Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania Wedding Information

Serving as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this lovely and historic garden has an outstanding collection of rare and adorable woody plants. Notable must-see spots at the arboretum include Fernery, Garden Railway, Rose Garden, Japanese Overlook and English Park etc.

The Gardens and Exhibits at Morris Arboretum

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The arboretum is set in a romantic 92-acre Victorian landscape garden with unique garden areas, bright flowers, winding paths and streams. The aesthetic enchanted ambience together with the impeccable landscapes earns the arboretum one of the most beautiful settings in Philadelphia, making it an extremely popular spot for special events and gatherings.

Morris Arboretum Homepage

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When it comes to your special day of wedding commitment and celebration, Morris Arboretum is ready to present you with a perfect wedding. The arboretum is available for wedding ceremonies and receptions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings only, from 6 pm to midnight.

If you're dream of a romantic evening outdoor ceremony and reception, Morris Arboretum has it all for you. Host your reception with the scenic natural surroundings & beautiful vistas and historic buildings. You may choose from various outdoor settings. Each venue has its own enchanting backdrop and peaceful surroundings. Before making your reservations, learn more receptions info for your grand wedding at the arboretum in the future.

The Widener Visitors Center serves as the base for your wedding reception. The building first served as the gardener's cottage, carriage house and stables. It's really attractive. In case of any inclement weather, the carriage house offers an indoor venue to host your ceremony. The Upper Gallery of the Widener Visitor Center is a suitable alternative. Weather permitting, the beautiful area in front of the Widener Visitors Center can be used as a lovely outdoor spot for cocktail and hors d'oeuvres receptions.

From April to October, the tented area attached to the Visitors Center is available for receptions. You can accommodate up to 185 guests for a sit-down reception. If you're hosting a smaller reception of about 65 guests, the Main Gallery of the building can be utilized. There's a bridal dressing area in the center, offering a private and comfortable retreat for the bride and attendants alike. For tired guests, the restrooms are available within the building.

What about the seasonal rates for facilities rentals? If you're planning to celebrate your wedding on Friday evening at the arboretum, you may spend $3,200 in May, June, September & October and $2,900 in April, July & August.

Couples who want to host weddings on Saturday evening need to pay a little higher rental fees. Facility rentals need $3,400 in May, June, September & October and $3,000 in April, July and August. Sunday evening rental rates are $3,000 in May, June, September & October and $2,800 in April, July & August. All weddings in November, December, January, February and March have the same rental rate of $1,500. But you can use the Carriage House only for your weddings.

Wedding rehearsals at the arboretum need an additional fee of $100. And if you want to use some specialty gardens for your weddings, such as the Rose Garden, an extra $1,000 is required. For more rental info, please contact Adele Waerig, Visitor Services Coordinator, at 215-247-5777.

Pay the deposit and sign the Facility Rental Agreement to reserve your date and facilities. Deposit is due once you sign the agreement. The requested date and facility will be confirmed after the agreement is signed and the deposit is paid.

The rental agreement includes:

- Wedding photography is permitted on the grounds of the arboretum, which is limited to parties that have rented the facilities.

- An on-site caring and attentive staff will assist throughout your wedding.

- Convenient free parking for guests.

- Rental of motorized gold cart at an additional fee.

- Tables, chairs, lights and side flaps are available for the tented reception area.

- Exclusive list of experienced reputable caterers.

Morris Arboretum has a list of preferred caterers for your weddings. A broad range of menu options, styles and pricing are offered. For cocktail receptions, the caterer's bartender will serve your distinguished guests with all types of alcoholic beverages. But alcoholic beverage service has a maximum of four hours and must end one hour prior to the end of your reception.

Preferred caters are listed below:

- Bon Appetit (215-573-8633)

- Jeffrey Miller (610-622-3700)

- Feast Your Eyes (215-923-9449)

- Company's Coming (610-247-4353)

- Catering by Bruno's (267-240-5624)

- Culinary Concepts (215-755-7747)

You're required to choose one as your wedding caterer for facility rentals. But you can choose your own vendors for floral and entertainment. Any florist, band or DJ is welcome to come to serve your wedding at the Arboretum. But live rock bands are not allowed since the arboretum is located within a residential neighborhood. No music is allowed to be performed outdoors, with the exception of un-amplified music as part of your wedding ceremony.

Weddings at Morris Arboretum

http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/rentals_weddings.shtml