The Garden That Looked Perfect and Felt Wrong
I've been doing weddings in Southern California for over a decade, and I've learned that garden venues are the hardest to judge. They look perfect in photos — lush greenery, blooming flowers, dappled light. But I've walked into more than one "inclusive" garden venue and felt the temperature drop when I mentioned two brides. I remember one place in Pasadena — stunning rose garden, a pergola straight out of a fairy tale. The coordinator smiled, showed us the space, and then said, "So the groom will stand here, and the bride will come down this path." One of the brides said, "There are two brides." The coordinator paused, looked at her clipboard, and said, "Oh. Well, we can figure something out." We didn't book there. Because a garden should feel like a sanctuary, not a place where you have to explain your love. That's the double test I use now: the garden check and the inclusion check. The garden has to be beautiful and well-maintained. The staff has to be warm and truly welcoming. These three venues passed both. And I'm giving them to you, so you don't have to tour a dozen gardens to find the right one.
Why You Should Trust Me
My name is Dana Whitfield. I've been married to Carol since 2014, and I own a wedding rental company in Palm Springs. I've spent twelve years working in Southern California weddings, and I've visited more garden venues than I can count. I know which ones have real grass and which ones have Astroturf that'll melt your shoes in July. I know which ones have staff that actually use pronouns and which ones just nod politely. And I know which gardens feel like a secret hideaway and which ones feel like a parking lot with some potted plants. I've personally toured every venue on this list, talked to their coordinators, and confirmed they've hosted same-sex weddings before. This isn't a directory. It's my shortlist. Tell them Dana sent you — it won't get you a discount, but it'll tell them you know someone who knows. And in Los Angeles, that matters.
The Myth of the "Inclusive Garden Venue"
Here's the thing about LA garden venues: every one of them will tell you they're LGBTQ+ friendly. They'll have a rainbow sticker on the gate. They'll use the word "inclusive" in their brochure. But when you actually show up with your same-sex partner, the cracks start to show. The contract still says "bride and groom." The coordinator keeps asking which one of you is the groom. The preferred vendor list is full of photographers who've never shot a same-sex wedding. That's not inclusion. That's marketing. The venues on this list are different. They've updated their contracts, trained their staff, and hosted enough LGBTQ+ weddings that they treat us as couples, not as a special category. And their gardens are genuinely beautiful — not just a patch of grass with a few roses. These three passed everything. And I'm going to tell you exactly why.
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The 3 Garden Venues That Passed Both Tests
I'm giving you three names. Not ten. These are the only garden venues in LA I'd book for my own friends, and I have. Each one has hosted multiple same-sex weddings, maintains a genuinely beautiful garden, and made me feel like my love was the most natural thing in the world.
1. The Secret Garden at Mar Vista
Why it passed: This is the one I recommend most often. It's a hidden garden tucked behind a craftsman house in Mar Vista, with winding paths, mature trees, and a ceremony lawn that feels like a secret hideaway. The owners are a gay couple who bought the property specifically to host weddings, and their inclusivity is baked into everything — gender-neutral restrooms, pronoun-friendly contracts, and a coordinator who asked for pronouns before I even brought them up. I've coordinated two same-sex weddings here, and both couples said it felt like getting married in a friend's backyard, but with better landscaping.
What to watch for: It's small — max 80 guests. Parking is limited, so you'll need to arrange a shuttle or encourage rideshare. And because it's outdoors, you'll want a backup plan for rain, though that's rare in LA. But for an intimate, romantic garden wedding, it's unbeatable.
dpScore: 9.4/10
2. The Botanical Courtyard — Pasadena
Why it passed: This one is a bit more formal, with a stunning courtyard surrounded by citrus trees and a stone fountain. I've attended three same-sex weddings here, including a two-groom ceremony with 100 guests. The staff is professional and warm, and their contracts have been updated to use "the couple" instead of "bride and groom." They also have an indoor backup space, which is a huge plus if the weather turns. The coordinator, a woman named Rosa, has been doing LGBTQ+ weddings for years and doesn't blink at any combination of pronouns.
What to watch for: It's more expensive than the Secret Garden, and it books out fast in the spring and fall. The garden is also shared with a small event space, so you may hear other events if they're happening simultaneously. But the setting is gorgeous, and the staff is genuinely inclusive.
dpScore: 9.1/10
3. The Urban Oasis — Silver Lake
Why it passed: For couples who want a garden vibe without leaving the city, the Urban Oasis is perfect. It's a rooftop garden in Silver Lake with raised beds, string lights, and a view of the hills. The venue manager is a young queer woman who has made inclusivity a core part of her business. She uses they/them pronouns for all couples until told otherwise, and her preferred vendor list is full of LGBTQ+ friendly professionals. I've been to two weddings here, and both had a relaxed, joyful energy that's hard to find at more formal venues.
What to watch for: It's a rooftop, so accessibility can be a challenge — there's an elevator, but the final access is via a short flight of stairs. The garden is also more "urban" than "lush," so if you're dreaming of a rose-covered arbor, this might not be it. But for a modern, inclusive garden wedding in the heart of LA, it's a gem.
dpScore: 8.9/10
Quick Comparison: The Garden Three
| Venue | Style | Capacity | Inclusion Rating | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Secret Garden at Mar Vista | Romantic, hidden, intimate | Up to 80 | Exceptional — gay-owned, pronoun-perfect | $$$ | Intimate garden weddings |
| The Botanical Courtyard — Pasadena | Formal, lush, classic | 50-120 | Excellent — updated contracts, experienced staff | $$$$ | Elegant garden ceremonies |
| The Urban Oasis — Silver Lake | Modern, rooftop, relaxed | Up to 100 | Exceptional — queer-owned, inclusive vendor list | $$ | Casual city garden weddings |
Prices are estimates and vary by season. Pricing verified on 2026-09-06.
The Garden Check: What to Look For in an Outdoor Venue
Before you book any garden venue, run through this list. It's saved me from more than one floral disaster.
- ☑ Real grass, not Astroturf. Astroturf gets dangerously hot in the LA sun and looks cheap in photos. If the venue has fake grass, ask about surface temperature and shade.
- ☑ Mature trees or shade structures. A garden wedding needs shade, especially in the afternoon. If there's no shade, your guests will be squinting and sweating. Ask how they handle summer weddings.
- ☑ Indoor backup space. Rain is rare in LA, but it does happen. A venue with an indoor option gives you peace of mind. If they don't have one, ask about tent rentals and their policy.
- ☑ Accessibility. Gardens often have uneven paths, stairs, or narrow walkways. If you have guests with mobility needs, ask about the specific layout. A truly inclusive venue will have a plan for this.
- ☑ Gardener or maintenance schedule. A well-maintained garden looks beautiful year-round. Ask when they do major pruning or planting, and make sure it won't interfere with your wedding date.
If a venue can check all five, you're in good shape. If they stumble on any, proceed with caution. Your garden wedding should feel like a sanctuary, not a survival test.
Red Flags I Saw at Other Garden Venues
- 🚩 Astroturf everywhere. I've seen venues pass off a patch of plastic grass as a "garden ceremony site." It's not the same, and it photographs terribly. Always ask if the grass is real.
- 🚩 No shade and no plan for heat. A garden without shade is just a sunny field. If they can't tell you how they handle July weddings, that's a red flag. Your guests will thank you for checking.
- 🚩 The coordinator uses "bride and groom" and won't stop. This is the fastest inclusion check. If they can't adapt their language, they can't adapt their venue. Walk away.
The Exact Email to Send Before You Book a Garden Venue
Even with my recommendations, always send this email before signing anything. It takes two minutes and saves a lot of heartache.
Subject: Question about our garden wedding — same-sex couple
Hi [Venue Name],
We're considering your venue for our garden wedding on [date]. We're a same-sex couple (I use [your pronouns], my partner uses [their pronouns]), and we want to confirm a few things before we proceed:
1. Does your contract use inclusive language, and can it be modified to remove "bride and groom" if needed?
2. Do you have gender-neutral restrooms near the event spaces, or can you provide a plan for that?
3. Can you share examples of same-sex weddings you've hosted, including photos if possible?
Thank you so much! We're excited about the possibility of celebrating with you in your beautiful garden.
[Your names]
If they answer all three clearly, book with confidence. If they dodge question 1, move on. There are plenty of gardens in LA, and some of them actually want you there.
Who Should NOT Book These Venues
These garden venues aren't for everyone. Specifically:
- If you want a massive 200+ guest wedding — these gardens are intimate by design. The Botanical Courtyard can stretch to 120, but it feels best under 100. For a huge wedding, consider a hotel ballroom, but apply the same inclusion checks.
- If you have a strict budget under $3,000 for the venue alone — garden venues in LA can be pricey. You might be better off with a backyard wedding or a small park permit, but those come with their own challenges. If you need budget options, check out our guide to affordable LA venues.
- If you or your guests have severe allergies or mobility challenges — gardens are full of plants and uneven ground. Always ask about accessibility and allergen considerations before booking.
For everyone else — these three are the safest, most joyful garden bets in LA right now.
Verdict
If I had to pick one for a romantic, intimate garden wedding: The Secret Garden at Mar Vista. It's the one I recommend most often, and it never disappoints. The owners, the staff, the setting — everything feels like it was designed for love, not for a transaction. If you want something a bit more formal, the Botanical Courtyard is elegant and reliable. And if you want a modern, city-garden vibe, the Urban Oasis is a breath of fresh air. All three will make you feel like your love is the most natural thing in the world. And that's exactly what a garden wedding should do.
Need budget decor? Check DHgate for lower-cost options. Shipping may take longer, but prices are often lower.
FAQ: Garden Wedding Venues in Los Angeles for LGBTQ+ Couples
Are garden weddings in LA more expensive than indoor venues?
It depends. Some garden venues are premium because of the setting and maintenance costs, while others are surprisingly affordable. The venues on this list range from $$ to $$$$, so there's something for different budgets. Always ask for an itemized all-in proposal, and don't be afraid to negotiate for off-peak dates.
Do I need a backup plan for rain at an LA garden wedding?
Yes, even though rain is rare. The Botanical Courtyard has an indoor backup, and the other two can accommodate tents. Always ask the venue about their rain policy before booking. You don't want to be scrambling for a tent on your wedding morning.
Can I have a garden wedding if I'm non-binary or genderqueer?
Absolutely. All three venues on this list have demonstrated comfort with non-binary couples and use inclusive language. The Secret Garden and Urban Oasis are especially strong, as they are queer-owned. Just use the email script to confirm before booking, and trust your gut.
What should I wear to a garden wedding in LA?
Think comfortable and breathable. Gardens can be warm, especially in the afternoon, and the ground can be soft. Avoid stilettos that will sink into the grass, and consider a lightweight fabric. Your guests will thank you for mentioning this on your wedding website.
How far in advance should I book a garden wedding venue in LA?
For popular spring and fall dates, book 9-12 months ahead. For summer or weekdays, 6 months is usually enough. The Secret Garden and Botanical Courtyard book out especially fast, so don't wait too long if you have your heart set on one.
Where to Go From Here
Now that you have your garden venue shortlist, your next step is to find an inclusive officiant who will deliver a ceremony under the trees or start building your garden wedding budget. I've also written a guide to finding inclusive vendors that will help you with every other category.
And if you want to see my raw notes from visiting these gardens — including the exact shade measurements and the one venue with a truly terrifying rose arbor — I've saved them in our research archive. Read the unedited notes here.