Best Arboretum Independence Near Me

Heather Estrada: My daughter was married on Saturday at a secret garden. My experience was so wonderful, I would rate it at 20 stars if it was an option. You get a beautiful garden to marry in and a stunning reception area for all the fun. The food was very tasty and all the ladies were on point and so sweet . The Dj kept the music going with all the good songs. The photographer was everywhere taking photos making sure she got everything and also a sweetheart. The wedding coordinator had her hands full with us, the bridal party was running behind , but she kept everything running smoothly and was so patient with us, a genuine nice lady. Now for Russ , the owner , I have never met anyone else more engaging and thoughtful, he listened to everything we said , made all the bridal bouquets and all the grooms bouquets absolutely stunning. He took something I said and made a quote of it and put on the floor for the wedding as a surprise! I can’t say enough good things about all of them and our experience. Definitely consider this for your wedding venue. Thank you to the whole team for such a wonderful experience.

Pat Lampton: Our granddaughters wedding and reception was held there.

Keegan Ellis: My Wife and I had such a great wedding, everything went smoothly and calm the whole day. Russ did so much to make the day perfect for us and he did everything in his power to make my wife’s dream wedding!!!! If you’re thinking about having a wedding here there’s no complaints from anyone that attended or from us! Russ made the night perfect and so pretty!

Kaylie Baikie: Got married Friday amd my theme was the legend of zelda. They made it happen it was a dream come true. I appreciated everyones help. Food was amazing and delicious. The drinks at the bar were delicious and the music and photos beautiful. I would recommend this place to my friends who are looking to get married in the future. My husband and I loved it

Alicia Bailey: Having my wedding at A Secret Garden was the most amazing experience! Russ and his team brought to life an absolute fairytale for me and my new husband. The planning experience was so smooth and stress-free for us, I was surprised at how easy they made planning a wedding. My groom and I had everything taken care of for us on the big day which meant we could truly enjoy ourselves and take the whole day in. We even got to eat dinner, just the two of us! All of our guests were impressed by the venue and enjoyed the evening. The professionalism, the creativity, and the attention-to-detail mindset of the entire team blew me away! I absolutely would recommend A Secret Garden to anyone planning a wedding!

Jennifer Harper: I would give Russ 10 stars if I could! I was married here on February 25, 2023 by Russ and I could not have been more pleased with the the entire process. We are from the Columbia, MO area so we had to coordinate most of the details over the phone but Russ was responsive and executed my desire of a "simple, yet elegant" wedding flawlessly. He took my idea, transformed it into a vision while listening to my feedback to ensure I would have a wonderful wedding day, and put together an event that will provide a lifetime of beautiful memories. The engagement was only a few months long but you would think that it took Russ a year to put it together; that is how extravagant and well-executed it was. It was convenient and stress-free that there are relationships established with a caterer, photographer, DJ, and bar service. Due to the time of year, we had the ceremony indoors on the balcony instead of in the garden. It was lovely all the way around! Thankfully, the weather was warm for February and we were still able to get some photographs with the brilliant lighting in the garden. Russ is truly talented and I give my highest recommendation to him. The only slight concern we had was the trim on the edge of the dancefloor was a bit loose but that is an easy fix. Glinese did a great job as the day-of coordinator and I am grateful that her presence allowed the event to flow smoothly! Overall, it exceeded all expectations and I would make this venue choice 10/10 times. Thank you so much Russ!

Michelle: Beautiful venue.

Kaitlyn Ezzell: Had my dream wedding here! Russ will make your vision come true from start to finish with every little detail. The ballroom inside is absolutely gorgeous!!

Swell Signs: From the father of the Bride. Here I go again, another 50 stars to Russ and all his team. Just back on 4-8-22 my daughter got married with a beach themed wedding at this spectacular venue. It was so amazing, my other engaged daughter signed up right after the wedding. We just had her wedding on 11-18-22 and it was another magical wedding. I can't say enough good things about Russ and company. To say they go all out would be such and understatement. My daughter and her fiance chose a themed wedding based on the movie, Big Fish. I can't believe the level of detail Russ put into this wedding. The carnival games, the decorations and the actual live zoltar, it was totally unbelievable. Russ puts in the most heartfelt special touches specific to the bride, groom and family that just shows how much this man genuinely cares about making this the most special day no one will ever forget. About half the guests attended our other daughter's wedding earlier this year and everyone kept commenting on how much the venue was transformed to the new theme. I could go on and on but I'll leave you with this, if you want a spectacular destination wedding, then the destination you're looking for is A Secret Garden in Independence. No matter what destination you want in the world, I'm convinced Russ can make you believe you are there, without ever getting on an aircraft.Russ, another job well done my Friend, take care. Scott Burton

Andrew Reynolds: Beautiful garden. Getting married in the near future and Russ is a saint. He knows everything we needed and several things we didn't even think of. Highly recommend this place.

Gladice Hawkins: Beautiful Venue and great staff

Karen Brewer: I couldn’t have imagined a better place for my daughter and son-in-law’s wedding. So many special moments and special touches you don’t see at other weddings, which made this all the more wonderful. They couldn’t have picked a better place to have a nice intimate affair with close family and friends. You can’t go wrong choosing this place for your special event. Absolutely beautiful!! 11/2 - I am still getting comments from the guests gushing over this venue!! Russ, you and you team has done a wonderful job with this place. It’s beautiful , magical and breathtaking!! I can’t think of anything else you could do to improve on what you have. You have simply outdone yourselves!!

Cortney Black: Nice place, bigger than you may think. I have done event rentals services several times here and the staff are very nice and helpful.

Antidote Salon: Updated Review...I wrote a review a couple months ago about this venue solely based upon one experience. I am a BridalBeauty Artist and frequent venues sometimes 3-4 times a year. I have not only worked at this venue 2 times now, but have also worked with 2 brides pre-wedding that have booked here. My first experience was not a good one and I felt it appropriate to speak out. The other 3 since then have inspired me to come back and review it yet again.The owner, who was the topic of my last review and that I now know is very eccentric is very hands on and really does have your best interest involved. Sometimes he may be a little over the top but it seems he works very hard to go over and beyond the norm. The wedding that I reviewed was also a Sunday wedding. If he worked iver night 2 wedding in a row, I could see how he maybe very exhausted. As I mentioned in my last review the space is beautiful and he decorates the place w extreme passion. Everytime I visit I'm in awe of his handy work!The only reason I only gave a 4 star is because there are some things that could be updated in the garden, which I have been to several venues like I mentioned all around Kansas City and could say the same about all of them. I also want to advise from experience with all 4 brides to make sure that when groom rings, bridal head pieces, or anything else are being made by the venue, please have him measure them twice. Some of them come back too small and cuts it close on timing for finished products. On the other hand don't hesitate to purchase these because the work is stunning!With that being said, this place is lovely, the theme secret is delivered, and I do adore it and all it's perks! If you are looking for a garden to say your vows..this one may be the best kept secret in Kansas City!

Tracey Evans: Went to a wedding here on 10/21. I was absolutely blown away. Lived in Independence for almost 20 years and never knew it existed. A hidden gem.

Bailey Young: A Secret Garden was such a wonderful venue to host our wedding ceremony and reception. Not only is it a beautiful venue, but it is a one stop shop. Russ handles florals, linens, decorations, place settings, day of wedding coordination - everything! Our guests have continued to talk about how beautiful the venue was. Our wedding was such a special day and A Secret Garden only added to the magic. What Russ created for us was just what we envisioned and was truly beautiful.

Karen Petree: What a wonderful experience at this beautiful wedding venue selected by Mr. and Mrs. Russ Bliss! The owner, Russ Lawrence, went above and beyond to create the most intimate wedding event I have ever witnessed. I was most impressed with his passion for people in general. I instantly felt like I was part of his family. His Wedding Coordinator, Gleanice Brown, was professional and kind. I highly recommend this lovely venue and look forward to planning a social event there in the future.

Isabelle Dusch: My husband and I got married at A Secret Garden on October 1st 2022! I have always wanted an elegant magical princess wedding ever since I was a little girl. Russ, Glenise, and their team went above and beyond to make that happen for me! We gave Russ our colors; wine, blush pink, and gold. When I walked into the reception hall I was blown away! I cried and cried because it was just so beautiful and magical! We had no idea what our centerpieces were either, Russ surprised us with those and I was awestruck! The food and service was amazing too! Linda and her team definitely did not disappoint because the food and cakes were wonderful! I also loved our music from the DJ Kurt because he played music that everyone could dance to! I saw some people on the dance floor dancing that I haven't ever seen dance before!! I will forever remember everything about my wedding day as perfect! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone!

Russ Bliss: There is NO ONE better than Russ at A Secret Garden. Our wedding was so much more than we thought it would be. He and Glenise made everything grand and important. His personal attention cannot be matched - if you think it can, contact me and I'll be glad to prove you wrong.Our wedding will be etched in my memory forever as one of the greatest days in my life and it is all because of A Secret Garden.

Dani McPeek: We stopped by for the Strawberry Festival! The vendor selection was amazing and it was a perfect day for an event! We did not tour the mansion, but it is on our list to check out soon! Looking forward to it!Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure Price for adult entry Free …More

Kathy Beck: Enjoyed the Strawberry Festival. I wish I had more time to go see all the craft booths. I wish it didn't close at 4. It was starting to get a breeze in the shade lol There was as no cost for festival but $10 adults for tour of mansion. I suggest doing the tour any other day. It was to rushed the day of festival.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Eric Hougland: Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sureMore

Shari m: Really beautiful place that really needs a new sidewalk around the outside of the property. Could really be an extraordinary place for a wedding or tea party.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Michael Young: Beautiful and stunning…must stop and see!Visited on Weekend Wait time Up to 10 min Reservation recommended Not sure Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Eilleen Hiscock: A wonderful historic Mansion with a super tour guide.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Melissa Ann: Truly a beautiful place to visit

Star Crandall: Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sureMore

Anne Lange: very interesting history, this house is definitely haunted you can just feel itVisited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure Price for adult entry Free …More

Brenda Green: I had a friend in town from another country. We visited on Monday (it was closed) but we enjoyed walking the property. We both felt spirit energy in the front of the house and on the parking lot side. This would be beautiful to visit in the fall. There are a double line of maples on the property.Visited on Weekday …More

Michael Dolan: I have always loved Vaille Mansion and the history it represents. This Location has a long and storied history that is well documented. There is constriction going on at the street in front of the property, but that shouldn't get in the way of getting in the parking lot.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure Price for adult entry Free …More

Kelli Beth: Well worth a visit! Our tour guide was awesome! He was dressed to the period the mansion was built. He was very knowledgeable.Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Niki McElroy: Me and my mom had a great tour a few months ago. What a beautiful well preserved home.Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Anita Cramer: Interesting tour, very unique. Guide was knowledgeable and fun. Each room decorated for the holiday.Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Yes Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Athena L. McConnell: I was simply amazed by the beauty of the mansion. The Christmas decorations were charming. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the mansion from our group's tour guide; Don. The entire visit was a splendid Christmas treat!Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Not sure Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

Judy B: Historic Mansion. Just beautiful!!Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Yes Price for adult entry $6–10 …More

aaron reynolds (Big Mac): Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No Price for adult entry $1–5More

Mike mccarter: Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended Yes Price for adult entry FreeMore

Cat Cauley: I would give 100 stars if I could. Thank You to Sandy and the others who gave us such a treat. The mansion is just beautiful art and architecture. I recommend visiting!

Marilyn Lynch: Very informative. Good tour guides. Plan to go back and see Christmas display.