The Secret Garden Reviews

Reviews

+3 User photos

• Toni Sent on 06/30/2021
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Beyond perfection

  They were truly amazing!!! Down to earth, friendly, gracious and their property is beautiful!! I’m sooo happy I found them and I would highly recommend them for anyone who’s wanting a small intimate wedding!!! My day was beyond perfect!

  They were truly amazing!!! Down to earth, friendly, gracious and their property is beautiful!! I’m sooo happy I found them and I would highly recommend them for anyone who’s wanting a small intimate wedding!!! My day was beyond perfect!
• Sandra L. Sent on 08/28/2019
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Beyond Magical

  It is hard to put into words, I've been speechless all day. This venue is PERFECT and anyone looking for a small intimate ceremony stop your search here. We wanted something more elegant than the court house but more affordable than other venues we had priced. Gary and Marti made our day more than magical. I thought we would leave with only 20-30 pics but ending with over 100 & got them back same day before bedtime. I brought my "shot list" but didn't even need it because Marti KNOWS all of the perfect shots. They were fun, caring, and although they had ideas they always asked for our input and what we wanted. Wish I could live today over and over again. Thank you!!!!

  It is hard to put into words, I've been speechless all day. This venue is PERFECT and anyone looking for a small intimate ceremony stop your search here. We wanted something more elegant than the court house but more affordable than other venues we had priced. Gary and Marti made our day more than magical. I thought we would leave with only 20-30 pics but ending with over 100 & got them back same day before bedtime. I brought my "shot list" but didn't even need it because Marti KNOWS all of the perfect shots. They were fun, caring, and although they had ideas they always asked for our input and what we wanted. Wish I could live today over and over again. Thank you!!!!
• Barbara Sent on 12/09/2018
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Absolutely Perfect!

  We wanted a small, very intimate wedding, but we wanted to have beautiful pictures with which to remember our day. When we discovered The Secret Garden online, we knew we had found a hidden treasure. We felt even better after meeting with Gary ahead of time to confirm our choice. I hear so much about brides who stress terribly before their weddings, but this was perfect - all I needed to arrange was the cake and the bouquet/boutonniere. Everything else was included for our sweet and tiny ceremony, which was Gary was happy to modify as we requested.
  The day went off perfectly, with little stress. Gary and Marti were wonderful and patient through all of the pictures, even when the groom's best friend and wife ran late and we needed to reshoot the group pics. The garden is lush and green and the lake makes a wonderful backdrop.
  Within days we received the link to our fabulous pictures! I couldn't have asked for better! Those who have seen them have been amazed at the value for the money.
  I have already recommended The Secret Garden to others in search of a small intimate wedding.

  We wanted a small, very intimate wedding, but we wanted to have beautiful pictures with which to remember our day. When we discovered The Secret Garden online, we knew we had found a hidden treasure. We felt even better after meeting with Gary ahead of time to confirm our choice. I hear so much about brides who stress terribly before their weddings, but this was perfect - all I needed to arrange was the cake and the bouquet/boutonniere. Everything else was included for our sweet and tiny ceremony, which was Gary was happy to modify as we requested.
  The day went off perfectly, with little stress. Gary and Marti were wonderful and patient through all of the pictures, even when the groom's best friend and wife ran late and we needed to reshoot the group pics. The garden is lush and green and the lake makes a wonderful backdrop.
  Within days we received the link to our fabulous pictures! I couldn't have asked for better! Those who have seen them have been amazed at the value for the money.
  I have already recommended The Secret Garden to others in search of a small intimate wedding.
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• Letitia Sent on 08/28/2017
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Having been together for 30 years, we thought that we could get married in Florida whilst on holiday. There were so many venues and packages available for extortionate prices and far too flamboyant for a couple who do not enjoy being the centre of attention.
  
  After much searching,it didn't seem like we would find a small and intimate venue, until we came across the website for the Secret Garden in Longwood,Florida.
  
  Following the information on the website, we contacted Reverend Gary, via email, 3 months before our holiday. Almost instantly, we received a response and provisionally reserved a date for our elopement marriage. Email correspondence was swiftly answered,often within minutes, with clear guidance, even receiving a reminder email a couple of days before the planned date.
  
  On the day, we encountered endless traffic delays and arrived at the house in a slightly flustered state. Both Gary and his wife Marti welcomed us into their home, made us and our sons feel at ease before explaining how the ceremony would be conducted.
  
  The photographs on the website do not give the location the justice required. The area where the ceremony is conducted in the garden is set on the boundaries of the truly tranquil and idilic location of Lake Ruth.
  
  The ceremony by Gary was followed by photographs (also during the ceremony) being taken by Gary's wife, Marti. At all times, we were made to feel at ease.
  
  Waiting for us on return from our holiday were the wedding license/certificate and over 60 photographs which can be shared with family members and friends.
  
  Giving a rating of 5 stars seem inadequate and would be more than happy to double it . Highly recommended.
  
  Thank you, both!
  
  From Mark and Letitia (UK)
  

  Having been together for 30 years, we thought that we could get married in Florida whilst on holiday. There were so many venues and packages available for extortionate prices and far too flamboyant for a couple who do not enjoy being the centre of attention.
  
  After much searching,it didn't seem like we would find a small and intimate venue, until we came across the website for the Secret Garden in Longwood,Florida.
  
  Following the information on the website, we contacted Reverend Gary, via email, 3 months before our holiday. Almost instantly, we received a response and provisionally reserved a date for our elopement marriage. Email correspondence was swiftly answered,often within minutes, with clear guidance, even receiving a reminder email a couple of days before the planned date.
  
  On the day, we encountered endless traffic delays and arrived at the house in a slightly flustered state. Both Gary and his wife Marti welcomed us into their home, made us and our sons feel at ease before explaining how the ceremony would be conducted.
  
  The photographs on the website do not give the location the justice required. The area where the ceremony is conducted in the garden is set on the boundaries of the truly tranquil and idilic location of Lake Ruth.
  
  The ceremony by Gary was followed by photographs (also during the ceremony) being taken by Gary's wife, Marti. At all times, we were made to feel at ease.
  
  Waiting for us on return from our holiday were the wedding license/certificate and over 60 photographs which can be shared with family members and friends.
  
  Giving a rating of 5 stars seem inadequate and would be more than happy to double it . Highly recommended.
  
  Thank you, both!
  
  From Mark and Letitia (UK)
  

  The Secret Garden's reply:

  Thank you very very much for leaving your five star review. Your review should receive a 10 star award. Talk about covering all the details :-)
  That was very nice of you to write such a stellar review and we really appreciate it. We wish you both the very best and enjoyed meeting your two sons as well.
• Audra Sent on 07/19/2017
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Beautiful location, friendly people, and reasonably priced. My husband and I were very happy with our experience!

  Beautiful location, friendly people, and reasonably priced. My husband and I were very happy with our experience!

  The Secret Garden's reply:

  Thanks so much Audra for taking the time out of your day to write this 5 Star Review. We appreciate that you chose us out of so many options out there. We wish you both the very best.
• 
  User2454295 Sent on 12/04/2015
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Gary is very accommodating and professional. We appreciate his drive to the beach for our ceremony and helping us customize everything to make the ceremony "ours."

  Gary is very accommodating and professional. We appreciate his drive to the beach for our ceremony and helping us customize everything to make the ceremony "ours."
• Sarah Sent on 05/09/2014
  5 out of 5 rating

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  Gary and Marti provided us with the most intimate and beautiful ceremony along with some stunning photos! as we had flown in from the uk and arranged everything via email Gary was so helpful and quick with his responses. He even read out a email from our friends back home before the ceremony which was a lovely touch. We cant thank them enough.

  Gary and Marti provided us with the most intimate and beautiful ceremony along with some stunning photos! as we had flown in from the uk and arranged everything via email Gary was so helpful and quick with his responses. He even read out a email from our friends back home before the ceremony which was a lovely touch. We cant thank them enough.

  The Secret Garden's reply:

  Hi Sarah and Jamie,
  We really enjoyed meeting you and loved providing our service and location for you. Thanks for the great review and best wishes.
  Gary and Marti
• Cheryl B. Sent on 01/29/2014
  5 out of 5 rating

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  The Secret Garden is GORGEOUS! It is a beautiful piece of property on a lake, with huge overhanging oak trees and lovely landscaping that is perfectly set up to have your wedding ceremony and photo session. Rev. Gary performs the ceremony and Marti the photos if you so choose. Gary and Marti easily accommodate small, intimate weddings like our (The Elopement Package) as well as larger parties. We had no issues with only days of planning our wedding at the Secret Garden. You won’t be disappointed – this place was beyond our expectations.

  The Secret Garden is GORGEOUS! It is a beautiful piece of property on a lake, with huge overhanging oak trees and lovely landscaping that is perfectly set up to have your wedding ceremony and photo session. Rev. Gary performs the ceremony and Marti the photos if you so choose. Gary and Marti easily accommodate small, intimate weddings like our (The Elopement Package) as well as larger parties. We had no issues with only days of planning our wedding at the Secret Garden. You won’t be disappointed – this place was beyond our expectations.

  The Secret Garden's reply:

  Hi Cheryl and Brian,
  We totally enjoyed meeting and working with both of you for your wedding day. Please let us know if we can ever assist you in the future with anything else and thank you for the 5 Star Review.
• Justin Sent on 01/18/2014
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  The Secret Gardens, was a very beautiful place, theres not a word that i can use to explain to you how phenomenal and gorgeous it was. This was the first time that I ever got married, and instead of being nervous I was nothing but comfortable and at ease because of how beautiful and breathtaking this place was. originally me and my wife were not going to get the pictures but once we seen how beautiful the place was we decided at the very last minute right before Gary started our ceremony that we would have the pictures taking there because of how beautiful it was it is a decision that we will never regret. Me and my wife will recommend anybody who wants to get married, to use Gary , his places , and the photography. On a scale of 1-5, we give them a 10.

  The Secret Gardens, was a very beautiful place, theres not a word that i can use to explain to you how phenomenal and gorgeous it was. This was the first time that I ever got married, and instead of being nervous I was nothing but comfortable and at ease because of how beautiful and breathtaking this place was. originally me and my wife were not going to get the pictures but once we seen how beautiful the place was we decided at the very last minute right before Gary started our ceremony that we would have the pictures taking there because of how beautiful it was it is a decision that we will never regret. Me and my wife will recommend anybody who wants to get married, to use Gary , his places , and the photography. On a scale of 1-5, we give them a 10.

  The Secret Garden's reply:

  Thank you very much for your kind review Justin. Please visit us again on your next trip to Florida.
• J And Sent on 09/25/2014
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
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  I knew I wanted a garden wedding and searched for awhile before finding The Secret Garden. Gary and Marti were amazing, easy to work with and very responsive. The morning of the wedding was very stressful, (broken down car, rental van, lost earrings, bad hair, dying flowers). As soon as we arrived Marti began helping me with the flowers even fixing buttoniers while I got dressed. They both went above and beyond to make my wedding day the beautiful, amazing day it should be and was, thanks to them. Weeks later friends and family still talked about how beautiful the ceremony and venue was. The photos done by Marti are gorgeous and alone are worth the price they charge for the entire package (venue, officiating , and photos). Just an exceptional vendor. So happy we went to them.

  I knew I wanted a garden wedding and searched for awhile before finding The Secret Garden. Gary and Marti were amazing, easy to work with and very responsive. The morning of the wedding was very stressful, (broken down car, rental van, lost earrings, bad hair, dying flowers). As soon as we arrived Marti began helping me with the flowers even fixing buttoniers while I got dressed. They both went above and beyond to make my wedding day the beautiful, amazing day it should be and was, thanks to them. Weeks later friends and family still talked about how beautiful the ceremony and venue was. The photos done by Marti are gorgeous and alone are worth the price they charge for the entire package (venue, officiating , and photos). Just an exceptional vendor. So happy we went to them.

  The Secret Garden's reply:

  Thank you for the 5 star review. It seems like just yesterday that you guys were here. Time sure does fly by. Glad to hear from you and please stay in touch.
  Gary and Marti
• Jessica Sent on 12/23/2017
  4.8 out of 5 rating

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  Loved our small ceremony at The Secret Garden. Very friendly couple! They joke around a lot which is not for everyone but we loved it! Made the day a little more fun. Great pictures!

  Loved our small ceremony at The Secret Garden. Very friendly couple! They joke around a lot which is not for everyone but we loved it! Made the day a little more fun. Great pictures!
• Janay Sent on 01/16/2018
  4.7 out of 5 rating

  4.7
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  My Wedding was here in October of 2017 in conjunction with a family vacation to Disney World. Overall the experience was good. We Did have some awkward moments with one of the owners due to us showing up 30 minutes earlier than expected and not making arrangements to change ahead of time. Definitely make sure you show up no more than 15 minutes early, the owner seemed aggravated that we were early and expressed that if someone was ahead of us it could have interrupted a previous ceremony. Which is fair but I'm sensitive it did not take well to the tone used. Overall I loved the location and my pictures. We did the elopement package with pics and I feel it's an absolute value.

  My Wedding was here in October of 2017 in conjunction with a family vacation to Disney World. Overall the experience was good. We Did have some awkward moments with one of the owners due to us showing up 30 minutes earlier than expected and not making arrangements to change ahead of time. Definitely make sure you show up no more than 15 minutes early, the owner seemed aggravated that we were early and expressed that if someone was ahead of us it could have interrupted a previous ceremony. Which is fair but I'm sensitive it did not take well to the tone used. Overall I loved the location and my pictures. We did the elopement package with pics and I feel it's an absolute value.
• Tricia J. Sent on 12/26/2021
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  Hostile Environment

  I attended a wedding here a few weeks ago. The female owners were extremely unfriendly. Made us feel unwanted even though they were paid. Imagine the female owner had a wedding guest, dressed in his wedding suit, bend down to pick up some rose petals (about 8 petals) off the already stained, mucky lookin pavers. All he was trying to do was add to the beauty of a photo that was being taken. Disgusting !! I will never reccomend this place to anyone.
  Most uncomfortable, run-down place too !

  I attended a wedding here a few weeks ago. The female owners were extremely unfriendly. Made us feel unwanted even though they were paid. Imagine the female owner had a wedding guest, dressed in his wedding suit, bend down to pick up some rose petals (about 8 petals) off the already stained, mucky lookin pavers. All he was trying to do was add to the beauty of a photo that was being taken. Disgusting !! I will never reccomend this place to anyone.
  Most uncomfortable, run-down place too !