Ceremonies & Receptions in the Arboretum
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.
All Packages Include:
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Not available for walk-on weddings.
Ceremony Package Includes:
- Vinyl or iron arbor
- Optional on-site rehearsal
Reception Package Includes:
- 6 Round & 30 rectangular tables
- Catering options through JMU Dining Services
What's Not Included:
The following are not included in ceremony or reception packages:
- Exclusive use of Arboretum grounds or parking lots
- Catering services (must be arranged through JMU Special Event Catering)
- Backup rain location
- Wedding planner
Venue Options & Pricing
The Lawn
Enjoy the intimate and up-close view of the Pond while surrounded by gardens that display gorgeous blooms throughout the growing season. Located at the center of the Arboretum, the Lawn is a versatile space that can be great for hosting for small or large wedding ceremonies.
Capacity:
- Seating: 100 guests
Availability:
- Seven days a week
- Only available as a cermony site
Cost: $2,000
The Ernst Tree Terrace
Tucked away from the busier areas of the Arboretum, the Ernst Tree Terrace offers the most initimate setting for your special day. This idyllic space is accompanied by a seasonal water fountain, pergola, and stationary granite table. Enjoy your event with a sense of privacy while overlooking the lower gardens as the soft sounds of babbling water fill the background.
Capacity:
- Seating: 100 guests
Availability:
- Seven days a week
- Available as ceremony and/or reception site
Cost: $1,000
The Frances Plecker Education Center
As the only fully indoor space in the Arboretum, the Frances Plecker Education Center offers a climate controlled haven throughout the seasons. Most commonly used as a reception site or dressing area for the wedding party, this space comes with a kitchen (refrigerator, microwave, sink, and countertop space), indoor restrooms, portable speaker, microphone, projector and screen.
Capacity:
- Ceremony Seating: 50 guests
- Reception Seating: 30 guests
Availability:
- Available as a dressing area, ceremony or reception site
- December-February: Seven days a week
- March-November: Weekends or after 4 pm on weekdays
Cost: $750
The Jurney Stage Garden
Best enjoyed during the growing season, the Jurney Stage Garden offers a intimate setting within the Arboretum. Tucked up against luscious tall trees and captivating garden beds, small wedding ceremonies can overlook the Lawn from this cozy space perfect for.
Capacity:
- Ceremony Seating: 30 guests
Availability:
- Seven days a week
- Only available as a cermony site
Cost: $550
Walk-On Weddings
Walk-on weddings are a perfect solution for couples looking for a low-key and low-cost answer to their nuptial needs. With the freedom to find any unoccupied space in the Arboretum, you can tailor your wedding experience to fit your needs and overall vision.
Includes:
- 20 guests or less
- 2-hour site reservation
- Select any site on the Arboretum grounds
Not Included:
- Chair set up
- Professional Photography Permit fee waiver
Cost: $50
Reservation date can be made in advance, but site selection must occur no sooner than one week before. Other events may preclude your site selections.
Package Add-Ons:
Frances Plecker Education Center (pre-wedding dressing area): Cost $375 for 3 hours as an add-on to another package
Additional Facility Charge per Hour: $125 per hour as an add-on to the package
Discounts:
A discount to the total reservation cost may be applied (multiple discounts can be used) to the following:
- 10% JMU Faculty, Staff, and Alumni
- 10% Friday and Sunday weddings
- 10% Off-season weddings held in December, January, or February
Discounts cannot be applied to walk-on weddings
Ready for the Next Steps?
Event Information:
- Deposit Requirement: $200 security deposit + 20% of overall venue cost to secure your date/venue.
- Please review our Wedding Reservation and Use Policies, which include:
- All catering (excluding wedding cake) and bartending must be provided by JMU Special Event Catering and is handled through that office.
- The Lawn, Ernst Tree Terrace, and Jurney Stage Garden can not accommodate groups in inclement weather. Having a contingency location is strongly advised.
Check our calendar for general availability and then submit a private event inquiry using the button below. Once we receive your inquiry, we will call or email you to answer your questions or schedule a time to book your reservation.
Quick Links
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
