Photo Credit: CLARAfied Images
Please BOOK ONLINE on the Wedding Venues page.
Please see our Wedding Rules + Procedure Policy.
Due to colder temperatures and our off-season hours, weddings can be held from May through October.
*6 pm weddings. As daylight/sunset allows; e.g., May, June, July, August.
Here is an example for a 10a ceremony:
Yes! Wedding couples have booked …
… for these wedding-related events.
Packard Pavilion | Adrianna Joy Photography, LLC
Packard Pavilion | Adrianna Joy Photography, LLC
Packard Pavilion | Adrianna Joy Photography, LLC
The large, covered Packard Pavilion Amphitheater will be available as a back-up venue in case of inclement weather. It is located across the street from the Visitor Center.
The following wedding venues are equipped with electrical outlets adequate for most usage:
No. But you’re welcome to bring your own and connect to our electrical supply.
Your reservation includes the right to have professional photography/videography taken in the Gardens (anywhere throughout the Gardens) on the day of your wedding.
The Dubuque Arboretum does remain open at all times for the public’s enjoyment, with the exception of the immediate area where a wedding is being performed.
Since the Dubuque Arboretum is all-volunteer, we’re not able to provide staff to monitor the perimeter of your wedding area. Some wedding parties have chosen to ask individuals within their circle of guests to take on this responsibility.
The Arboretum gate is locked at dusk and reopens at 7a, so you’ll want to be sure your guests’ cars are off the grounds before the gate is closed and locked at dusk.
We ask that you not throw rice or birdseed. Instead, we suggest bubbles or real flower petals (no fake petals are permitted).
Thank you for respecting and complying with this request.
Yes, we do! We currently offer Koi Fish Food packets. They’re mini-fish food bags for your guests to feed the koi fish in our Japanese Garden pond … a short, lovely walk through the Arboretum’s grounds.
Of course. However, always think NATURAL: We ask that you not use artificial florals, etc., that will be left on the ground. [These are harmful, rather than helpful, to our natural surroundings.]
In addition, we appreciate your leaving the area clean and neat … either for the next ceremony or for the public who will be enjoying the area after your ceremony.
Smoking. The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a tobacco-free environment. Smoking, tobacco products, devices, and electronic smoking devices are not permitted on Garden property, including all buildings, grounds, restrooms, and parking lots.
Alcohol. According to City of Dubuque park ordinances, alcoholic beverages are permitted in Marshall Park and on Arboretum property. We ask that moderation be kept in mind.
There are certain gardens and sites — ranging from intimate to more sizable — available that seem to regularly draw wedding parties due to the unique amenities of each:
However, any part of the 56-acre grounds is available for a wedding.
Yes, there is. The Garden Room, located on the main level of the Heinemann Visitor Center, may be used by the bridal party one hour prior to the ceremony and one hour after the ceremony. It includes a mini-fridge, microwave, sink, tables, chairs, and a mirror. [Room must be left clean for the next party. Thank you!]
Please:
We’re sure to get all of your questions answered!