Prices

All gardens have a rental fee of $850 on Friday and Saturday evenings and $800 on Sunday-Thursday evenings with the exception of the Japanese Garden at $500 and Home Demonstration Garden at $600, weekday and weekend evenings.

Garden Rental Hours

The grounds are available for one and one-half hours. Times available are 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Morning times before Noon are also available. Garden site and time must be decided on date of booking. Grounds close at 8 p.m. This is a public facility and complete privacy cannot be guaranteed. The Arboretum may be host to multiple weddings in different gardens, at different times.

Arboretum Membership

The Arboretum facilities are available for rental to members holding a "Family & Friends" membership ($75 per year). You may purchase a new membership or upgrade your current membership for the purpose of renting Arboretum facilities.

Privacy

The Arboretum grounds are open to the public and privacy CANNOT be guaranteed.

Parking

We offer free parking near the Oswald Visitor Center and Snyder Building. Parking is permitted in designated areas only. Parking is not permitted on Three-Mile Drive on the grass or alongside the roads. You will be expected to move your vehicle if it is parked in any area that is not designated. Limousines are not allowed to park alongside the gardens. If vehicles are not in designated parking areas, a $100 per hour fee will be accessed.

Liability Insurance

Rental customers need to provide the University of Minnesota with evidence of general liability insurance with limits of $1,000,000 (combined single limit), including bodily and personal injury and property damage. You may choose to purchase liability insurance from the University at a nominal fee if you do not have sufficient coverage.

Reservation/Damage Deposit

The Arboretum will accept your reservation/damage deposit by credit card upon booking of the event date. This deposit ensures that your date is "locked in" and covers any damage to Arboretum property or failure to observe policies. The deposit WILL NOT BE REFUNDED IF CANCELLED. After the wedding, your deposit will be returned approximately two weeks after the event if no damage has incurred. You will be billed for any damages that exceed the deposited amount.

Contract/Rental Fees

The Arboretum will issue a contract within 4 months of the event date. The contract will confirm services, fees and special charges (if any). The contract also confirms that the rental customer has read and agrees to the policies and procedures outlined therein. The contract must be signed and returned to the Arboretum, along with the rental fees, 90 DAYS prior to the event.

Music

Amplified music is NOT permitted on the grounds. Acoustical instruments are permitted (harp, violin, etc.). Arrangements for music must be pre-approved.

Decorations/Balloons/Rice/Bird Seed/Candles

Balloon releasing is NOT PERMITTED. Deflated balloons are harmful to the environment and to wildlife. Rice and birdseed are NOT ALLOWED. Soap bubbles, butterfly and dove releases are acceptable. Candles are only permitted with a glass sleeve.

Inclement Weather

Refunds WILL NOT be made for a garden function that is canceled due to weather conditions. The Ordway Shelter can be used as a back up, if available, at no charge. The Ordway Shelter cannot be reserved. If available, an inside space may be rented for an additional charge, please plan accordingly.

Handicap Facilities

The Arboretum parking lots and garden paths are handicap accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available in the lobby of the Oswald Visitor Center for use at no charge.

Changing Room

If available, a changing room in the Oswald Visitor Center or Snyder Building can be rented for $75. All possessions must be removed from the classroom by the time the ceremony begins. The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Food cannot be brought into either buildings. Additional charges will occur if items are left in room after the rental time.

For more information or to make reservations e-mail us [email form, address: matso024@umn.edu] matso024@umn.edu] or call 952-443-1411.