Weddings in the Arboretum

Photo: Lindsey Paradiso Photography

Ceremony Packages

The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is the perfect garden venue location for your outdoor ceremony, with a variety of locations and price points, our facilities can accommodate large groups and intimate ceremonies alike.

See our ceremony package list below for pricing and general information:

Recommended Reception Spaces

• JMU Festival Ballroom
• JMU Montpelier Room
• Hotel Madison

Ceremony + Reception Package

Interested in having your entire wedding day at the Arboretum? Our comprehensive wedding package is exactly what you're looking for! This package gives flexibility and use to all of our site locations and facilities for a full 8 hour rental. View printable version: Arboretum Wedding Package 

Discounts

A discount to the total reservation cost may be applied to the following, discounts may be added to one another:

• 10% JMU Faculty, Staff, and Alumni
• 10% Friday and Sunday weddings (Walk-on weddings excluded)
• 10% Off-season weddings held in December, January, or February (Walk-on weddings excluded)

Please check our Calendar  for availability and submit the form below. Our staff will contact you promptly to answer any questions you have or to schedule a phone call or in-person meeting. 

Ceremony + Reception Site Locations Image Gallery

View the gallery below for setup images, guest count capacities, and other features specific to each of our site locations: 

FAQs

Do I need a rain backup? 
Yes! Since our venue is outdoors and we do not have the capacity to house more than 40 guests inside the Frances Plecker Education Center, for groups larger than  40, we always recommend a good rain backup, due to unpredictable weather. 

Does the Arboretum permit walk-on weddings? 
Yes! Walk-on weddings are permitted when adhered to the following requirements:

• Under 10 guests
• No Arboretum staff setup required

Walk- on fee is $50 and the professional photography fee is not waived. Day-of-the-week and seasonal discounts are excluded as well. Please fill out the following form and email to Morgan Paixao at paixaomf@jmu.edu: 

Walk-On wedding request

Who can cater our wedding?
All food and drink must go through JMU Special Events & Catering, no outside vendors are permitted. 

What is the Arboretum's guest capacity?
For ceremony-only, our capacity is 250 guests on the lawn. For ceremony and reception weddings, our capacity is 125 guests. For larger groups, please email Morgan Paixao at paixaomf@jmu.edu and we will do our best to accomodate your specific needs.