Tucked away on Alto Road in Seagoville is a private waterfront retreat that many local residents may drive past without realizing what is behind the gate.
Lake Tenison offers five private acres built around a three-acre lake, giving families, businesses, churches and organizations an outdoor event destination without requiring a trip across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The property can accommodate more than 100 guests and includes several separate gathering areas.
What may make the property particularly attractive to local families is the price.
Current Lake Tenison rental rates start at $395, with even a 12-hour Saturday rental priced at $795. Those rates place the property well below the advertised prices of several traditional private-event venues in the surrounding area, although amenities, services and event packages vary significantly from one facility to another.
A Private Lake Without Leaving Seagoville
Lake Tenison is designed for people who want more than an indoor room with tables and chairs.
Guests get a private outdoor property with water views, covered gathering areas and enough open space to spread out. The property is suited for birthday parties, family and class reunions, graduation celebrations, weddings and receptions, anniversaries, church gatherings, company events, cookouts and other private celebrations.
The main covered patio seats approximately 24 people. A waterfront deck provides seating for about six, while a large event tent offers another covered seating area for approximately 24 guests. The surrounding property provides additional space for larger gatherings.
That setup allows an event to use different parts of the property rather than keeping everyone confined to a single banquet room.
A birthday party could use one area for food and another for music or games. A reunion could establish the covered patio as the main gathering point while guests move throughout the property. Weddings and receptions can take advantage of the waterfront setting for photographs and outdoor celebration space.
What Does Lake Tenison Cost?
Lake Tenison currently offers four straightforward rental options:
- Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to midnight: $395
- Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight: $695
- Saturday, noon to midnight: $795
- Sunday, noon to midnight: $595
The Saturday and Sunday rentals provide up to 12 hours of access, while weekday and Friday rentals cover six hours.
For perspective, the $795 Saturday rate works out to about $66 per scheduled rental hour, while the $595 Sunday rate is just under $50 per scheduled hour.
The $395 Monday-through-Thursday option may be particularly appealing for families willing to celebrate outside the traditional weekend schedule. A six-hour private waterfront rental at that price works out to roughly $66 per scheduled hour.
How the Rates Compare
Venue prices around the eastern and southeastern Dallas area vary tremendously depending on the type of event, number of guests and services included.
For example, publicly advertised prices on Eventective list A Bella Vita in Seagoville at $2,750 to $5,750 for weddings. Hidden Little Chapel in Mesquite lists a $800 DIY rental and wedding packages reaching $3,200. Rusted Rail Golf Club and Wedding Venue near Kaufman is advertised at $5,000 to $8,000 for weddings.
Those are not identical products or packages, and couples comparing wedding venues should examine exactly what each price includes. Full-service wedding facilities may provide amenities and services that Lake Tenison does not.
Still, Lake Tenison’s $395-to-$795 posted rental prices create a considerably lower entry point for someone primarily seeking private event space rather than a comprehensive event package.
That difference can leave families with more of their budget available for catering, a DJ, decorations, photography, entertainment or other parts of the celebration.
More Than Just the Property
The rental price includes several items that hosts might otherwise have to obtain separately.
Lake Tenison lists tables, chairs, a large tent, covered facility, BBQ grill, wet bar, portable toilet, private gate and access to the lakeside property among the features included with a rental. Renters should confirm the quantities and placement of equipment when making their reservation.
Outside vendors such as DJs, caterers, musicians and decorators may be considered, but they should be discussed with Lake Tenison before the event. The person booking the property remains responsible for vendors and their compliance with venue rules.
Adult guests may also bring and consume their own alcoholic beverages during an approved private event. Lake Tenison does not sell or provide alcohol, and alcohol cannot be sold during an event.
Important Rules Before Booking
The lake is intended as a scenic feature rather than a recreational swimming area.
Swimming and fishing are prohibited, and boats, kayaks, paddleboards, floats and similar water equipment should not be brought for use without specific written approval. Firearms are also prohibited anywhere on the property.
Because Lake Tenison is an outdoor property, guests should also understand that insects, snakes and other wildlife may be present. Required waivers must be completed according to instructions provided for the event, and children must be closely supervised, particularly near the lake and deck areas.
Setup, decorating, vendor deliveries and cleanup must normally occur during the approved rental period unless additional access has been authorized in writing. Hosts should therefore include setup and cleanup time when planning their event schedule.
How to Reserve Lake Tenison
An inquiry alone does not hold a date.
After an event and date have been approved, a deposit equal to 50% of the rental price is required to secure the reservation. The remaining balance must be paid before the event according to the deadline provided in the booking documents.
Prospective renters can also request a property tour before making a reservation, subject to availability.
To begin the process, customers should contact Lake Tenison with their preferred date, type of event, estimated number of guests, requested hours and any special setup requirements. Availability and booking information can be requested through LakeTenison.com or by emailing biz-clients@shopinseagoville.com.
For Seagoville-area families accustomed to searching in Dallas, Mesquite, Forney, Kaufman or Rockwall for private event space, Lake Tenison offers an alternative much closer to home: five private acres, a waterfront atmosphere and rental rates beginning under $400.
It may be one of Seagoville’s best-kept secrets now, but with prices like those, keeping it a secret could become increasingly difficult.
