The Arboretum is a beautiful setting for a small, outdoor wedding. We offer an array of options for many different sized weddings.   Reserving a wedding date provides you with landscaped surroundings in a peaceful and serene environment.  We also offer tent rentals, chair setup, and use of the Frances Plecker Educational Center for rehearsal dinners or wedding receptions.  For catering information please call Campus Dish - JMU Catering (540-568-6637)

Wedding Reservation Policy:

Please read the following information and if you have additional questions, call 540-568-3194 or email turnbugl@jmu.edu.  You can view and download our reservation forms Here!        

To see available dates, please check our calendar, where reserved wedding dates are notated in red.

 
 



  • Wedding Package $1,995

    The Arboretum is offering a package on services necessary for a complete wedding event.  The Wedding Package includes grounds site set up of up to 200 chairs, pavilion rental, on-site electricity, a 29' x 29' tent, use of the Frances Plecker Education Center for rehearsal dinner, the wedding reception, and for the wedding day dressing.  This package offers savings of over $200 dollars compared to billing each item separately. 

     

  • Wedding Services Individual use Fees:

    If the complete wedding package is not right for you, here are the fees for individual services.

    • Grounds Usage Fee

    $850
    • Chair Rental Fee
    		 $200
    • 29' x 29' Tent Usage
    		 $500
    • 10' x 10' Tent Rental
    		 $125
    • Frances Plecker Education Center Reception Use (4 hour maximum)
    		 $500
    • Frances Plecker Education Center Rehearsal Dinner Use (4 hour maximum)
    		 $500
    • Frances Plecker Education Center Wedding Day Dressing Room Use (Conjunction with grounds reservation)
    		 $175
    • Pavilion Rental (2 hours)
    		 $50
  • The arboretum has a maximum of 200 total white folding chairs available for your wedding at $1.00 each and final payment is due two weeks before the wedding. Chair set up and removal provided. We have two designated sights for wedding setup.
        (1) Up to 50 chairs on the Lawn Area as you depart the bridge over the Pond;
        (2) Larger weddings of 51-200 on the Lawn Area at the west end of the Pond with chairs facing the Pond.

  • Reservation signage placed at the wedding site; however, please be aware the arboretum does not close to the public during weddings.
    • The Arboretum grounds can host wedding groups of not larger than 250 maximum guests.
  • No physical alterations allowed to the terrain. Arches, podiums, etc. that sit upon the ground are permitted. Electric service to either wedding site supplied with the use of green outdoor electrical cords provided by the arboretum.

  • Parking is available to all visitors on a first come, first serve basis. You are responsible for providing any necessary shuttle service for your guests. Parking available in:
      1. Arboretum Parking Lot (20 spaces) with designated handicap parking,
      2. Along University Boulevard restricted to beamed area which parallels the Pond (10 spaces),
      3. EJC North Parking Lot - Parking lot at the top of the arboretum off University Boulevard (40 spaces)
      4. Convocation Center Parking Lots A and A Upper.
      5. For shuttle service rental information, please call 540-568-8147.

  • Receptions held on-site in our 29’ x 29’ white tent available for $500 rental or at the Frances Plecker Education Building for $500 . The tent will comfortably accommodate a standing reception of up to 150 guests. JMU Catering must provide all food and beverage service for receptions. Please call 568-6189 or 568-6637 for catering details. We will set up the tent at the west end of the Pond behind the wedding site. No outside tents or structures permitted.

  • The $850 fee will reserve the designated area in the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for two hours before and two hours following your wedding time. Additional time arranged by special request.  Or you may be interested in our Wedding Package deal.
  • We strongly recommend your wedding plans include an inclement weather plan. An indoor facility recommendation is the Festival Conference Center across the street from the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Please call 568-1716 for more information.

  • The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum has memorabilia items available for purchase to commemorate your wedding day – a watercolor print and note cards depicting the Pond entitled Springtime in the Arboretum painted by artist, David Gill, JMU ‘76. Please call 568-3194 for more information. 

Cancellation Policy:  There is a 20% cancellation fee for all services including wedding grounds use, and event use of Frances Plecker Education Center, chairs and tent rentals.
Wedding Tent