Beautiful Historic Venue in the Heart of Houston
Holds ceremonies and receptions
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Custom discountExpires on 12/30/2026
Sunday weddings!
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Mariana Lemesoff Leiva
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (11X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
AvantGarden is a historically rich wedding venue in Houston, TX. This charming estate was originally built in 1896 and has been carefully maintained over the years to keep up its breathtaking architecture. Its vibrantly colored exterior and open-air event spaces make for a one-of-a-kind backdrop to your ceremony and reception. It’s also located near Montrose and the Museum District, for your guests to have many attractions to enjoy during your wedding weekend.
With its eclectic decor and choice of four indoor and outdoor spaces, AvantGarden acts as a memorable setting to host your life-changing events. This intimate property can accommodate anything from romantic elopements to weddings with 100 attendees. Guests will enter via the decorated entrance gate to the Front Court and porch which offers a relaxing view of the street during small get-togethers. A small romantic fountain sits on the red brick patio to add a tranquil atmosphere to your big day. Inside the main house are two intimate spaces, the upstairs Citron Room and downstairs AvantRoom, for you and your guests to mingle throughout the evening. You will be welcome to use the in-house get-ready area, for you and your wedding party to complete your finishing touches before your ceremony. Couples can exchange their vows on the secluded back patio, with strings of bistro lights hanging overhead to add a romantic touch. Lush green plants surround the space, to give your altar a visually rich aesthetic. You will also have access to three separate bars onsite, fully stocked with a variety of beverages from premium liquors to tea and coffee.
The team at AvantGarden will work closely with you, to ensure you have an unforgettable event. They happily work with both local and out-of-state couples and offer their space as a setting for destination weddings. Onsite catering is available, from hors d’oeuvres to desserts, to give you and your guests a variety of mouthwatering creations to choose from. Servers and bartenders can be present on your big day to ensure that all of your loved ones are cared for throughout the night.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Backyard
Ballroom
Garden
Historic Venue
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Bar Rental
Cakes & Desserts
Cupcakes
Other Desserts
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Planning
Food & Catering
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Se Habla Español
Wedding Design
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 3
- Mariana Lemesoff LeivaOwnerMariana L. Leiva has managed AvantGarden since 1996. In the Fall of 2007 she started dedicating her time to coordinating beautiful weddings at AvantGarden.
- Minerva L.TopchyDesign Coordinator. Artistic Director. FloristMinerva’s journey in art and design began at the tender age of 4, learning from her father and Chinese art Master Chiu Ping. By the age of 10, she was already assisting her father in conducting an art workshop at Johns Hopkins University. Her passion for the arts led her to pursue a career in various private and public institutions. Additionally, she earned a degree in Psychology and devotes her spare time to theatrical performances. In 2012 Minerva joined AvantGarden as the official florist and decorations manager.
- Christopher GottingMixologist. Event Bar ManagerChristopher became a team member in 2013. He specializes in crafting unique drinkable libations and has a strong passion for public relations and customer service. Additionally, he designs and oversees the cocktail menu.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0151 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
AvantGarden in Houston stands out as a remarkable wedding venue, earning high praise from couples for its beautiful setting and exceptional service led by Mariana and her team. From stunning decor to delicious catering options like food trucks and pizza, guests consistently rave about all aspects of their experience. The venue's inclusivity and flexibility in accommodating diverse preferences and styles, along with Mariana's meticulous planning and organization, contribute to creating a magical and stress-free wedding day that exceeds expectations. Highly recommended for a memorable and seamless wedding celebration.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Mimi G
Highlighted review.
5.0
1/29/2025
Hands down the best wedding venue! If you are looking for a beautiful venue and to not be stressed for your big day, book this place. All of the staff are amazing and Mariana cover...
s every part of the wedding details, decorations, food, etc. so beautifully. I would 10000% recommend this venue for any party your heart desires!
Kionna B
5.0
2/16/2026
We had our wedding reception at Avant Garden at the end of May, and honestly, it was everything we wanted. The venue is so beautiful—tucked away in this dreamy little garden that f...
eels cozy and inviting. It had the exact vibe we were going for… nothing stuffy, just a gorgeous space to celebrate with the people we love dearly.
Mariana was amazing and made the whole planning process super easy and she was there the day of to help out. We skipped a lot of the usual formalities, and everything still flowed perfectly. We did our dances right at the beginning and kept the cake cutting private, which meant the rest of the night was wide open for dancing and actually enjoying the party.
It was a little warm at first (which we had anticipated- welcome to May in Houston), but once the sun went down it felt great, and guests were able to pop inside to cool off if they needed. The food truck was a huge hit and matched the chill, fun vibe of the night.
Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how much fun they had. It felt exactly like us, close, beautiful, and full of good energy. We literally danced all night.
The only downside is the parking. We were advised to offer valet and I’m so glad we did, it took all the stress off our guests, and the valet team did a great job. We gave everyone a heads-up beforehand, so it ended up being no big deal.
Overall, it was an amazing night. I can't stop raving about the garden either. I'm obsessed! Truly the perfect spot for our reception, and we’d absolutely host another event here again.
Any questions?
Adrian Q
5.0
2/15/2026
We celebrated our wedding at Avant Garden on Feb. 7th and everything was amazing! Mariana helped us plan everything from decor to dinner and drinks. The whole process was relaxed a...
nd she really took the time to take our vision and make it a reality. The whole staff at the venue was incredibly kind, helped us stay on schedule, and took care of us from start to finish. It was a dream. Thank you, Avant Garden!
Jennifer B
5.0
1/27/2026
We had our wedding at AvantGarden in October of 2025. After touring quite a few options in Houston, we knew that Mariana and her team were the ones we wanted to help us plan our bi...
g day.
Mariana was very communicative throughout the entire process and has weddings down to an art. She has an endless list of local connections and trust us when we say to listen to her on the food and cake because people have not stopped raving about both months later.
We had use of the entire venue from top to bottom and while we designed our own centerpieces, the team set everything up exactly as we had envisioned, incorporating the perfect floral shades and designs to give our wedding a classy gothic feel rather than turning it into a Halloween party that happens to have a wedding.
We opted for mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks and they were a big hit with us and our guests. The food truck on site was amazing as was the cake Mariana helped us order.
The entire night went so smoothly and we didn’t have to worry about a single item and got to really enjoy our wedding and time with our guests. There aren’t enough words to express just how wonderful everything was and we cannot imagine how our day might have gone had we chosen any other venue. Truly a perfect experience.
Fatima M
5.0
12/03/2025
We held our lesbian wedding at AvantGarden in September. It was an evening wedding. The venue transforms beautifully. We opted to keep the disco ball up during the ceremony. We bro...
ught a piñata and the venue handled putting that up for us. Mariana was helpful and capable from start to finish. She was a steady presence throughout the planning stages and worked well with us. We’re type B planners and really appreciated all her work. I could not recommend this venue more. Our guests, largely trans and queer people of color aside from family, were welcomed and comfortable. It was the best day in the best hands.
Kirsten F
5.0
12/03/2025
Our wedding at AvantGarden was amazing!
The ceremony space was beautiful and was easily able to accommodate our ~100 guests. The venue does a good job managing its different space...
s and it never felt like there was a dead area or a place you didn't want to be. The dance floor in particular was amazing and far above our expectations!
Mariana was extremely easy to work with. She allows you to be as hands-off or as involved as you want to be in the planning process. She walked us through every step on our first meeting and clearly outlined all the options for design that she had available. Through the planning process we were able to meet with her almost any day we wanted to discuss any changes we had in the design or any new concerns that popped up for us that week. During the wedding she was extremely helpful at organizing everyone and making sure the whole night ran efficiently without any hiccups. Many of our guests said it was the smoothest wedding they had been to, there was never an awkward gap and that's all thanks to Mariana and her team!
Some other things worth mentioning:
The floral arrangements she created were stunning and exactly what we had in mind based on the inspiration photos we provided.
The catered tacos were delicious and our guests kept complimenting us on how great the food was!
The DJ was very communicative and helpful. We didn't have strong music opinions for most of the music and let him know that we were struggling to come up with playlists. He walked us through the process, helped us define our music style for each part of the night and sent us a full list of playlists that we could use as baselines and tweak to our liking.
The bar service was also great. We talked with a few of the bartenders ahead of time and outlined what we wanted (no top-shelf, shots not included on tab, etc.). The bar was otherwise full service with everything you can expect during their normal non-wedding operating hours. Our guests really loved that they were able to order their favorite cocktails.
Overall AvantGarden was the perfect place for our wedding and we are very happy with the experience. We would definitely recommend AvantGarden!
Xavier O
5.0
11/24/2025
Mariana and her team are a well-oiled machine!! Our reception flowed so smoothly, and our guests are still talking about how beautiful the space was and how delicious the tacos wer...
e. Avant Garden took such good care of us. Would 100% book this venue again!
Eden D
5.0
11/05/2025
We had our wedding at AvantGarden on October 18, 2025, and we could not be happier with how the day turned out. It's such a beautiful, special venue in the heart of Houston. Marian...
a makes the process easy, and couples can feel comfortable putting their trust in her.
She provides almost everything, from food to flowers. The food was delicious, and our guests are still talking about it. My bouquet, the table settings and our arch were to-die for. The ceiling decorations and disco ball are so fun and pretty in pictures.
Her team is capable and competent. Our bartenders and service staff were amazing. The DJ was beyond helpful. You can tell Mariana runs AvantGarden like a well-oiled machine.
As a type-A bride, Mariana and her team were exactly who I needed to make this day so lovely and memorable. They took so much pressure and planning off us. We will treasure this day for the rest of our lives. If I could go back and do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing. Thank you, Mariana and AvantGarden team!!!
Nathaniel H
5.0
10/23/2025
Our sincere gratitude for an amazing wedding at AvantGarden.
We were truly impressed by the transformation of the venue from a familiar bar to a beautiful wedding space. The barte...
nders were fantastic and ensured our guests enjoyed a continuous flow of cocktails. Everyone raved about the taco truck and the drinks. The cigar bar was also a huge hit, creating a great vibe for our older guests.
All the vendors were excellent, and we especially appreciate the event coordination, Mariana ensured every detail was perfectly managed, from the food to the cake, DJ, florist, and photographer.
We will be sharing photos soon. Thank you again to AvantGarden for making our special day so perfect.
Nathaniel and Annika
Sydney G
5.0
10/05/2025
We very recently had our intimate wedding at the Avantgarden and my Wife and I honestly couldn't have asked for more. The venue is stunning as you will see in the photos below and ...
made the whole day magical, from the ceremony itself to the unforgettable moments on the dance floor later in the evening!
Mariana in particular was the coolest head in the building. No matter how many questions we fired at her, she always had time for us and made us feel like no matter the request, she was there to make it happen. She made planning a wedding (at times all the way from London) look effortless and we really couldn't have hoped for a better wedding planner, host and coordinator.
That feeling transcended throughout the whole team at Avantgarden who were all so fun and engaging with guests (shoutout Cade for keeping my water on hand when the night got lively!)
All of the guests were so incredibly impressed by how stunning the venue was, how friendly and efficient the staff were and how fantastic the extras like the onsite Taco truck and Mariachis (Mariana's personal recommendation) which made for some fantastic photos.
If you are looking for a venue with bags of character, beautiful scenic areas for photos and a wonderful team to make your special day memorable then I cannot recommend the Avantgarden enough! We really were left wishing that the night would never end.
Photography Credit: Madeline Brice Photography (@madelinebricephotos)
Mason L
5.0
8/06/2025
We could not have asked for a more perfect day! Everything from the venue decor to the live music and food! The Avant staff handled everything that came up with efficiency and resp...
ect, I would trust them to host any event I may have in the future! 100% will be returning!!
ethan d
5.0
8/04/2025
AvantGarden is the perfect venue with the perfect person behind it! The space is magical, whimsical, eclectic, and full of charm. If you’re looking for something non-traditional wi...
th tons of character and flexibility, it’s AvantGarden.
Mariana (owner) is an absolute gem. From the moment we started working with her, I felt completely at ease. She knew exactly what she was doing, and made sure everything aligned with our vision without much follow-up. On the actual day, I didn’t have to worry about a single thing, and peace of mind like that is priceless.
What made our planning journey even more special is how beloved Mariana is in the Houston community—and not just the wedding community! Every time I mentioned her name around town, I was met with nothing but praise. It’s clear she’s built something really special with AvantGarden, and it shows in every corner of the venue. Heck, it shows in every corner of Montrose!
Whether you want to fully customize your wedding or have AvantGarden supply the dj, florals, seating, food, etc., AvantGarden is THE houston wedding venue. I can't recommend it enough!
Carolina L
5.0
8/04/2025
Where do I even begin? I had my wedding here and it was absolutely a remarkable experience. Depending on the package you chose, the more or less you can have included. I chose the ...
all inclusive - which included the venue, chairs/tables, decor, flowers, cake, a high bar tab, the taco truck, and pizza.
The venue has such a unique, beautiful, vintage charm that made for wonderful pictures and a cute, more intimate wedding, despite it being able to fit a large number of people. Though it was a bit hot, the bridal suite, the third floor of the venue, was private and beautifully decorated in the same antique style. It made for incredible photos of the bride and bridal party.
As for food- the taco truck was so delicious. Everyone in my family (all of which have different diets including vegan, vegetiarian, gluten-free, and more) were all able to eat without a problem - it was a huge relief. The oven pizza later in the night was also fantastic, especially paired with the drinks. TFurthermore, the staff were all of top of everything, moving and transforming the space from the ceremony to the reception. Service was incredible. They made sure the areas were always clean and tidy.
Lastly, Mariana, the owner is a godsend. Detail oriented and organized, she planned the entire event, so I (thankfully) did not experience the stress and drama of wedding planning. The only thing I had to bring was myself, my wedding party, and a few more pictures for the welcome table. Literally, she planned the whole thing, and I could not be more grateful. She also stayed through the entire event and directed everything, making sure everything went to plan. She is absolutely wonderful and really good at what she does. She truly made my wedding unforgettable.
After the wedding, so many of my guests comented on the beauty of the venue and how good the food was. They all said, it was well-chosen, and I agree.
Olivia P
4.0
3/26/2025
Mariana is very good at what she does setting up for a wedding and making the place look magical. The night went so fast I wish there was a little more communication on what was go...
ing on so I could understand what was going on but I was also very hands off during the whole process as a bride. If you want a fairly affordable wedding where you don’t have to stress about planning, this is the place for you. Her packages allow you to customize how much service you want her to provide or you could have her do it all and not have to lift a finger. The venue itself speaks volumes of how naturally beautiful it is every guest complimented how unique and fun it was.
lillian B
5.0
12/03/2024
Best wedding ever! That’s what I kept hearing throughout the night. And I am not just saying that, especially with it being my wedding. Mariana and her team are the A-team. She has...
a vision and she works with you. Every single detail was perfect. I gave her my vision and she worked with it. Also weddings are expensive, and she worked with our budget and worked with us. Especially when we got into a financial bind. She still worked with us. Very sweet, professional and overall top notch. You will not be disappointed and you will end your night happy, pleased, and will not stop talking about your event for the rest of your life.
Also choose the open bar in the package, the bar was lit!!
Kevin D
5.0
12/02/2024
We loved the ambiance at AvantGarden! It is a smaller venue that is bursting with character. Mariana and her team did an amazing job utilizing all aspects of the historic home and ...
property for the entire ceremony and reception. We loved how there was a variety of spaces to enjoy all the different aspects of the night. We wanted our reception to be firet and foremost "fun" and AvantGarden delivered with the upstairs dance area.
Nina P
5.0
11/22/2024
We had such an amazing experience with Marianna at AvantGarden! She made it so easy and takes care of everything! It’s a one stop venue and event planner!
Olivia S
5.0
11/17/2024
Amazing venue! Mariana is the best wedding planner, I couldn't have asked for a better wedding.
Christian T
5.0
11/10/2024
We had such an amazing experience at Avant Garden for our wedding! The venue itself is absolutely beautiful, and we loved how everything was taken care of—food, drinks, decorations...
, you name it. Mariana was incredible. Even though we didn’t have a ton of time to meet with her, she totally got what we were going for and made it all come together perfectly. The flowers and decor were gorgeous, and we even brought some personal touches to make it feel more like our day. Having everything included made the whole planning process so much easier, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate!
Camille B
5.0
11/08/2024
We had a beautiful wedding at AvantGarden.
My partner and I were looking for aesthetically pleasing and queer friendly wedding venues. When we emailed AvantGarden to see if they ...
are comfortable with LGBT weddings, Mariana swiftly replied, “At AvantGarden, love is love.” We went to tour the venue because it was beautiful online and we could not have been more pleasantly surprised by the fact that they do all inclusive weddings! The florals, cake, food, and DJ were all excellent. Pizza, cocktail hour charcuterie and the taco truck were all big hits with our guests. We’re very thankful to Mariana and her team!
Kristin W
5.0
10/28/2024
Mariana is superwoman. She nailed our vision perfectly with little direction from us. The way she set up our decorations and other personal items was perfect. She runs a well oiled...
machine! She and her team did a fabulous job, and the whole event went off perfectly! Thank you Mariana and AvantGarden!
Alexandra H
5.0
10/25/2024
I attended a wedding at Avant Garden in Houston and it was absolutely magical! The venue was beautiful and it was so well organized. Food was great as well as drinks. I would 100% ...
consider using Avant Garden as a venue to get married at when the time comes. Everything went so smooth and staff was kind and attentive. One of the best experiences I’ve had.
Rachel H
5.0
7/15/2024
We booked Avant Garden for our May 2023 wedding about 6 months prior. Mariana was wonderful to work with and made sure our wedding was beautiful! She was able to answer all our que...
stions and calm any concerns we had. Most everything is in house. Her daughter created the most beautiful bouquet that I dried and still have!
The outdoor patio was decorated based on our suggestions and felt magical!
The taco truck that works with the venue was so delicious! We were able to have both our preferred flavors for our cake. Everything was timed out perfectly and we didn't have to worry about a thing during the ceremony. The DJ worked through a playlist we created and everyone had a blast when we moved upstairs.
Been a busy year and finally getting to this review. Thank you again Avant Garden for our beautiful wedding!
Sarah P
5.0
4/17/2024
I cannot recommend this venue enough! If you want stress free wedding planning and a beautiful, fun wedding, this is the venue for you.
Mariana makes everything so easy and truly...
transforms the venue into the prettiest and coolest wedding venue. She was always available to answer questions and was super helpful. For example, we decided kind of last minute that we wanted a jazz quartet to play our cocktail hour and with one email to Mariana with all of her connections, she had a fabulous group booked for us.
All of our guests loved AvantGarden. From our friends who enjoyed the taco truck and the DJ upstairs, to our parents and older family members that were very appreciative of a quieter more relaxed place to talk and catch up downstairs.
I truly do not think there is any other comparable venue in Houston. I think you would be hard pressed to find another venue this unique, fun, and beautiful for the price. Plus, AvantGarden comes with the best planner and day of coordinator around!
Seriously, just book it! You will not regret it!
Alison S
5.0
4/09/2024
We recently had the most magical wedding day at AvantGarden, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience! From the moment we started planning, Mariana and her team were incr...
edibly professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. Mariana brought our wedding vision to life, and on the day of the wedding she ensured everything ran smoothly. The venue itself is gorgeous, you truly won't find anything like it in all of Houston. The taco truck & cake was absolutely DELICIOUS and a huge hit with our guests. Our friends and family are telling us it's the best wedding they've ever attended! Thank you so much to Mariana and the AvantGarden team for making our special day so memorable.
Cassie G
5.0
3/31/2024
My fiancé and I got engaged in August of 2023. We live in New York City and were planning a small wedding for December 2024 in Brooklyn. In January of 2024, my mom got diagnosed wi...
th a very aggressive stage 4 cancer, and was admitted to MD Anderson for treatment. We wanted to try and get a wedding together as soon as possible so that my mom would be able to enjoy herself and we could bring our families together to celebrate. I met with Mariana at the end of January to see if we could pull off a wedding in just 2 months, and she was confident we could get it done. She told me “I do weddings every single weekend and we take care of every detail. If you told me “I need a wedding next weekend” we could get it done.” I was nervous to take such a hands off approach and trust Mariana with everything, but decided to take a leap of faith and embrace the mindset that even if everything went horribly wrong (which thankfully nothing did) we would still have both our families together celebrating and my mom would be able to be there. Mariana planned and executed an INCREDIBLE day and we could not be more thankful. We got rave reviews on every aspect of the wedding from our guests. The two things I was most worried about were flowers and food (especially since we couldn’t find the time to try the food with such a short timeline). The food was absolutely incredible and I scarfed down those tacos as quickly as I could! I sent a PDF with inspiration of the kind of flowers I liked and the bouquet and centerpieces matched the vibe so perfectly I was completely shocked. For scheduling and flow of the event, Mariana and her staff were completely on top of it and the day flowed smoothly. The DJ was excellent and followed all our instructions perfectly, and picked great songs for dancing that got everyone up and moving. We had around 125 guests and it didn’t feel cramped or crowded at all for ceremony or reception, and it was enough people for a true party vibe. Even though we planned quickly and the wedding followed the usual wedding formula, the day felt so personal and we were able to find the time to add some small touches like custom wedding programs, table assignment cards, and some fun games at the end. I also had some unusual guest care requests - a couple of my guests are Orthodox Jews and I needed to get separate kosher food for them. Mariana understood and made sure they were taken care of. It was just perfect. We can’t thank her enough for this day and the memories that we will cherish.
Cynthia L
5.0
3/03/2024
I cannot say enough good things about Mariana (the owner) and her team. Mariana is cool, calm, collected and has a plan for the everything. She made the decision making process so ...
easy and made our vision come to life 100% of the way. Our friends and family are still talking about how great the service was and how hard working the entire team was. I would get married here again and again. I recommend this venue not only because it’s a historical house in Montrose, but it has character, it’s unconventional, it makes a wedding so much more magical and there is no other place like it. Unique at its finest.
maria s
5.0
2/27/2024
They did such an amazing job start to finish. Staff was so pleasant and able to accommodate with all requests.
Zack K
5.0
12/31/2023
We just had our wedding here and we can't say enough good things about this place.
It's whismical and unpretentiously beautiful.
The food served from the taco truck and the buffet...
with a lot of side dishes was great! Our guests loved the idea!
The staff was extremely helpful with the entire setup and clean up. They took care of every detail, coordinating and decorations.
Marianna and Bella were very easy to work with and made the whole process stress free for me and my wife. They really did an amazing job and answered all our questions and were very responsive from the beginning of pur wedding planning.
Also the dj, cake, desserts were all very good.
We are so glad to have chosen AvantGarden for our wedding!
Zack and Alice
Renee D
5.0
12/30/2023
My husband and I are highschool sweethearts.
We agreed to get married when we found the perfect place that described our personalities. Years later we found AvantGarden by chance a...
nd fell in love with the old mansion. We also wanted a patio wedding, AvantGarden provided both. We hosted 137 guests. The ambiance is amazing. Eclectic and authentic, elegant and fun. The food from the taco truck is a delicious tribute to our own special local Tex-Mex style in Houston. The dj and the staff were amazing. The florist made me a gorgeous bouquet, exactly what I envisioned. And Mariana was so attentive to every detail! She made the planning easy and fun for us. We couldn't have dreamed of a better celebration!
Dougie S
5.0
11/20/2023
Marianna was so great and Avant Garden was a beautiful venue! We were a bit indecisive and she had amazing suggestions for how to make our wedding special and memorable. The taco ...
truck was delicious and everyone enjoyed it. Everything went smoothly day of, we would gladly recommend her and Avant Garden!
Cristal P
5.0
11/10/2023
Mariana was amazing. Her composure and adaptability to one of the hottest days in Houston was amazing! She made so effortless and worry-free it was all I could ask for. Thanks so m...
uch, Mariana for making our special day truly special!
Matthew M
5.0
11/05/2023
We can’t say enough positive things about our wedding experience at Avantgarden.
We had never been to Avantgarden before, but after meeting Mariana and seeing the venue my wife a...
nd I both had no doubt it was the place we wanted to hold our wedding. The venue itself has such a funky and cool vibe, truly a gem in the heart of Montrose.
Mariana is an absolute pro. She worked with us to create a wedding package that was right for us. We never had any doubts that she had everything under control from the planning and logistics aspect. She also has such a calming vibe that really helped put our minds at ease leading up to the wedding.
Everything went so smoothly on the day of the wedding: The tacos and cake were fantastic, the staff was so kind and accommodating, and the DJ really took our song recommendations and created an amazing and unique playlist. We heard from so many guests that it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make our wedding so special.
Tahisha D
5.0
11/01/2023
I had my wedding on 10/15 and I had a wonderful day thanks to Mariana and AvantGarden. Many brides say that the wedding goes by quickly and they remind you to enjoy it - Mariana m...
ade sure that I enjoyed my day. If anything went wrong, I surely didn't notice or know about it. When we ran behind schedule, Mariana was able to pivot quickly and seemlessly. My guests have been raving about the uniqueness of the venue and the use of space. They also loved the taco truck and thought it was a nice touch. AvantGarden is the perfect venue if you're looking for a garden wedding aesthetic in a space that has charm, character, and quirkiness.
Brooke B
5.0
10/22/2023
I recently had a wedding at Avant Garden and it was the wedding of my dreams. I wanted a wedding with warmth, beauty and mystery, where little girls danced with their dads and peo...
ple fell in love in candlelit corners and longtime couples reconnected under the moon, and we danced until we could dance no more. This is exactly how it is at a wedding at Avant Garden.
The enchanting old house has a dark sparkly New Orleans meets Houston Montrose feeling. The paper lanterns and garden and flowers felt like a fairyland (and all the photographs reflect that) . Our guests loved the food! That taco truck is outstanding. Everybody was delighted. The cheese board and sweets table was also delicious and beautiful, and the cake (Tres Leches style from a famous East End Houston bakery) was a big hit.
Mariana has a fantastic staff and they have got weddings down to a T. They seamlessly guided the events of the evening. I didn’t have to worry about a thing. The valet parking was great, and the DJ was so friendly and had a great sense of how to keep the party going. As for the bartender- even the New Orleans guests were impressed and that’s saying something. (If you know, you know.)
I especially loved the little after-party upstairs. I honestly can’t think of any other venue that would let you party until 2 AM. Avant Garden has a long history here in Montrose, and it brought back the days of dancing at the venue back when it was Helios and before that, Mausoleum.
Throughout all of this, Mariana was a quiet but constant presence. We had our ceremony elsewhere (Avant Garden was the reception venue) and she even came to this other location to help.
A few things that may be helpful to potential brides:
As mentioned, we had the ceremony elsewhere although most people have it at Avant Garden. I wish I had hired a day-of planner because so many things came up (rental car! pay the mariachis! Etc). If you choose to have a ceremony elsewhere I would hire a day-of planner. If you have the whole thing at Avant Garden you will be fine without one.
I might have hired a florist for my bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets and the boutonnieres for the guys because the Avant Garden flowers are not as polished as a professional florist. That is not to say the flowers were not beautiful, it is just a little personal thing of mine. If you like a more bohemian look you will be delighted with Avant Garden bouquets.
I wish I had gotten some pictures posing on the Avant Garden balcony. It’s such a gorgeous shot, but I was too busy dancing!
I wish the Houston weather had been a little cooler. If you want a wedding in the cooler months, be sure to reserve 6 months or more in advance. That said, there were fans and it was not too bad. The upstairs after party was air conditioned.
Some reviews mention that Mariana did not show up for a planned initial meeting. This happened to us, but everything turned out okay. If it happens to you just eat at the taco truck and reschedule. She will come through.
Mariana has been active in the Montrose arts community for many years. She has preserved a physical historic space and also a cultural one. Apart from my wedding, I am grateful for her contributions to Montrose. Thank you so much Mariana!
Our family and friends all told us how unique and beautiful the wedding was, and what a wonderful time they had.
Amanda H
5.0
5/03/2023
We recently had our wedding at AvantGarden and it was absolutely amazing! Mariana is incredibly dedicated to ensuring that the day goes as perfectly as possible. She has lots of ex...
perience coordinating weddings and knew how to handle every little thing that came up. In the planning stages, she instantly understood the aesthetic we were going for, and it was executed perfectly. We were blown away by the flowers, taco truck, cake, and the wonderful staff.
Mariana and her staff set up all the decorations and dance floor props we brought, and helped gather all our things at the end of the night. They also had fun with us - the DJ danced all night long and the bartenders wore our LED flower crowns, which made us so happy! It felt like everyone wanted to celebrate with us.
Our guests had a blast and we received lots of comments about how fun the wedding was. They raved about how delicious the tacos were. The venue is unique, charming, and so beautiful - especially under the lights at dinner. The atmosphere is magical and dream-like, and the venue photographs beautifully as well. We have zero reservations when it comes to recommending AvantGarden!
Meredith S
5.0
4/18/2023
I LOVED having my wedding at Avant Garden! Mariana is so knowledgeable and experienced with hundreds of wedding on her belt, that I just had to answers questions and she took care ...
of the rest! She planned it, coordinated it the day of, decorated, had a whole crew for setup/shutdown, and ALL within a very reasonable price point. Service was amazing, the crew were quick background players, she was so sweet and patient with me, and I have already recommended this place to other people. 10/10.
Jacquelyn B
5.0
4/12/2023
We had our wedding at Avant Garden two weeks ago (March 26, 2023), and it was truly amazing! I'm a planner at heart so it was difficult for me to let go of managing all of the deta...
ils, but I couldn't be happier with the results. Avant Garden is such a cool space and very unique! Our event was fun and high quality without being stuffy or overly formal. I also feel like you get SO MUCH bang for your buck with this venue. You'd be hard pressed to find another all inclusive venue at this price point in any major city - plus she does discounts for Sundays and holiday weekends.
We did the all inclusive package which came with flowers, DJ, food, cake, bar, decor, and day of coordination. 100% worth it, and if considering Avant Garden I can't recommend enough to go with this package. Let's break all of these components down a bit…
• Food - The taco truck is truly top notch - every guest was raving about the food. There are great options for vegetarians and gluten intolerant guests as well. They also do an option for late night pizza - we opted out because we were on a budget but I'm sure it's amazing.
• Bar - Since Avant Garden is an actual bar people could get anything from a complicated/gourmet cocktail to a basic mixer. Legitimate cocktails! And we had the bar open before the ceremony which is extra fun.
• Flowers - Absolutely gorgeous! All I did was send Mariana a Pinterest board and she made it come to life.
• DJ - The DJ was fine, but not amazing. He was a professional and followed our instructions for the processional and recessional, but didn't really follow our guidelines on the 'party' music. Nonetheless, we had a super fun dance party and it was a good time.
• Décor - Mariana has amazing stuff in her inventory and the space looked beautiful. The only thing you will have to provide are signs and photos. Here is a list of everything we brought - welcome sign, seating chart, table numbers, ceremony 'reserved row' signs, framed photos of couple, 'guest book' sign, 'gifts & cards' sign
• Cake - Mariana works with a local bakery and the cake was gorgeous! We did a two tier, the top chocolate and base tres leches with floral decorations.
• Day of Coordination - Not much to say here other than that Mariana is a true professional and kept us in mind all evening. She even blew air conditioning on our sweet heart table during dinner so we wouldn't get too sweaty!
Five stars across the board - You cannot go wrong getting married at Avant Garden!!
Michael P
5.0
2/04/2023
We had our wedding at AvantGarden a few weeks ago, and it was great! The process was smooth, the staff members were attentive and kind, the DJ was great, and the place was beautifu...
l. The food truck and pizza was delicious. In the planning stages, Mariana was great at answering our questions and helping us figure out what would work best for our wedding day. Our families also mentioned how much they appreciated Mariana's knowledge and calm personality on the day of.
We highly recommend AvantGarden! During and after the wedding, our guests told us how much they love the space. Having such specialized bartenders on site also made it easy for us and our guests to get whichever drink we wanted. Overall, we had a great experience and are excited to go back and visit.
Heaven S
5.0
1/18/2023
Our wedding at Avant Garden was beautiful, fun and everything unfolded effortlessly. Mariana and her staff were very attentive. The DJ recommended by Mariana was on point with th...
e music, the food was tasty (we went with taco truck), and the drinks were good. The venue is spacious, and they transform this place into something very special for weddings. Our flower arrangements – especially my flower crown and bouquet - were stunning and exactly what I wanted. Our vegan dessert, cakes, especially our gluten free cake were delicious. As a coordinator, Mariana worked hard to create our vision, incorporated our feedback and collaborated with us on some creative things we wanted to do differently. Our night was magical, and everyone had a great time.
P.S. Mariana is very good at what she does. Trust Mariana.
Fallon H
5.0
1/06/2023
We chose Avant Garden to host our December 17th, 2022, wedding and it was a true and utter dream. Mariana the owner, eased all our concerns and delivered us the most beautiful wedd...
ing day we could have imagined. The venue fit perfectly with the mystic fairy tale wedding I envisioned and is an all-purpose facility. We were able to host our ceremony there, use the covered patio for a sit-down dinner hosted by the taco truck housed in the parking lot, and use the 2nd floor area for a dance party after the reception. The decor provided was stunning, and the building played a part in making sure our theme was executed to a tee. Mariana has a full staff that works for her, and they effortlessly set up every detail of our wedding. Bar service was available, as well as full waitstaff. The food was amazing, and the self- serve taco truck was a hit amongst our guests. They designed my bouquet which I thought was beautiful, and had the venue decorated to my liking. Every concern I had was quickly addressed. My now husband and I will be forever grateful to Mariana and the Avant Garden family for everything. If you are looking for an eclectic hidden gem in plain sight with old school vintage charm. Our only complaint is that we wished we could do it again every weekend and have Mariana continuously re-create our wedding day. We HIGHLY recommend.
Katelyn A
5.0
12/27/2022
I've read a lot of reviews about how accommodating AvantGarden is for events, but I'm not sure anybody can top our experience. Our wedding was set for what turned out to be the abs...
olute coldest day of the polar vortex around Christmas, and Mariana and her staff were able to move the entire wedding inside and still make it look absolutely magical. They did not miss a beat and kept the whole event going seamlessly, keeping our stress levels low and making sure everybody had a great time. Their timing for everything was on point and all of our guests told us how beautiful everything turned out! I am absolutely recommending AvantGarden to any and everybody in Texas!
Christie A
5.0
12/04/2022
We absolutely recommend AvantGarden for couples who are looking to have an authentic, colorful, and relaxed wedding! The music, ambience, and charm had our guests raving about the...
fun and beauty of our special day.
I was drawn to this venue because I spent many years living in the heart of New Orleans, embracing the richness of courtyard gardens and classic architecture. That made AvantGarden such an easy pic. I also loved that we could provide our guests from all over the United States a chance to experience a touch of the classic and authentic feel of this diverse and cultured city.
I must also add that our day was very cold and rainy. This did not disrupt our experience in the least. Mariana and her team did an exceptional job reassuring me throughout the day leading up to our ceremony that all would be marvelous despite the terrible weather. The patio where the ceremony and dinner took place was covered and heated well.
Lastly, the food truck was awesome! Efficient and incredibly tasty.
Tricia P
5.0
12/02/2022
My husband and I could not have dreamt up a more magical day! Mariana and her team did an amazing job executing our vision. Our friends and family are still raving about what an a...
mazing wedding it was! I would 100% recommend AvantGarden for your big day.
Tylor H
5.0
12/02/2022
Mariana was fantastic. the venue was beautiful and everything was taken care of for us down to the smallest detail. when it came time for our special day, the venue, the food, and ...
the coordination were truly the least of our worry. would highly recommend.
Jim H
5.0
11/28/2022
Mariana (owner and wedding planner for AvantGarden) is a real treasure in the Houston wedding scene. While you're wedding will need to fit within certain parameters, Mariana ensure...
s that it is tailored to your desires and that the event goes off without a hitch - well, except for the expected one :)
From our first meeting she was engaged with our process and eager to make our special day truly outstanding! In particular, I appreciated how her wedding packages cover all the various vendors you'd otherwise need to arrange ala carte (e.g. bar staff, DJ, catering) and each vendor was of the highest quality. We did need to find our own Hair & Makeup and Photographers but even there Mariana had a list of vendors who had worked at AvantGarden which was a big help!
The day before, Mariana was there for our rehearsal, ready to help. We were perhaps not as prepared as the average couple yet Mariana was there to help us structure the ceremony - and added some flourishes that could only be done at a venue like AvantGarden! The day of, Mariana and her staff worked tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. When we would get distracted by friends and family, Mariana was ready to usher the party onto the next phase so that we were able to have all the celebration we could ask for without incurring overage charges from the vendors!
All in all, an excellent experience and Mariana herself ensures that an event at AvantGarden will get you a great bang for your buck - not to mention a wonderful event.
Jacob C
5.0
10/24/2022
We can't recommend AvantGarden enough after our October 2022 wedding. It's the perfect place for couples looking for a beautiful, well-run venue with tons of character. My fiancée ...
and I weren't interested in a ballroom-type reception, and we loved the laid-back but elegant atmosphere at AvantGarden. We also appreciated that Mariana and her team make everything really easy and take care of a lot of details (at a great value, too). Admittedly, we were a tiny bit nervous ahead of the wedding because Mariana seemed so relaxed about everything coming together. But all of the reviews were right: Mariana and her team make everything go off without a hitch. The staff were exceptional, coordinating with vendors (including our all-important frozen margarita machine provider) and making sure everything went seamlessly during the reception. The decorations were beautiful, especially for the flowers and centerpieces (we just offered some thoughts on what we wanted, and Mariana's team made it happen). The DJ made sure everyone had a blast. The late-night pizza was great (even if we were stuffed by then). We were just thrilled with how everything went on our wedding night, and all credit goes to the AvantGarden crew.
Courtney H
5.0
7/11/2022
After researching many venues online we came across Avant Garden. We thought it could be the venue for us so we rushed to schedule an appointment. After touring the venue and meeti...
ng with Mariana we knew that same day we’d be married at Avant Garden. Having a taco truck at our wedding was always a goal for us and the option to have oven brick pizza was a bonus. Mariana was very helpful throughout the whole process. As a bride I was worried about the rain and cold weather. Mariana has a way of calming you down and reassuring you that everything will be great. And everything was amazing. Having her as the day of coordinator was a blessing. The flowers were exactly what I had envisioned, the table decor was perfect. Our guests loved the taco truck, there was so many options. The uniqueness of the venue is perfect for those who do not want to be in one room. Having three bars worked out great. The DJ was easy to work with and handled the night perfectly. The 360 camera was a last minute add on and we can’t stop watching the videos. Our guests really enjoyed it. Our signature drinks were exactly what we wanted. An old fashioned for the groom and a blueberry lemon drop for the bride. The sparkler exit was the perfect way to end the night. Our family and friends can’t stop talking about how much fun they had at our wedding. February 26th,2022 was the best day ever! Thank you Mariana.
Kristie C
5.0
4/11/2022
I could not say enough good things. Mariana and her team are exceptional! She was so calm which kept me calm the day of the wedding. We went the with more expensive all inclusive p...
ackage and it was worth every penny. Our friends and family loved the venue. We can’t wait to go back to celebrate our many anniversaries!
Brandon D
5.0
3/31/2022
Had our wedding and reception here on a Saturday and couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Mariana is an absolute all-star, and her venue is unbeatable for 100-125 gu...
ests. All 3 bars were stocked and staffed by fantastic bartenders. Her DJ was outstanding and easy to work with - I sent him a list of songs for each phase, he picked up the vibe and rolled with it. The lighting, decor, flowers, succulents... literally everything Mariana put together was amazing and I'm eternally grateful to her for putting it all together and coordinating all the fine details. 11/10
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AvantGarden
Mariana Lemesoff Leiva
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