Waldo’s Secret Garden in Vero Beach – Weddings, Events & Old Florida Charm

If you’ve ever wished the Driftwood Inn and McKee Botanical Garden had a whimsical, slightly wild love child—you just found it. Tucked behind a quiet street, Waldo’s Secret Garden is a family-run oasis where banyans, relics, and stories of Old Florida set the stage for weddings, art festivals, ghost tours, and community gatherings.

We sat down with owner Charlotte on the Vero Beach Podcast to learn how a family homestead became one of Vero’s most unique venues—and why locals and brides alike fall in love with the magic here.

🎧 Listen to Episode 1 — Origins & Old Florida Vibes
How a family property became a beloved venue, and why “imperfect” is part of the charm.

The Story: From Family Homestead to Beloved Venue

Charlotte grew up in Vero Beach, studied digital media/web design at UCF, and discovered pretty quickly that the property was meant to be shared. After hosting early weddings “for dirt cheap,” the family realized people weren’t just renting space, they were responding to the feeling of the place. Today, Charlotte stewards 13 acres: the front two acres for events and living space, and the back an old dairy with cavernous barns—slowly being unearthed, curated, and reimagined.

“People don’t mind the cracks. They want to see history in progress.” – Charlotte

You’ll see it everywhere: hand-wrought iron, an outdoor Spanish kitchen, twin 20-foot dining tables, and layers of antiques with real provenance. Nothing staged, everything storied.

What It’s Like to Visit Waldo’s Secret Garden

Walking in feels like stepping through a hammock of shade into another time. Weddings glow under string lights; art festivals draw thousands; on select evenings, ghost tours weave a different kind of tale. It’s wild, but inviting. Florida, but elegant…with just enough patina to make your photos (and memories) unforgettable.

🎧 Listen to Episode 2 — Day-to-Day, Events & “Secret” Surprises
How the venue transforms for weddings, art fairs, ghost tours, and more. Plus, the behind-the-scenes rhythm that keeps it all humming.

Why Waldo’s Weddings Feel Different

This is a bring-your-vision venue. No cookie-cutter packages. Choose your own caterer, DJ, and bar approach (bring your own alcohol). Charlotte offers a helpful planning packet with vetted suggestions, if you’d like them. The result? Weddings that feel personal and cinematic, not templated.

And yes, the folklore is part of the fun. There are stories, there are sightings, and there’s still plenty of room for romance. Think Old Florida with a wink. 🌴👻😉

Beyond Weddings: The Antique Barn & Events

Once a mechanic shop, later a flower shop, the Antique Barn now opens one weekend a month (Sat–Sun, 10–3). It’s become an easy way for non-wedding guests to explore the property, browse treasures, and soak up the vibe.

🎧 Listen to Episode 3 — Community, Collaboration & What’s Next
Charlotte on Vero’s community spirit, local partners, and preserving Old Florida character for future generations.

Ways to Experience Waldo’s Secret Garden

• Book a tour for an event (wedding, shower, celebration of life, fundraiser)
• Visit the Antique Barn on its monthly open weekend (first/second weekend, 10–3)
• Attend special events (art festivals, seasonal ghost tours, creative pop-ups)
• Follow for updates on new ideas Charlotte’s brewing (hello, plant propagation days may be in the future)

Be sure to plan a visit to Waldo’s Secret Garden in Vero Beach

Charlotte’s vision is simple: a self-sustaining property where people gather, learn a little history, and leave with a good feeling. Whether you’re planning vows under the lights or browsing antiques under the oaks, Waldo’s Secret Garden is the kind of place you don’t just visit—you remember.

📍 Location: 5000 12th Street, Vero Beach, FL
🌐 Website: www.waldossecretgarden.com
📱 Instagram: @waldossecretgarden
🗓️ Antique Barn: Open monthly (Sat–Sun, 10–3) — check socials for dates

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FAQs

Is Waldo’s Secret Garden a wedding venue or an event space?

Both. It’s a flexible outdoor venue for weddings, showers, celebrations of life, festivals, ghost tours, and creative community events.

Do you have in-house vendors or packages?

No fixed packages. You can bring your own caterer/DJ/bar, and Charlotte provides a planning packet with suggested local pros if you want recommendations.

Can I visit if I’m not planning a wedding?

Yes. The Antique Barn is open monthly (two days, 10–3), and select events are open to the public. You can also request a tour.

What makes the property unique?

Authentic Old Florida charm, historic architecture, a Spanish outdoor kitchen, twin 20-foot dining tables, wrought iron, banyans, antiques, and the spirit of Waldo Sexton woven through it all.