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The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens
Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones
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Canopy of Lights
St. Therese of Lisieux
“When one loves, one does not calculate”
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The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens blends modern elegance with a rich local history. Once known as Compass Rose Garden, the venue was founded over 50 years ago by Donna Cook Freeman, a beloved community figure who transformed the land into a gathering place for celebrations of every kind.
We proudly continue that tradition today, offering a beautiful, fully equipped Wedding & Events Venue designed to bring your vision to life—whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lively reception.
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Photo by ES.Studio
The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens
Bay Flat Rd @ Eastshore Rd
Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
For reservations and general questions contact:
Manager
Donis Rosales
[email protected]
(707) 396-9432
Pricing | Frequently Asked Questions | Book a Tour
Welcome
The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens
Property Manager
[email protected]
(707) 396-9432
Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
Home
Packages
FAQs
Gallery
Book a Tour
◈ Interior Pages — 9 pages crawled--> Garden Pics | Bodega Bay Secret Gardens top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. June 2023 May 2023 Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page --> Venue Pics | Bodega Bay Secret Gardens top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 2023 Past Seasons Load More Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page --> Gallery Tour | Bodega Bay Secret Gardens top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our Gallery Get a glimpse of our gardens, our venue, past weddings, or a virtual tour. For the most recent content, follow our social media channels. Virtual 3D Tour (Last updated in 2023) View The Gardens View Venue Spotlight View Wedding Highlights View Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page --> FAQs | Bodega Bay Secret Gardens top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Frequently Asked Questions Find Your Answers Here Rental Packages The Grand Secret Garden Experience Dream Wedding Day Pure Connection What’s included with the rental fee? Your rental includes exclusive access to one of our stunning redwood groves and outdoor garden spaces—an unforgettable setting for your celebration. All packages include: Wooden foldable chairs Plastic tables (60" round or 6‑ft rectangular) for up to 120 guests Propane heaters Private ceremony area Bar area with main bar table + appetizer table Covered dining pavilion Decorative lighting and water features Two dressing rooms The Bird Nest — a private treehouse retreat for couple's post‑ceremony Wooden dance floor Rustic outdoor catering prep area (not an industrial kitchen) Restrooms and potable water Bring‑your‑own alcohol (no corkage fee; host liquor liability insurance required) Seasonal rotating flowerpots throughout the property Pre‑planning walkthroughs Music permitted only on your wedding day (see hours below) Additional amenities depending on your selected package What are the music hours? Music is allowed only on your wedding day and must follow local sound‑ordinance guidelines: Weekdays (Monday–Friday): music must end by 9:00 p.m. Sundays: music must end by 9:00 p.m. Saturdays: music must end by 10:00 p.m. These hours apply to all amplified and non‑amplified entertainment, including DJs, live bands, and speakers. How do I reserve my date? Contact Donis at (707) 396‑9432 or
[email protected] Where is parking available? Parking is available at 1555 East Shore Road, Bodega Bay, CA Do you offer vendor services? We’re happy to provide referrals for reputable vendors who frequently work at our venue. You may hire any outside vendors you prefer. All vendors must visit the venue in advance—especially if they have not worked here within the last two years—to understand the layout and prepare for any logistical considerations. All vendors are independently contracted by the hosting party. What do I need to provide for my event? You’ll be responsible for arranging: Catering (food + beverage) Table linens, dishware, glassware, and flatware Wedding planner or day‑of coordinator Décor, signage, and personal details Entertainment (DJ, live band; music ends by permitted hours above) Photography and videography Additional transportation beyond our 13‑passenger in‑town shuttle (included with The Grand Secret Garden Experience and Dream Wedding Day packages) Accommodations Event insurance Any additional services not listed above All hired vendors must be disclosed to management. Is your venue LGBTQ+ friendly? Absolutely. We proudly welcome and celebrate all couples at The Secret Gardens. Do you have a Vacation Rental available for guests? Yes! We’re delighted to offer our own nearby Coastal Getaway with Amazing Views Vacation Rental —an inviting, comfortable retreat just minutes from The Secret Gardens with views of Doran Regional Park beach and The Links at Bodega Harbour. It’s a wonderful option for couples, family members, or anyone who wants to stay close to the celebration and enjoy a peaceful coastal escape. Explore our property and book it here: Coastal Getaway What are the nearest accommodations? For lodging within walking distance, we recommend: Porto Bodega Marina & RV (RV campground only, situated across from The Secret Gardens) Bodega Harbor Inn (Uphill from us) Bodega Bay Inn (Uphill from us) Bodega Dunes Campground (RV campground and tent camping) This campground has a pedestrian entrance at the opposite end of the main vehicle entrance, providing access to Bay Flat Road near the Bodega Bay Equestrian Trailhead for shuttle pick‑up or an easy 0.3‑mile daylight walk to the venue. Campsites 22–98 are located along the driving loop that connects to the short trail leading to the bay. Visit Reserve California or call for a reservation 48 hours to 6 months in advance at 1-800-444-PARK. Within 48 hours, all reservations are closed and you must arrive at the park in person for first come, first serve camping; no holds, no exceptions. Available sites will be sold at the kiosk on a first come first serve basis starting at 12 noon. *** Please note that pedestrian infrastructure in Bodega Bay is limited in many areas of the main CA1 highway. Although walking along the main CA1 highway may seem acceptable to some individuals during the daylight, extreme caution must be used. At nighttime visibility is significantly reduced because of minimal lighting, and heightened caution is required. Reach out to management for alternative options after dark such as our shuttle service *** Additional hotels, vacation rentals and campgrounds are available within a short drive in Bodega Bay (5 minutes): Inn at The Tides Bodega Bay RV Park (RV campground only) Hotel Dega The Lodge at Bodega Bay Westside Regional Park and Campground Doran Beach Regional Park and Campground Further distanced South of Bodega Bay (15 minutes): Sonoma Coast Villa Valley Ford Hotel Further distanced north of Bodega Bay (30 minutes): Jenner Inn River's End Restaurant & Inn Other nearby vacation rentals close to the venue include: Treasure on the Bay: Houses 1 Treasure on the Bay: Houses 2 Treasure on The Bay: House 3 Beautiful Coast Home Getaway w/ Amazing Views Harbor Master Harbor Retreat, Relax, Unwind Harbor Cutie – Family Friendly Bodega Bay Beachfront Bungalow Deer Meadow Coastal Hills Art Gallery Dreamy Sonoma Coast Home w/ Waterfront Views Las Brisas Peacehaven Amazing Views Casa Bella Vista Wine Cellar Bay Bayview | Fireplace | Balcony Boathouse Azul Casa Sereno by the Sea Ravens’ Nest Nearby towns and cities with more hotel options (30 minutes' drive to/from Bodega Bay) Occidental Lodge (Occidental) Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites (Sebastopol) Guerneville/Russian River area offers one-of-a-kind retreats from AutoCamp to West Sonoma Inn & Spa . CA 101 Sonoma County corridor offers the full city convenience, lodging and amenities (1 hour drive to/from Bodega Bay) Petaluma Rohnert Park Santa Rosa Windsor Healdsburg Does the venue have ocean views? The venue itself does not have ocean views, but the nearby Porto Bodega Marina offers beautiful backdrops with boats and wildlife—perfect for photos. For sweeping coastal scenery, explore: Bodega Bay Trailhead Doran Beach Bodega Dunes Beach North Salmon Creek Coleman Beach Overlook Arches Rock Vista Point Click here for more places and things to do, courtesy of Bodega Bay Escapes. What is the closest airport? The nearest airport is Sonoma County Airport (STS) , located 25 miles from The Secret Gardens. STS offers flights via American Airlines , Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, plus private jet services through Sonoma Jet Center and Kaiser Air . Major car rental companies are also available onsite. Additional airport options: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 70 miles Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 70 miles Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 90 miles San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 90 miles Where can I find a nearby gas station, market, or deli? Convenient options include: Pelican Plaza Grocery & Deli Diekmann’s Bay Store 76 Gas Station Tides Wharf Fish Market Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More --> Wedding Pics | Bodega Bay Secret Gardens top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 2023 Season Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page --> Packages | Bodega Bay Secret Ga top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Venue Rental Packages Choose which of the rental packages fits your needs and let us know your preferred dates and times for availability. Here is a quick recap of what we have to offer: Grand Secret Garden Experience A perfect getaway to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the secret gardens, Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast, designed for ultimate relaxation and scenic indulgence leading up to the big day. Option 1 (*Saturday Wedding) Check-in: Thursday, 3 PM Check-out: Sunday, 12 PM *10 P.M Noise curfew on Saturdays. Option 2 (*Sunday Wedding) Check-in: Friday, 3 PM Check-out: Monday, 12 PM *9 P.M Noise curfew on Sundays. A bridal themed suite featuring plush furnishings with two bedrooms, living room, laundry room, a fireplace, and a spa-like bathroom in addition to what the Dream Wedding Day rental package offers. Price $16,000 Wedding Guest Count 40 - 120 Nonrefundable booking deposit $2,000 due at the time of reservation. Refundable security deposit $2,000 and remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your scheduled event. Additional and optional services available for purchase. Dream Wedding Day Elevate your celebration with the ultimate flexibility to choose the perfect date for your special moment. This package offers exclusive access to our venue and choose a Friday, Saturday or Sunday rental, providing the ideal setting for both your wedding ceremony and reception. With its stunning ambiance and unmatched charm, this venue ensures that your big day will be as unforgettable as your love story. Rehearsal time included the Friday prior. * 10:00 P.M Noise curfew on Saturdays * 9:00 P.M Noise curfew on Sundays & Weekdays Price $14,000 Wedding Guest Count 40 - 120 Nonrefundable booking deposit $1,000 due at the time of reservation. Refundable security deposit $1,000 and remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your scheduled event. Additional and optional services available for purchase. Pure Connection Focus on the joy of celebrating and connect with close family and friends in an intimate setting. Ideal for microweddings and other significant ceremonies like elopements and private vows. Rehearsal time included the Friday prior. Price $7,500 Rental Period 11 A.M to 11 P.M * 10:00 P.M Noise curfew on Saturdays. * 9:00 P.M Noise curfew on Sundays & Weekdays. Wedding Guest Count up to 40 guests. 50% payment due at the time of reservation. Refundable security deposit $1,000 and remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your scheduled event. Additional and optional services available for purchase. Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page --> 3D Virtual Tour | Bodega Bay Secret Ga top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Secret Gardens 3D Virtual Tour Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page --> Book a Tour | Bodega Bay Secret Ga top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Home Services Thanks for your visit! Service Information Venue Tour for Brides & Grooms 1 hr Request to Book Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page --> About | Bodega Bay Secret Gardens top of page Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Everlasting memories for you and your loved ones Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. A Garden Venue That's Hard to Forget We’re in the business of creating experiences for you and your guests to remember forever. Every element of your celebration should be special, starting with the venue. To find us... Journey along the westward coast - at the edge of the map. North of San Francisco and just beyond the vineyards of west Sonoma County, the winding highway leads you to the nestled in cove below the coastal fishing town of Bodega Bay, California. You have arrived... Take a step through the gates, and behold, an enchanted Secret Garden. Under the grove of redwoods, and dotted amongst the emerald green and wispy ferns, flowers, in their season, dance in the breeze. You might say, you have travelled to a magical wonderland of a place. You may find yourself looking back at the gate to make sure you are still where you thought you were. The Secret Gardens welcomes you. Come along, there is more to see... As you travel down the path, you are immersed in a world of unbridled beauty. In every direction, delightful abundant blooms of rhododendrons, irises, dahlias, anemones, and camellias offset against a backdrop of delicate Japanese maples and cherry trees, all cozily nestled under the towering redwoods... A truly idyllic setting for making memories together. Get in Touch History Donna Cook Freeman first transformed the two-acre cove of rambling briars and blackberries into a wonderland of fern and willow gardens. Her husband constructed storybook tiny cottages placed perfectly amongst the flowers. The Compass Rose Garden was very loved, carefully gardened and run by the Freeman family for many years. One family's beautiful Compass Rose Garden has now grown into the award-winning "Bodega Bay Secret Gardens"... This hidden spot along the coast holds memory, love and growth. Hannah and Horus Brailsford, the proud owners of Bodega Bay Secret Gardens, bring over 23 years of experience from the legendary Gallatin River Hideaway in Bozeman, Montana. They loved the experience of having wedding and event venues, sharing many special occasions. Horus passed away in October 2024 due to cancer and he leaves a lasting legacy behind. In the short course of a few years, they updated the gardens into its former beauty. They hired Donis Rosales as the venue manager who cares for and maintains the grounds, as well as provide customer service experience for the weddings. There are many new additions, and we continue to add more romance each year. New additions include a Grooms dressing room/Nanny's room-aptly named the "Sweet Suite". The "Birdsnest", a structure created for Lovers to get away during the hecticness of the wedding, its purpose is for... the Bride and Groom to steal away for a much-needed decompression time after the ceremony. One Bride threw her bouquet from the window of the "Birdsnest"....another Bride made her entry into the Garden meeting her awaiting Father to escort her to the newly built Wedding Arbor. Many changes have and continue to be made to the Gardens....they have been changes that enhance the natural beauty that what was already there! Horus was a commercial fisherman in Bodega Bay in his twenties. He and Hannah have regularly returned over the years to share their love of the land and waters of the rocky Pacific coastline. On such a visit Fall of 2014, they wandered into the Gardens… and fell in love at first sight. They soon purchased the Gardens, fully knowing that they would soon begin their adventures inspired by the serenity and sense of wonder found amongst the redwoods. Horus will be dearly missed by his family and employees alike. Get in Touch Welcome The Bodega Bay Secret Gardens Property Manager
[email protected] (707) 396-9432 Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA Home About Packages FAQs Gallery 3D Virtual Tour Venue Gardens Wedding Events Book a Tour More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page