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The Secret House of Ivy

4.9 ★★★★★ 260 Google reviews · Garden wedding venue in Downey, California

Weddings Outside catering OK Elopements

Venue hosting intimate celebrations in a garden setting with a restroom.

Plan your tour

  • Catering outside caterers welcome, going by reviews and the venue’s own info — confirm the policy (and any fees) before you book your caterer
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (562) 966-0379

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 AM–1 AM
Wednesday 10 AM–1 AM
Thursday 10 AM–1 AM
Friday 10 AM–1 AM
Saturday 10 AM–1 AM
Sunday 10 AM–1 AM

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

Amenities couples mention

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

💡 String Lights

“I fell in love with the twinkle lights and how Karina and her team have been a great help with planning our wedding very informative about even vendors they have work with!”

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🍸 Bar Service

“And I have to give a huge shoutout to Ricardo, our bartender.”

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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 260 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

stunning venue & grounds 23 mentions

“Their communication was always on point — quick responses, helpful suggestions, and constant reassurance that everything would turn out beautifully, and it did.”

🤝 owners who go above & beyond 5 mentions

“They go above and beyond to ensure every detail is handled, making the entire process feel seamless and stress-free.”

😌 stress-free planning 5 mentions

“Their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail helped make our wedding day smooth, stress-free, and truly memorable.”

📋 day-of coordination 3 mentions

“Also, I would definitely hire Crystal the coordinator all over again she is doing such an amazing job in helping me out.”

🎉 guests raved about it 2 mentions

“His drinks were delicious, his energy was great, and he kept the bar running smoothly all night our guests loved him!”

From the reviews

This place is beautiful and enchanting! When you are fully inside you feel like you are in another world and another time. Hopelessly romantic and intimate. Perfect venue for a wedding. The owner, Karina Veliz is amazing! She was very accommodating at my daughter's wedding. Seriously the best place ever!

★★★★★ — Elda, May 2022

I had to leave a review to this hidden Gem! I was looking for a garden outdoor venue to celebrate my 30th birthday and came across this beautiful venue! Karina & her staff have made the process of planning my birthday easy and exciting!

★★★★★ — Stephanie, Aug 2023

The Secret House of Ivy is the cutest little hidden gem in downtown Downey. I had my wedding here 3/29/2024 and I’m so happy we chose this venue. It’s the perfect place to have an intimate wedding (or other event), it fits up to 92ppl formally sitting down.

★★★★★ — Karenn, Apr 2024

In just a few hours we will be celebrating my daughter’s Quinceañera and we are excited we found this beautiful hidden garden. When I scheduled an appointment to view the venue we were contacted by Luisa, Karina’s assistant and answered many of my questions over the phone in regard to the venue.

★★★★★ — Sandra, Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 260 reviews →

Getting married at The Secret House of Ivy

The Secret House of Ivy comes up for weddings, going by their listing and couples’ reviews. 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.

Call about your date: (562) 966-0379

Corporate events & private parties at The Secret House of Ivy

Reviews and the venue's own info mention corporate events, retreats, or private parties at The Secret House of Ivy — garden venues often have real weekday availability since weddings claim the weekends. A quick call answers the three things that matter: weekday and off-season rates, whether the space works for your headcount and A/V needs, and what catering is allowed. If your event lands on a Friday or Saturday in wedding season, ask early.

Where to find The Secret House of Ivy

8140 2nd St, Downey, CA90241

Get directions

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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.