Rental FAQs

May I bring my wedding party to Morris Arboretum for picture-taking?

As long as you have rented the arboretum for your wedding, you are welcome to shoot your wedding photos on the grounds.

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May I hire any caterer of my choosing?

You must choose your caterer from a list of approved caterers that offer you a broad range of menu options, styles and pricing. We have carefully pre-screened our caterers to assure that they are thoroughly familiar with the Arboretum's facilities and policies, while offering you the highest quality of support and service. The approved caterers can be contacted at the numbers below:

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Besides caterers, does the Morris Arboretum require the use of specifc vendors?

Any florist, band, DJ, or officiant is welcome to service your event and don’t require Arboretum approval. However, all vendors will be required to follow all Garden policies and procedures, including load-in and load-out procedures.

If you are interested in decorating the ceiling of our reception tent, you will be required to work with Philadelphia-based Wild Stems. They offer several innovative tent installations featuring floating linen fabrics, string lights and/or paper lanterns in a variety of colors. For more information contact:

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Can we get married at the Arboretum November through March?

Yes, we do have ceremonies/receptions at the Arboretum November through March. However, the tented area is not available during that time. Only the Upper Gallery in the Widener Building is available for events, limiting the maximum attendance to 65. Still interested? Contact the Rentals Team for pricing and more information.

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Is there a ceremony-only option?

Yes, from time to time the Arboretum is able to accomdate ceremony-only events in the Garden. There are two options. Ceremony Only: The Arboretum offers a two hour window, shortly after the public closing of the Garden, during which time you can have a ceremony (with up to 75 people) and time to roam the Garden capturing exquisite wedding photos. Micro Ceremony: At designated times and locations, you can have an intimate, 1-hour ceremony and photo session in the Garden with up to 20 people. Micro Ceremonies cannot be booked more than three months in advance. Ceremony Only evenings cannot be booked more than six months in advance.

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How can I reserve a date at the Morris Arboretum?

In order to secure a date, you must sign a contract. At that time we ask for a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the rental fee. The Morris Arboretum does not hold dates without a contract. The final rental payment is due 90 days before your event.

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May we serve alcohol?

Yes. You provide your own alcohol but your caterer's bartender must serve all alcoholic beverages. Additionally, alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed in public areas of the Garden during public hours.

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What is the maximum number of guests that can be accommodated for a sit-down reception?

175 is the maximum that can comfortably be seated in our tented reception area attached to the Widener Visitor Center carriage house. Within the Widener Visitor Center, the Upper Gallery can accommodate 65.

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Can I hold my ceremony and/or reception in the Rose Garden?

Under certain circumstances and times of the year, the Rose Garden can be made available for a ceremony at an additional fee. Please inquire if you are interested.

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Are the grounds and reception area wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Please visit our Accessibility page for additional information.

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In the case of inclement weather, what happens to an outdoor wedding?

As a back-up, the Upper Gallery or the Side Tent of the Widener Visitor Center serve as alternatives, in the event of inclement weather. You can work with your caterer on a rain plan set-up. All approved caterers are prepared to make the switch quickly should the need arise.

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Is there a parking fee for our guests?

We have ample, free parking.

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Are there lodging options conveniently located nearby for my guests?

Yes, there are bed and breakfast accommodations and an inn in nearby Chestnut Hill, and hotels close by in the Ft. Washington and Plymouth Meeting areas of suburban Montgomery County. Below is a list of nearby accomodations:

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