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A Secret Garden

4.5 ★★★★★ 451 Google reviews · Garden wedding venue in Independence, Missouri

Weddings Elopements

Relaxed, fairytale-like venue for weddings featuring a garden, lights and a dance hall.

Plan your tour

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10 am–5 pm
Thursday 10 am–5 pm
Friday 10 am–7 pm
Saturday 10 am–7 pm
Sunday Closed

Most venues show the grounds by appointment and close the calendar on event days — book a tour rather than dropping in.

The setting

The style of A Secret Garden in couples' own words — pulled from their reviews and the venue's own info, not guessed from the photos.

🍁 Japanese Garden

“I asked for a Japanese garden party, and Russ delivered beyond any expectation I had for my wedding.”

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🌴 Tropical Garden 2 mentions

“He adorned the Palm House in these magical parasols hanging from the ceiling with colorful lighting.”

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Amenities couples mention

Amenities couples name in their reviews of A Secret Garden — the fastest way to tell what the venue actually offers before you drive out for a tour.

👰 Bridal Suite 2 mentions

“No need to get ready elsewhere either because Russ has created an absolutely beautiful bridal suite to get ready in as well as a grooms suite.”

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🤵 Groom's Quarters

“No need to get ready elsewhere either because Russ has created an absolutely beautiful bridal suite to get ready in as well as a grooms suite.”

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🏷️ Japanese Garden

“I asked for a Japanese garden party, and Russ delivered beyond any expectation I had for my wedding.”

🍸 Bar Service

“Bartenders were fabulous, DJ Kurt killed it, and Russ’ insane artistic talent made it truly MAGICAL!”

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Amenity mentions are mined from reviews and the venue's own info — they tell you what couples found on the grounds, not what's included in every package. Confirm what comes with your date when you tour.

What couples say again and again

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 451 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

stunning venue & grounds 56 mentions

“From the very beginning, he listened to us with intention and heart, and then transformed our ideas into something even more beautiful than we imagined.”

🤝 owners who go above & beyond 8 mentions

“Russ and his right hand, Gleanice, went above and beyond to make our wedding day perfect.”

😌 stress-free planning 5 mentions

“Glenice made everything so seamless and magical - she also played a huge role into why our wedding day was such a huge success for our guests and ourselves.”

📋 day-of coordination 11 mentions

“I was so overwhelmed the day of, that I couldn’t really try all the sweets that I knew I would love because our guests devoured them (as they were delicious).”

📸 photo-perfect backdrops 4 mentions

“The lush greenery and beautiful floral arrangements provided a breathtaking backdrop that perfectly matched our vision for a romantic ceremony.”

From the reviews

I don't even know where to begin. This place is absolutely breathtaking. Russ, your attention to detail could never be matched. (He literally hand made several pieces of decor if not all).

★★★★★ — Tim, May 2025

It’s a guarantee that you will find NOTHING else like this place!! “A Secret Garden” truly is SO unique in every way and will blow away every single person who steps foot onto the property. Russ has put so much love, time, and effort into this venue and it definitely shows!

★★★★★ — Mckenzie, Mar 2026

The most beautiful venue and the owner is absolutely amazing. Attended a wedding for my friend and was helper for the bridesmaids/hydration lady and seeing how amazing he was with the bride / making sure guests were engaged and the ceremony was absolutely amazing. The venue is simply breathtaking.

★★★★★ — Haley, May 2025

A Secret Garden gave us more than a wedding, it gave us a moment in time Some people help plan weddings. Others help create memories that live in your heart forever. Russ is the latter. From the very beginning, Russ saw us.

★★★★★ — Rachel, Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 451 reviews →

Getting married at A Secret Garden

A Secret Garden comes up for weddings — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the tour worth it. First, see the garden at the time of day and season you'd actually get married — a garden that glows at golden hour in June can look very different at noon in March, so ask what's in bloom for your date and walk the path your guests take from parking to ceremony to reception. Second, bring your real questions: the rain plan (where does the ceremony move, and does it hold everyone?), shade and bugs for a summer afternoon, the catering and bar policy, the music curfew, and exactly what's included — tables, chairs, setup, and teardown are where quotes quietly diverge. Popular garden dates book 12–18 months out, so if the tour feels right, ask what's open in your season before you leave.

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Where to find A Secret Garden

11014 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO64052

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and couples' reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this venue? Claim your listing — it's free.