, but here’s the scoop: expect to allocate around 30% of your total wedding budget to your venue. At Kateri, we keep things transparent and stylish, offering a space that includes luxe amenities like the "Something Blue" bridal suite, happy couple overnight accommodations, and panoramic ceremony spots—no nickel-and-diming here.

Bonus tip: Ask venues if they include rentals (tables, chairs, linens), or if you’ll need to bring in everything from scratch.

Virginia Weddings with Shenandoah Vibes Only

Location matters, and the Shenandoah Valley delivers. Let's talk geography--with benefits. Virginia is for lovers, and Virginia Weddings in the Shenandoah Valley are the kind of effortlessly romantic, wildly scenic, champagne-soaked weekends that feel straight out of a bridal editorial spread. The Shenandoah Valley isn't just easy on the eyes (hello, panoramic mountain views), it's surprisingly easy on your budget too. Some vineyard venues are basically trying to make wine out of your wallet, they are gorgeous (sometimes with a lot of chaos with several weddings going on and tastings). The Shenandoah Valley wedding venue region gives you all the ambiance with none of the sticker shock. And the real magic? Many venues here --like Kateri--don't limit you to just a few hours. You can settle in for the entire day or claim the whole weekend.

Kateri is tucked just off a scenic byway—easy access for guests, yet totally private for your weekend. It’s a destination wedding without the passport.

Pro tip: Visit the venue during the same season you're getting married. That way, you know exactly how the light hits at golden hour or how the hydrangeas bloom in June.

What’s Included = What You Save

Upscale venues often come with amenities that streamline your planning. Does the venue offer coordination? Is there a trusted vendor list? Is the staff actually kind? (It matters.)

At Kateri, we work closely with top-tier planners, florists, photographers, and caterers in the Charlottesville and Shenandoah scene. And our venue hosts are there every step of the way.

Stalk the Reviews

Let’s be real—couples will spill the tea online. Check The Knot, WeddingWire, and even Instagram tags to see what other couples say. Look for comments about communication, service, and whether the team goes above and beyond.

Spoiler alert: Kateri couples often use words like “magical,” “unforgettable,” and “we never wanted to leave.” Just sayin’.

Final Tour & Champagne Vibes

Narrowed it down to two or three venues? Schedule in-person tours. Photos are cute, but they don’t show energy, flow, or how your dress will look descending that grand staircase.

And when you find the one, pop that bottle and celebrate. You’ve just set the tone for the best weekend of your life.

TL;DR

• Know your vibe.

• Match venue capacity with your guest list.

• Budget smart (and ask what’s included).

• Prioritize location and ease of access.

• Ask about amenities and trusted vendors.

• Do your review homework.

• Visit in person.