A Private Garden Venue in the Heart of San Antonio
Secret
Little
Garden.
San Antonio's premier private garden venue for weddings, quinceañeras, corporate events, and milestone celebrations — open vendor policy, a curated Masters of Hospitality culinary network, and dedicated TABC-licensed bar service.
500+
Events Hosted
Open
Vendor Policy
TABC
Licensed Bar Service
People's
Choice Venue
Explore Our World
One Garden. Endless Possibilities.
San Antonio's People's Choice
Cultured. Graceful.
Yours, San Antonio.
Nestled on one acre in the heart of San Antonio's beloved Southtown Arts District, Secret Little Garden is a premier private garden venue and event space unlike anything else in the city. Our property features four distinct spaces — The Secret Garden (up to 500 seated / 650 reception), Ciao & Zen Studio (80 seated / 100 reception, climate-controlled), the Love You Long Time Pavilion (50 seated / 80 reception, covered outdoor), and The Apothecary (10-person VIP lounge & staging area) — all connected by lush landscaping, string-lit canopies, and the kind of details that make your guests catch their breath.
We are a venue of the people — cultured without being cold, graceful without being distant, and fair without compromise. Secret Little Garden partners with San Antonio's finest culinary talent through our Masters of Hospitality network — a curated circle of trusted professionals who share our obsession with excellence. From quinceañeras that honor generations of tradition to corporate galas that redefine what "off-site" can feel like, every event receives the same obsessive attention, the same genuine warmth, and the same unwavering commitment to excellence. Your budget does not determine your experience here. Your vision does.
Secret Little Garden is the vision of Kristina Zhao — San Antonio hospitality entrepreneur, James Beard WEL Fellow, and the woman who has spent a decade building cultural institutions in this city because she believes a great meal, a beautiful space, and a room full of people who feel genuinely welcome can change the way a community sees itself.
You may know her from Sichuan House, her family's celebration of bold, authentic Sichuan cuisine. Or from Asia Market, the community anchor that has fed San Antonio families for years. Or perhaps from Dashi Chinese Kitchen & Bar — the legendary restaurant that redefined what Chinese dining could look and feel like in this city, and whose closing left a gap that San Antonio still feels.
Secret Little Garden is her most personal chapter yet. A one-acre Southtown garden where the hospitality is extraordinary because the host behind it has spent a lifetime practicing it. Where the food is memorable because it is made by people who care. Where a portion of every event benefits the Ciao & Zen Collective, because Kristina believes that success means nothing if it is not shared.
A portion of every event benefits our non-profit, Ciao & Zen Collective.
The People's Choice
Every guest, every background — treated with the same grace and intention.
Curated Vendor Network
A curated network. A dedicated venue host. Zero stress.
Sharp & Intuitive
We anticipate what you need before you know to ask for it.
10+
Years Creating Unforgettable Moments in San Antonio
Your Venue. Your Vendors. Your Vision.
Your Event.
Our Obsession.
Every Detail,
Handled.
When you book Secret Little Garden, you're not just reserving a space — you're gaining access to San Antonio's most curated preferred vendor network. Choose from our Masters of Hospitality for seamless culinary experiences, or bring your own approved team. A dedicated SLG Venue Host guides every event day from load-in to last dance.
We are San Antonio's venue of the people — cultured without being cold, graceful without being distant, and fair without compromise. Whether you are hosting 25 guests or 500, every event here receives the same obsessive attention to detail. Your celebration is not a line item. It is our purpose.
One Call Does It All
Your coordinator is your single point of contact for every vendor, every detail, every question.
12+
Service Categories
30+
Preferred Partners
1
Point of Contact
Catering & Bar
Choose from our Masters of Hospitality preferred caterers, or bring your own approved culinary team. Exclusive on-premise bar service provided by SLG.
Photography
Vetted photographers at every price point
Florals & Décor
Custom arrangements and full décor styling
DJ & Entertainment
Professional DJs and live music options
Officiant
Bilingual officiants for every tradition
Lighting & AV
String lights, uplighting & Bluetooth audio · AV/projection rental coordination
Cake & Desserts
Custom cakes and dessert table curation
Hair & Makeup
On-site beauty services for the whole party
Transportation
Luxury shuttles and arrival experiences
Photo Booth
Interactive booths with custom branding
Stationery & Signage
Invitations, menus, and custom signage
Hotel Partnerships
Room blocks at nearby Southtown partner hotels
Proudly Bilingual · Orgullosamente Bilingüe
Secret Little Garden serves all of San Antonio — in English and in Spanish. Our team includes bilingual coordinators who honor every cultural tradition, from the first waltz to la víbora de mar. Tu evento, nuestra pasión.
Have questions about pricing, catering, or venue policies?
Visit Our FAQ →The Heart Behind the Garden
Kristina Zhao
Founder · Hospitality Entrepreneur · San Antonio’s Sweetheart
James Beard
WEL Fellow
Born in San Antonio.
Built for San Antonio.
Secret Little Garden is the vision of Kristina Zhao — San Antonio hospitality entrepreneur, James Beard WEL Fellow, and the woman who has spent a decade building cultural institutions in this city because she believes a great meal, a beautiful space, and a room full of people who feel genuinely welcome can change the way a community sees itself.
You may know her from Sichuan House, her family’s celebration of bold, authentic Sichuan cuisine. Or from Asia Market, the community anchor that has fed San Antonio families for years. Or perhaps from Dashi Chinese Kitchen & Bar — the legendary restaurant that redefined what Chinese dining could look and feel like in this city, and whose closing left a gap that San Antonio still feels.
Secret Little Garden is her most personal chapter yet. A one-acre Southtown garden where the hospitality is extraordinary because the host behind it has spent a lifetime practicing it. Where the food is memorable because it is made by people who care. Where a portion of every event benefits the Ciao & Zen Collective, because Kristina believes that success means nothing if it is not shared.
James Beard WEL Fellow
Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow — recognized for hospitality vision and community impact.
Founder & Restaurateur
Founder of Sichuan House, Asia Market & the legendary Dashi Chinese Kitchen & Bar.
University of Texas Alum
Longhorn pride — bringing bold vision and Texas heart to everything she builds.
Community Board Member
Dedicated to San Antonio through Ciao & Zen Collective and local non-profit leadership.
“Hospitality isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. This garden is my most personal chapter yet, a place that blends my family’s traditions with the vibrant culture of this city to honor San Antonio’s stories, one unforgettable celebration at a time.”
— Kristina Zhao, Founder
Co-Founder
Brandon La Lanne
Co-Founder · Operations & Vision · DJ Extraordinaire
San Antonio born and raised. Brandon is the person who catches everything — the pieces that slip through the cracks, the details that fall between the lines, the problems that haven’t announced themselves yet. He is a mega-generalist in the truest sense: oil field roughneck, depot analyst, corporate policy architect, hotel operations manager, restaurateur, and DJ — not because he couldn’t commit to one thing, but because every environment he has ever walked into has asked something different of him and he has never once said no.
He is, in the best possible way, cut from the same cloth as Papa Zhao. He does not specialize. He adapts. And in a hospitality company that is building something new every single day, that turns out to be exactly the right person to have in the room.
Operations & Vision
The infrastructure behind the magic — logistics, policy, and the thousand things that make an event seamless.
DJ Extraordinaire
San Antonio’s secret weapon on the decks — because the right music at the right moment changes everything.
Photo Coming Soon
Brandon La Lanne
Brandon La Lanne
Co-Founder · Operations & Vision · DJ Extraordinaire
San Antonio Wedding Venue
San Antonio Wedding Venue
A Bespoke Wedding Experience,
Tailored to Your Vision.
At Secret Little Garden, we believe your wedding should be as unique as your love story. Design a celebration that perfectly fits your vision and budget. Your wedding experience is built from two simple components: the venue and the culinary experience.
Component One
The Venue: Your Private Garden Estate
Choose the perfect setting for your celebration, from an intimate gathering to a grand affair.
The Intimate Garden
Up to 80 Guests · Sun–Thu Only
$2,000 Mon–Thu · $2,500 Sun
The Garden Experience
81–150 Guests
Starting at $3,500
The Secret Garden, Exclusively Yours
Up to 350 Guests
Starting at $4,500
The Secret Garden, Exclusively Yours (Large)
351–650 Guests
Starting at $5,500
Our venue rental is comprehensive, including private use of the property, all in-house furniture, and the foundational labor and administration to ensure a seamless event. Pricing varies by day of the week and season. We would be delighted to provide a custom quote.
Component Two
The Culinary Experience: Curated Freedom
Secret Little Garden is a venue-only property with an open vendor policy. Choose from our curated network of Masters of Hospitality — San Antonio’s finest culinary teams, personally vetted by our team — or bring your own approved caterer.
Masters of Hospitality
$750 coordination fee — contracted directly with you
TABC-Licensed Bar Service
Exclusive on-site bar managed by SLG
From intimate plated dinners to grand reception feasts, your caterer works directly with you on a custom menu. Use our Quote Calculator for a full investment estimate, or chat with Tessa for a quick range.
The Secret Garden
500 seated / 650 reception
One acre of lush Southtown garden
Ciao & Zen Studio
80 seated / 100 reception
Climate-controlled indoor space
Love You Long Time Pavilion
50 seated / 80 reception
Covered outdoor pavilion
The Apothecary
10 lounge
VIP Lounge & Staging
Intimate Celebrations
Micro-Weddings: Grand Style, Intimate Scale
For those who believe bigger isn't always better, we offer a collection of thoughtful packages designed for intimate celebrations of 20–50 guests.
The Petal
An intimate ceremony and toast in the garden
4 hours · 20–30 guests
Daytime only · Concludes by 4:00pm
Starting at $1,000
The Bloom
An intimate celebration with a full dinner experience
4 hours · 31–50 guests
Daytime only · Concludes by 4:00pm
Starting at $1,500
Micro-wedding packages are intimate daytime celebrations, with events concluding by 4:00pm. For evening ceremonies, explore our standard wedding packages. Venue only — F&B additional.
Build Your Custom Quote
Use our interactive quote calculator to explore venue options, select your culinary experience, and see your estimated investment come together in real time.
Open Quote CalculatorYour Dream Wedding Awaits
The best way to experience the magic of Secret Little Garden is to see it for yourself. Schedule a private tour today, and let us build a custom proposal that brings your vision to life.
All packages are fully customizable. Pricing varies by date, season, and guest count.
San Antonio Corporate Event Venue
Host Unforgettable
Corporate Events.
From executive off-sites to holiday parties, Secret Little Garden provides a unique and inspiring backdrop for your next corporate event.
Venue Rental
Half-Day
4 hrs · up to 80
Starting at $1,500
Full-Day
8 hrs · up to 500
Starting at $3,500
Evening Social
5 hrs · up to 150
Starting at $2,000
Venue rental includes use of our indoor and outdoor spaces, A/V equipment, and all necessary furniture.
Catering: Your Vendors, Your Vision
Secret Little Garden is a venue-only property with an open vendor policy. Choose from our curated Masters of Hospitality network — San Antonio's finest culinary teams, flat $750 coordination fee, no venue premium — or bring your own approved caterer.
View our Masters of Hospitality for curated culinary options.
San Antonio Quinceañera & Celebration Venue
Celebrate Life's Most
Precious Moments.
Birthdays, anniversaries, quinceañeras, and showers — Secret Little Garden is the perfect place to gather your loved ones for a memorable celebration.
Venue Rental
Starting at $2,000
Pricing varies by guest count, day of week, and season. Includes private use of the property and all in-house furniture.
Catering: Your Vendors, Your Vision
Secret Little Garden is a venue-only property with an open vendor policy. Choose from our curated Masters of Hospitality network — San Antonio’s finest culinary teams, zero outside catering fee — or bring your own approved caterer.
View our Masters of Hospitality for curated culinary options.
We understand that every celebration is unique. Our bilingual team coordinates every cultural detail — from la víbora de la mar to the last waltz. Please contact us for a custom proposal tailored to your event size, style, and budget.
✦ Film & Photo Production ✦
Your Vision.
Our Canvas.
Secret Little Garden's one-acre Southtown property offers filmmakers, photographers, and content creators a lush, versatile backdrop unlike anything else in San Antonio. From sun-dappled garden paths to the moody industrial character of Ciao & Zen Studio, every corner tells a different story. No catering required — just bring your crew and your vision.
Garden Paths & Canopy
Natural light paradise
Ciao & Zen Studio Interior
Moody industrial character
String Light Canopy
Golden hour magic
Love You Long Time Pavilion
Covered outdoor, 50 seated / 80 reception
The Golden Hour
Quick shoots. Stunning backdrops.
From $500
- 2-hour property access — choose your spaces
- Bluetooth audio system available
- Access to The Secret Garden, Ciao & Zen Studio exterior, or Love You Long Time Pavilion
- Natural light + existing string light canopy
- On-site coordinator for access & logistics
- On-site parking for crew (limited spaces; street parking nearby)
Best for: Portraits, engagement shoots, headshots, social media content
The Feature
Half-day access. Full creative freedom.
From $1,500
- 5-hour property access — all outdoor spaces
- Ciao & Zen Studio indoor access included
- Bluetooth audio system throughout
- The Apothecary VIP lounge & staging area as talent green room
- Existing lighting + permission for supplemental lighting rigs
- Dedicated on-site coordinator
- On-site parking for crew & talent (limited spaces; street parking nearby)
- Pre-shoot location walkthrough included
Best for: Fashion editorials, brand campaigns, music videos, short films
The Director's Cut
Full-day. Full property. Full vision.
From $3,500
- Full-day property access — entire venue
- All indoor & outdoor spaces including Ciao & Zen Studio, Love You Long Time Pavilion, The Secret Garden
- The Apothecary VIP lounge & staging area as dedicated talent/crew green room
- Bluetooth audio system throughout
- Full lighting rig permission — bring your own or coordinate rental
- Dedicated on-site coordinator for full duration
- Load-in/load-out time included
- On-site parking coordination for crew vehicles (limited spaces; valet available)
- Pre-production walkthrough + planning session
- Craft services coordination available (contracted separately through a Masters of Hospitality culinary partner or your own approved caterer).
Best for: Feature films, commercial productions, multi-day brand campaigns, music video productions
Production Add-Ons
Extended Hours
Additional hours beyond package
$250/hour
Drone Permission
FAA-compliant aerial photography/video
$200
Overnight Hold
Keep sets in place for multi-day shoots
$750/night
Craft Services Setup
Cast & crew catering coordination — contracted directly with your chosen caterer
Quoted separately
Power Distribution
Generator coordination for high-power lighting
$300
Smoke/Haze Permission
Atmospheric effects with safety coordination
$150
Multi-day productions, commercial licensing, and custom packages available.
Contact us for a tailored production proposal.
Tell Us Your Vision
Not ready for a tour yet? Book a complimentary Vision Call — 15 minutes to an hour, your choice — and let’s explore what your dream event looks like at Secret Little Garden. No pressure, just possibilities.
What Does Today Hold?
Discover the ancient energetic signature of any date — then explore your complete soul portrait.
Bazi Day Pillar
Bǐng Shēn
Monkey
Yang Fire · 60-year cycle
Mayan Tzolk'in
5 Cauac
Tone 5
Sacred day sign · 260-day calendar
A complimentary gift from The Secret Little Garden · Love You Long Time
Giving Back · Higher Purpose
Ciao & Zen
Collective.
Secret Little Garden is more than a venue — it is a vehicle for good. A portion of the proceeds from every event we host flows directly to <strong className="text-white">Ciao & Zen Collective</strong>, our non-profit dedicated to community enrichment, hospitality workforce development, and creating access to beautiful experiences for those who need them most.
When you celebrate here, you are not just investing in your own unforgettable moment — you are investing in San Antonio's future. Ciao & Zen Collective fellows gain real-world hospitality experience by supporting events at Secret Little Garden and Love You Long Time, building the next generation of San Antonio's hospitality leaders. That is what we mean when we say we are the People's Choice.
Every Event
Gives Back to the Community
San Antonio
Our Home. Our Heart.
Ciao & Zen
Collective Non-Profit
"Every celebration carries its own energy. We honor the numerology of your date, the wisdom of your sign, and the intention you bring to this garden."
— Secret Little Garden
The Secret Little Garden Way
From Inquiry to Unforgettable
We do not just rent a space. We guide you through a seamless five-step journey — making you feel valued, understood, and genuinely excited at every touchpoint from first call to last dance.
Reach Out
— First ContactCall, text, DM, or fill out our inquiry form — however you are most comfortable. Within one hour, you will hear back from a real human on our team (not a bot, not a form letter). We will ask about your vision, your vibe, and your timeline so we can start dreaming alongside you.
Your Curated Tour
— See the MagicThis is not a generic walk-through. We tailor every tour to your event type — showing you exactly how your wedding, quinceañera, or corporate retreat would flow through The Secret Garden, Ciao & Zen Studio, the Love You Long Time Pavilion, and The Apothecary VIP lounge & staging area. You will leave with a clear picture of what your day could look like.
A Thoughtful Proposal
— Your Custom PlanWithin 48 hours of your tour, you will receive a personalized proposal — not a cookie-cutter quote. It reflects your guest count, your style, your must-haves, and your budget reality. We include package options, add-on recommendations, and a transparent breakdown so there are zero surprises.
The Warm Follow-Up
— We Stay CloseWe check in — not to pressure, but to answer questions, adjust the proposal, or simply reassure you. Planning an event is emotional, and we want you to feel supported at every step. If you need time, take it. If you need changes, we make them. We are here.
The Effortless Yes
— Let's Make It OfficialWhen you are ready, we make booking seamless — a simple agreement, a secure deposit, and a dedicated coordinator assigned to your event from day one. From here, we handle everything. You just show up and enjoy the moment you have been dreaming about.
Ready to begin your journey?
What Our Clients Say
Moments That Speak
for Themselves
"This garden did not just host our wedding — it became part of our love story. The Love You Long Time Pavilion, the string lights over The Secret Garden, the food from Chef Zhao’s team... our guests are still talking about it months later."
Sofia & Marcus R.
Wedding · October 2024
"We have done our annual leadership retreat at three different San Antonio venues. Secret Little Garden was the first time our team actually did not want to leave. Ciao & Zen Studio for breakout sessions, The Secret Garden for networking — it sparked creativity in a way a hotel conference room never could."
Jennifer T.
Corporate Retreat · March 2024
"My mother’s 70th birthday was the event of the decade. The team here took my vision and turned it into something I couldn’t have even dreamed up. The attention to detail was absolutely extraordinary."
Carlos M.
Milestone Celebration · June 2024
A Glimpse Into the Garden
Our Commitment to You
The SLG Promise
We believe in hosting with grace, clarity, and respect for your vision. When you book Secret Little Garden, you can expect:
Freedom of Choice
We welcome your preferred culinary team. Choose from our Masters of Hospitality network, or bring your own approved caterer.
Clear Pricing
Your venue rental fee is exactly that. We do not add mandatory venue service charges or corkage fees to your bill.
True Exclusivity
When you book Exclusively Yours, the garden is yours alone. No shared spaces, no overlapping events. Just your people, in your private sanctuary.
We're Ready When You Are
Every Great
Event
Begins Here.
Tell us about your vision. We’ll respond within one hour — personally, warmly, and ready to make it happen. Whether your event is a year away or just around the corner, we are here, and we’ve got you.
Start Your Inquiry
Fill out the form below and our team will respond within 1 hour.
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