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Do you allow weddings at the U.S. National Arboretum?
Yes! Build treasured memories as you exchange your vows and celebrate your day in the arboretum’s delightful Dogwood Collection.
The collection straddles a long, open ridge and slopes down to the Anacostia River, which can be seen from two overlooks. A long, grassy alleé that leads to a fountain at the far end of the collection is lined with scores of mature dogwoods that bloom throughout the spring and summer months. The Dogwood Collection can accommodate a party of up to 150 guests.
Learn more about weddings in the Dogwood Collection
Learn more about the Dogwood Collection
What is the cost to hold a wedding ceremony at the arboretum?
The Dogwood Collection is available for a four-hour rental period at a cost of $1,500 and for up to eight hours at a cost of $3,000. A $500 refundable security deposit will be required when you make your reservation. The arboretum will also provide additional security officers to assist with your event at a rate of $40.00 per hour, per officer, for the duration of your event. The number of officers needed will be determined by arboretum staff when planning your event.
My fiancé and I are having a very brief ceremony – can we rent the Dogwood Collection for one or two hours?
The Dogwood Collection is available only for half-day and full-day rentals.
You can rent for one or two hours, however, you will be charged the half-day rental fee.
Does the rental fee include a tent, tables, or chairs?
The rental fee is a site rental fee only. If you wish to provide a tent, chairs or other ceremony equipment the arboretum will be happy to provide you with a list of pre-approved vendors you may contact who can provide event equipment for your ceremony.
Can my wedding at the arboretum be catered?
Yes. The arboretum can provide a list of pre-approved caterers for your event. We also understand if you wish to work with a vendor other than those on our pre-approved list. Please let the special events coordinator know at the time you reserve your site to determine if the vendor may be added. You will need to allow 30 days for a new vendor to receive approval for operating on the arboretum’s grounds.
Can we serve Champagne/wine/alcohol at or after the ceremony?
Yes, you may serve Champagne, beer, and wine after visiting hours (5:00 p.m.) with prior approval from the director of the arboretum. The special events coordinator will be able to help you process this request when you book your reservation.
Can I have my wedding at another location within the arboretum?
The Dogwood Collection is the only designated location for wedding ceremonies. You may, however, have a special event at other locations within the arboretum. The arboretum offers several different venues that may be rented. These venues can accommodate groups ranging in size from 60 guests to over 600! The special events coordinator will assist by providing you with information on the different venues available.
Can I have wedding photos taken at the arboretum even if the ceremony is held elsewhere?
Yes! Wedding photography is permitted at the Friendship Garden and Gotelli Collection. The Friendship Garden includes ornamental grasses, hosts of daffodils, and other spring bulbs. All this, plus a generous helping of evergreens, gives the Friendship Garden interest in all seasons. The Gotelli Collection features an amazing array of striking conifers, houses an inviting gazebo, and also includes Japanese maples, crapemyrtles, and other assorted plants.
The National Capitol Columns are currently undergoing renovation. These 22 Corinthian columns once resided at the U.S. Capitol, and now have found their home at the arboretum’s ellipse. When the renovation is complete, they will be also be available as a dramatic and historic setting for your wedding photos.
Learn more about wedding photography
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Last Updated June 14, 2007 5:55 PM
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