Why Virginia Living Magazine Chose Kateri as a Top Wedding Vendor in Our First Year

At Kateri Wedding and Events, our first year has been tremendous, and we are honored to be named one of Virginia Living Magazine's Top Wedding Vendors of 2026

By Emma Taylor for Kateri Weddings & Events

There are moments in the life of a venue that feel like a quiet nod from the universe — a confirmation that the heart you’ve poured into something has been seen. For Kateri Weddings & Events, that moment arrived early: being named one of Virginia Living Magazine’s Top Wedding Vendors in our very first year.

It’s an honor we don’t take lightly. Awards like this aren’t about plaques or press mentions — they’re about trust. They’re about couples, planners, photographers, and families who have experienced this place and felt the care behind every detail.

So what is it about Kateri that resonated so deeply, so quickly? Here are the reasons couples tell us they feel it the moment they arrive.

1. A Venue Rooted in Hospitality, Not Hype

From the beginning, Kateri was designed around one idea: your wedding should feel like a retreat, not a production. That’s why we offer full weekend access, quiet wooded paths, wide mountain views, gentle gardens, and spaces that invite people to linger. It’s beauty without pretense — elegant, warm, and truly yours.

2. Transparency That Honors Your Peace of Mind

Wedding planning comes with enough surprises — your venue shouldn’t be one of them. At Kateri, everything is priced upfront: your rental fee, your tent options, and your upgrades. No hidden charges, no complicated packages, no stress. Just clarity that allows couples to breathe, plan, and enjoy.

This commitment to honesty is a large part of why so many vendors recommended us early on — and why Virginia Living took notice.

3. A Setting That Feels Like a Story Waiting to Be Told

Between the Blue Ridge backdrop, the quiet grace of the Japanese garden, and the sunlit lawns perfect for ceremonies, Kateri offers something rare: a place that feels secluded, intimate, and genuinely romantic.

Couples don’t have to decorate extravagantly for the day to feel magical — the land does the lifting, and the celebration simply unfolds.

4. A Team That Believes in Thoughtful, Person-Centered Service

We believe weddings are sacred moments — not transactions, not timelines. This shows in how we answer emails, how we welcome couples on tours, how we walk them through decisions, and how we celebrate with them on their day. It is quiet, attentive, heartfelt service — the kind people remember.

5. A Vision That’s Only Just Beginning

To be recognized so early means something beautiful: couples see the heart behind this place. And we’re only getting started.

More enhancements. More thoughtful amenities. More beauty cultivated with care. The award is meaningful, but the future is even more exciting.

A Final Word

Being chosen by Virginia Living Magazine in our very first year wasn’t just a milestone — it was a reflection of the couples who believed in us, the vendors who supported us, and the love stories that made this place feel alive.

At Kateri, we’re honored to offer a wedding experience that’s transparent, peaceful, and deeply personal. Whether you’re saying your vows under the mountain sky or dancing beneath a glowing tent, we’re here to make the entire weekend unforgettable.

Your story is welcome here. And we can’t wait to be part of it.