Yes! Since our venue is outdoors and we do not have the capacity to house more than 50 guests inside the Frances Plecker Education Center, for groups larger than 50, we always recommend a good rain backup, due to unpredictable weather.

 If you wish to use the Education Center as a back-up option, please inquiry about reserving the space.

Recommended Back-up Locations

• JMU Festival Ballroom
• JMU Montpelier Room
• Hotel Madison

All catering services must go through JMU Special Events & Catering. 

NO outside vendors are permitted. However, home cooked and potluck-style meals are welcome! 

Review our Facility Calendar for general availability. It is possible that a particular date is not available even if the calendar is showing open due to future planned but unpublished events or staff availability. We will confirm date availability with you once you submit your inquiry form. 

Any decoration set up and clean up must be done within your reservation time. If you would like more time, you can pay for additional facility use for $125 per hour.

No, the Arboretum grounds and parking lot will remain open to the public during events. Event parking is not reserved and is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Based on group size, Arboretum staff can arrange additional parking in other JMU lots. Other JMU lots are not available unless arranged in advance.

Generally, we do not reserve the Frances Plecker Education Center during business hours (M-F, 8 am-4 pm) because it serves as office space, an information center, and a gift shop, and is open to the public. However, in winter months (December to February) we can sometimes accommodate reservation requests. Give us a call at 540-568-3194. 

Parking in JMU Lot R5 is strongly encouraged. View Directions 

We have limited parking in two small parking lots, one lot at the Frances Plecker Education Center, 780 University Blvd, and another close to our Pavilion. 

Wheelchair and ADA-accessible parking with access to the lawn, the Frances Plecker Education Center, the Ernst Tree Terrace, and the Jurney Stage Garden is in the Frances Plecker Education Center lot, 780 University Blvd. 

The Arboretum, including the Frances Plecker Education Center parking lot and pond parking lot close at dusk daily.

We do not close off our parking lots to visitors during private events. 

• A non-refundable reservation deposit of 20% of venue cost is required to secure the date of your event. A refundable security deposit of $200 is required at final payment.
• Final payment is due 7 calendar days before event. 
• For outdoor events, clients must secure a backup location in case of inclement weather. The Arboretum cannot host any outdoor events in inclement weather (heavy rain or severe weather). Events on the lawn are also dependent on its status following heavy rains or flooding events due to its stormwater detention function. The Arboretum is not responsible for damage to personal property or event preparedness, expenses, or loss due to inclement weather.
• Cancellations are accepted up to 48 hours from event time. A refund not including the reservation deposit will be processed. Process time may take up to 6 weeks (depending on payment method).
  • Only the client may cancel by email, phone or in person and must complete all applicable tax forms to process refund.
  • Arboretum staff reserve the right to cancel any events within 48 hours of the event at the issuance of a weather advisory (high wind, flood watch, etc.) by the National Weather Serivce. In this case, the client will receive a refund not including the reservation deposit.
• Event parking is not reserved. Event guests may park in the JMU R-5 lot, the Pond parking lot, or the Plecker Center lot as available. Based on group size, Arboretum staff can make arrangements for additional parking in other JMU lots. Other JMU lots are not available unless arranged in advance. The Arboretum is not responsible for other JMU events such as football games that may impact parking availability.
• Food and Beverage Policy:
  • If catering or bartending is needed, it must be provided by JMU Special Events Catering (540-568-6637). No outside catering agency allowed.
  • No alcohol or intoxicant may be carried onto premises, unless being served by JMU Special Events Catering.
  • Brown Bag lunches, pot-luck style meals, and other noncatered food and nonalcoholic drinks are permitted. 
• In the event of property damage, the Client agrees to pay the Arboretum any amount (exceeding the $200 security deposit) necessary to repair or replace damaged property arising from the use of the premises. Damage assessment and cost of repair is at the discretion of Arboretum staff.
• No physical alteration, amendment, or adjustment to property is allowed (i.e., no marking of trees, cutting botanicals, set-up of personal tents, no nailing/tacking signs, leaving tied ribbons on trees, etc.).
• No fires of any sort are allowed, including smoking, candles, grills, campfires, etc.
• Visitors must remain on sidewalks, trails, or lawn. Please do not stand in the flower beds.
• The Arboretum grounds including parking lots and walking paths remain open to the public during events.
• Sporting activities such as football, soccer, or frisbee are prohibited at the Arboretum.
• Clients must remove event decorations and debris, and place trash in receptacles provided within the event reservation time. Violators forfeit security deposit at the discretion of Arboretum staff.
• Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. Please pick up after pets.
• Client and guests must vacate premises and parking areas by dusks.