Come and see whether The Secret Garden feels like your place
The best way to experience The Secret Garden is to visit in person, walk through the gardens and imagine your wedding weekend here. We’d love to show you around, answer your questions and hear more about your plans.
Book a viewing
Questions about your special day? Reach out and we’ll help you every step of the way.
Phone
07746 946118 or 01446 760851
Questions about getting married at The Secret Garden?
General venue questions
Where is The Secret Garden located?
The Secret Garden at Duffryn Mawr is located near Pendoylan in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, within easy reach of Cardiff and the M4.
Is the venue for exclusive use?
Yes. Weddings at The Secret Garden are fully exclusive use, meaning the venue and accommodation are privately yours during your wedding weekend.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Guest numbers vary depending on the marquee and wedding layout. Please contact us to discuss your plans.
Is the venue family-run?
Yes. The Secret Garden is a family-run wedding venue, with Rosie and Simon personally supporting couples throughout the planning process.
Here are some of the things couples usually ask us about venue hire, ceremonies, accommodation, suppliers, food, drinks and planning a marquee wedding in South Wales.
Friendly support from first viewing to wedding weekend
We know planning a wedding comes with lots of questions. Every couple’s plans are slightly different, which is why we always encourage people to get in touch, arrange a viewing and talk through ideas with us directly. Below are some of the questions couples ask most often when planning a wedding at The Secret Garden.
Ceremony questions
Can we get married outside?
Yes. Outdoor ceremonies are one of the venue’s most popular features.
Are you licensed for civil ceremonies?
Yes.
What happens if it rains?
Alternative indoor or covered arrangements are available if needed.
Can we hold both the ceremony and reception at the venue?
Yes. Many couples choose to hold their full wedding celebration at The Secret Garden.
Marquee and styling questions
Is marquee hire included?
No. Marquee hire is arranged separately, allowing couples flexibility over style and layout.
Can we decorate the marquee ourselves?
Yes. Couples are welcome to personalise the space and styling.
Can we choose different marquee styles?
Yes. The venue works well with a variety of marquee styles and layouts.
Can we bring in our own florist and stylist?
Yes.
Supplier questions
Can we choose our own suppliers?
Yes. Couples are free to choose their own caterers, florists, entertainment and wedding suppliers.
Do you have recommended suppliers?
Yes. We’re always happy to recommend trusted local suppliers.
Can we have food trucks or outdoor catering?
In many cases, yes. We’re happy to discuss ideas and arrangements
Food and drink questions
Do you provide catering?
Couples arrange catering separately through their chosen suppliers.
Is there a licensed bar?
Yes. The bar is managed through The Secret Garden team.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
All alcohol served during the wedding celebrations must be purchased through The Secret Garden bar. The venue offers competitive pricing and flexible drinks packages.
Can we offer welcome drinks and toast drinks?
Yes. Drinks packages and arrangements can be tailored during planning.
Music and entertainment questions
Can we have a live band?
Yes. Evening music and entertainment take place inside the marquee in line with venue licensing requirements.
Can we hire a DJ?
Yes.
Is there a finish time for music?
We’ll guide couples through entertainment timings during the planning process.
Can we have outdoor entertainment?
Yes. Acoustic music without amplification is permitted outdoors before 5pm.
Accommodation questions
Does the venue have accommodation?
Yes. The Secret Garden offers a range of on-site accommodation options.
Can guests stay for the whole weekend?
Yes.
Is accommodation included in venue hire?
Accommodation arrangements can be discussed during booking.
Who usually stays on-site?
Most couples reserve accommodation for close family members and the wedding party.
Booking and payment questions
How do we book?
The first step is arranging a viewing.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A £1000 non-refundable deposit secures the booking, with the remaining balance due 90 days before the wedding.
Can we hold a date temporarily?
Yes. Provisional bookings can usually be held for up to 14 days without commitment.
When should we book?
Popular dates can book well in advance, especially summer weekends.
Accessibility and safety questions
Is there parking on-site?
Yes.
Is the venue accessible?
Please contact us to discuss accessibility requirements.
Do you recommend wedding insurance?
Yes. Wedding insurance is recommended for peace of mind.
Is the venue suitable for children?
Yes. Many couples choose The Secret Garden for relaxed family-friendly weddings