About The Arboretum
The Arboretum is not only a venue that hosts weddings, but also one that has many, many events that the public can get involved in year-round. It’s an extension of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and also serves as a research center. They provide a grounds map to help you find your way around their beautiful gardens and tree collections, as well as explore the huge network of trails they have throughout.
Weddings at The Arboretum
Saying your vows surrounded by the beauty of nature at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum can truly be a unique wedding location.
With its picturesque landscapes, gardens, and endless photo opportunities, the Arboretum offers the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony and reception.
As one of Minnesota’s premiere wedding venues, the Landscape Arboretum is an excellent choice for any couple who wants to make the most of beautiful outdoor spaces and surround themselves and their guests with nature and stunning landscapes. They have an incredible range of outdoor ceremony spaces to choose from as well as a handful of indoor options too, all ranging with the backdrop, vibe, and guest capacity.
The Arboretum Ceremony Spaces
Outdoor Ceremony Spaces
- Japanese Garden: Capacity of 12
- Prairie Garden: Capacity of 25
- Knot Garden: Capacity of 25
- Waterfall Area: Capacity of 25
- Bee and pollinator Center Overlook: Capacity of 40
- Tea Room Terrace: Capacity of 40
- Home Demonstration Garden: Capacity of 60
- Naturalistic Garden: Capacity of 60
- Weeping Willow Collection: Capacity of 80
- Sculpture Garden: Capacity of 100
- Oak & Nut Collection: Capacity of 100 ( *Not ADA accessible*)
- Ornament Grass Collection: Capacity of 100
- Wilson Rose Garden: Capacity of 100
- Perennial Garden: Capacity of 150
- Garden for Wildlife: Capacity of 180
- Sensory Garden: Capacity of 200
- Red Barn Event Lawn: Capacity of 200
- Trex Deck: Capacity of 250 – Covered area is the Ordway Picnic Shelter
- Nelson Shrub Rose Garden: Capacity of 300
Indoor Ceremony Spaces
- Conservatory: Capacity of 30
- Fireplace Room: Capacity of 60
- Snyder Auditorium: Capacity of 170
The Arboretum Reception Spaces
Tea Room: Capacity of 32
Fireplace Room: Capacity of 48
Snyder Auditorium: Capacity of 110
Macmillan Auditorium: Capacity of 250
Why We Love Arboretum Weddings
The Arboretum Wedding Amenities Include
- Free admission to the Arboretum for the entire day for all of your guests
- Changing rooms
- Indoor and outdoor spaces
- Beautiful gardens
- ADA-accessible parking lots, garden paths, and buildings
- 10% off venue rentals for weddings for members
Click here to see other amazing Minneapolis Wedding Venues.
View Wedding Gallery in The Arboretum
Frequently Asked Questions about The Arboretum
Do I have to have my ceremony AND reception at the arboretum?
No! You can choose to have just your ceremony there, just your reception, or both!
Are there changing rooms available on site?
Yes, the arboretum currently has four spaces available for changing which are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. They’re open from 9am until 6pm.
Can we choose our own caterer for our wedding?
All food and beverages are required to go through the on-site catering services, meaning that you have one less thing to book – your venue and food are taken care of! You can however have a dessert of your choice provided by a licensed bakery to deliver on site.
How do my guests get into the arboretum?
There will be gatehouse staff present when your guests arrive – all they need to do is let the staff know which event they are there for, and they will be directed on where to park, or handed a map with a highlighted route to get them to your specific location.
