The North Carolina Arboretum


Select services venue

The venue will provide the space, plus a few extras.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $6,500 for off-peak dates, and $8,500 for peak dates

Packages

Prices start at $800

Guest capacity

Up to 150 seated guests


About this venue

Green Weddings at The North Carolina Arboretum. When planning your wedding, consider one of the most picturesque locations in the country. The North Carolina Arboretum’s Green Weddings Program offers stunning backdrops and packages for events of varying size and scope, from intimate elopements to lavish receptions. Event staff are ready to help create lifelong memories for you and your guests, encouraging environmentally conscious planning as part of the Arboretum’s mission to protect our natural world. Please note: Our dedicated wedding lounge is available for final touches and preparations. To ensure a truly personalized wedding experience, an external wedding planner is required for all wedding packages (except elopements). Our on-site team will be available as Venue Coordinators to assist with venue-related needs.


Our event spaces

Watershed Outlook

Located behind the Education Center building, this picturesque venue offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bent Creek Watershed, making it an ideal setting for a wedding.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains, with rolling hills and thriving flora, this location provides a serene and unforgettable backdrop for your special day. Whether you're envisioning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the remarkable scenery and peaceful atmosphere will make your wedding truly magical. You can host your garden-themed wedding rain or shine, as the venue offers the comfort and protection of a spacious, elegant tent. Available for: ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Education Center Veranda

Enjoy your big day under the elegance of this covered space, offering stunning views of the beautiful Plants of Promise Garden.

The picturesque surroundings provide a perfect setting for your wedding, where the vibrant blooms and lush greenery create a romantic atmosphere. You and your guests will have full access to the Plants of Promise Lawn, allowing for memorable moments, whether it's a cocktail hour, photo opportunities, or simply taking in the natural beauty of the landscape. This enchanting space combines the charm of a garden with the convenience of a sheltered venue, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable celebration. Available for: ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Reception-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package ▸Cocktail Hour Add-On

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour

Education Center Plaza

The naturally shaded plaza at the front entry of the Education Center, with its hardscape elements, annual greenery, and regional pools, provides an exquisite and peaceful setting for your wedding.

The combination of vibrant seasonal plants, water features, and ambient shade offers a romantic and timeless atmosphere for both the ceremony and reception. Tenting options are also available. Available for: ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Reception-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package ▸Cocktail Hour Add-On

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour

Amphitheater

Huddled along the edge of the forest, the Amphitheater offers a perfect blend of nature, privacy, and beauty.

Its secluded location makes it feel like a hidden retreat, while its design invites guests to be fully present in the moment. The combination of the flagstone stage, towering evergreen trees, and surrounding natural beauty ensures that every detail feels special and meaningful. The space doesn’t just host a ceremony; it creates a shared experience where every guest can feel close to nature and the couple. Available for: ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Heritage Garden

A place where tradition, nature, and personal connection come together to create an unforgettable experience.

Nestled in the heart of our gardens, the Heritage Gardens combines the timeless beauty of nature with the cultural richness of medicinal and craft plants, offering a serene, elegant, and meaningful space for couples to celebrate their love. Available for: ▸Essential Elopement Package ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Blue Ridge Court

Located near the enchanting Heritage Garden, this picturesque space offers a breathtaking backdrop of towering mountains, perfect for couples seeking a memorable and romantic celebration.

The stunning landscape is complemented by a large, serene pool with an elegant water feature, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Imagine exchanging vows or sharing a glass of champagne with your guests, surrounded by luscious trees and the sound of cascading water adding to the sense of serenity. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this location blends natural beauty and luxurious amenities to create an unforgettable wedding experience. Available for: ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package ▸Cocktail Hour Add-On

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Cocktail hour

Event Lawn

This open lawn adjacent to the Baker Visitor Center is an idyllic venue for a wedding celebration, offering a beautiful blend of nature and elegance.

The expansive green space is framed by built-in outdoor string lighting, casting a soft, romantic glow as the evening unfolds. Guests will be captivated by the picturesque views of the exhibit greenhouse, where lush greenery and vibrant plant life create a stunning backdrop for a ceremony or reception. Whether used for an intimate ceremony beneath the stars or a reception filled with laughter and dancing, this tranquil outdoor space provides the perfect setting for a memorable celebration. Available for: ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Reception-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package ▸Rehearsal Dinner Package

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding reception

Baker Lobby

This indoor location exudes charm with its wooden beamed ceilings, creating a warm, rustic ambiance.

The large windows allow natural light to flood the space, offering beautiful views of the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. A handcrafted stone fireplace serves as a striking centerpiece, adding both a lavish and cozy environment. There is the added bonus of an upper balcony area, perfect for a stylish Cocktail Hour. The balcony provides a more intimate setting, allowing guests to enjoy drinks and conversation while taking in the grandeur of the space below or enjoying the exhibit space. The rustic yet refined details, and the versatile spaces make this location an ideal setting for a memorable reception. Available for: ▸Ceremony-only Package ▸Reception-only Package ▸Full Wedding Package ▸Rehearsal Dinner Package

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner

Promenade

Feel immersed in tranquility as you and your guests stroll along the pathway, with one side gently embraced by the lush, serene expanse of Pisgah National Forest.

You and your guests can wander along the Promenade, sipping champagne as they enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings. Or relax on a quaint bench, tucked in between planters full of luxuriant foliage.

Ideal for

Cocktail hour

Watershed Outlook

Located behind the Education Center building, this picturesque venue offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bent Creek Watershed, making it an ideal setting for a wedding.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains, with rolling hills and thriving flora, this location provides a serene and unforgettable backdrop for your special day. Whether you're envisioning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the remarkable scenery and peaceful atmosphere will make your wedding truly magical. You can host your garden-themed wedding rain or shine, as the venue offers the comfort and protection of a spacious, elegant tent. Available for: ▸Ceremony-Only Package ▸Full Wedding Package

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony


The North Carolina Arboretum packages

Essential Elopement Package

25 guests

Peak pricing $1,000

Off-peak pricing $800

Description

The Essential Elopement Package is perfect for the couple who wants a beautiful scenery, a simple ceremony, and a guest count of 15 or less. Essential Elopements may be booked Monday-Thursday. The maximum guest count is 25, and a $50 fee will be assessed for each additional guest over 15. A $500 refundable security deposit is required to book

What’s included
  • All Elopements take place in the Heritage Garden
  • 2-hour event rental

Ceremony-Only Wedding Package

150 guests

Peak pricing $4,000

Off-peak pricing $3,000

Description

The Ceremony-Only Package is a great option for couples who have another reception location in mind, but wish to say their vows with the Arboretum’s beautiful scenery as their backdrop. Ceremonies may be booked upon availability. The maximum capacity is 150 guests.

What’s included
  • Rain plan location
  • 2-hour event rental

Reception-Only Wedding Package

150 guests

Peak pricing $5,500

Off-peak pricing $4,500

Description

The Reception-Only Package is a great option for couples who have another ceremony location in mind, but wish to celebrate afterwards with the Arboretum’s beautiful scenery as their backdrop. Receptions may be booked upon availability. The maximum capacity is 150 guests.

What’s included
  • Rain plan location
  • 4 hour event rental

Full Wedding Package

150 guests

Peak pricing $8,500

Off-peak pricing $6,500

Description

The Full Wedding Package is exactly what it sounds like! This package includes venue options for both a ceremony and reception, with the option to add a third location for cocktail hour through our Beverage Service packages. Full Weddings may be booked upon availability. The maximum capacity is 150 guests.

What’s included
  • Rain plan location
  • 5.5 hour event rental

Available services that can be provided by The North Carolina Arboretum

Services & amenities

  • Clean up
  • Event staff
  • Service staff
  • Set up

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