Clark Gardens in Weatherford, TX is undeniably beautiful. The gardens are lush, spacious, and well-maintained, with several lovely water features and scenic backdrops that make for stunning photos. The property feels peaceful and clean, and on our event day, the staff worked diligently to keep the main floor dry and safe despite steady rain.
However, there are some important things future guests and couples should know. While the venue sets up the essentials — such as tables and chairs — you’re largely responsible for ensuring all additional items and details are taken care of. Unfortunately, the gardens don’t hold rainwater well. Even under the tented areas, puddles lingered, leaving the bottoms of dresses and pant legs wet and muddy. Outdoor walkways quickly turned to soft mud, and accessibility was especially difficult for anyone using a wheelchair or stroller.
Another challenge is navigation. The website and Airbnb listings provide very limited instructions, and because cell service can be spotty in the area, GPS often struggles to lead guests to the correct entrance. There are multiple entry points — some private or gated — and with minimal lighting at night, it’s easy to get lost. Guests, especially older ones unfamiliar with digital maps, found this particularly confusing. It’s highly recommended to map out directions before losing daylight, as signage and visibility at night are limited.
The on-site cottage is charming, complete with beautiful peacocks wandering nearby, which adds to the charm of the gardens. However, guests should be aware that a copperhead snake was spotted on the cottage porch during our stay, so it’s wise to be cautious when walking the property at night. Additionally, while the cottage address is listed as the same as the main venue, there are multiple buildings and homes on the property — and no clear directions provided to distinguish which one is the cottage, adding to the navigation confusion.
The cottage host was incredibly kind, responsive, and helpful, which we greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, interactions with the venue’s day-of manager, Janet, were not as pleasant. While she was efficient and ensured key tasks were completed, her demeanor toward guests and wedding party members felt abrupt and unwelcoming at times. The bride and several guests experienced interactions that came across as dismissive rather than understanding, which added unnecessary stress to an already emotional day. For example, when there was confusion about use of the nearby kitchen area, instead of calmly clarifying, Janet corrected the bride sharply in front of others, leaving her embarrassed and uncomfortable. Later, the bridal suite was locked before cleanup was finished, which made the party feel rushed out.
While some staff were kind and hardworking, the overall experience — particularly due to inconsistent communication, confusing logistics, and tone of guest interaction — made the day more stressful than it needed to be.
That said, Clark Gardens remains a lovely location for photos and nature-filled celebrations. With clearer directions, improved accessibility, and more thoughtful communication from staff, it could easily become a top-tier venue experience.