Gardens · 20–250 guests
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
66 acres of gardens on White Rock Lake. The flagship DFW outdoor venue.
The Dallas Arboretum is the most recognizable outdoor wedding venue in DFW. Sixty-six acres on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake, with formal gardens, a rose garden, a lakeside pavilion, and the DeGolyer House historic mansion. For couples who want garden ceremony and portraits without stitching together multiple locations, this is it.
Ceremony Locations Inside the Park
The Arboretum offers multiple ceremony sites, each with its own character. The DeGolyer House lawn is the most historic. The Lay Family Garden is the most intimate (up to 40 guests). The Rosine Hall accommodates larger weddings (up to 250) with an indoor option. The Women's Garden and the Lay Ornamental Garden are the most photographed for portraits. Your choice of ceremony location shapes the entire visual tone.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March–May) brings the famous tulip display and the Arboretum's peak bloom. Fall (October–November) brings Pumpkin Village and strong warm color. Summer is brutal for outdoor ceremonies unless scheduled for golden hour. Winter is actually under-used — the gardens photograph beautifully in December with fewer crowds. We recommend avoiding late July through early September for outdoor midday events.
The Public-Access Reality
The Arboretum is a public garden during operating hours. Your ceremony and portraits are not entirely private — guests and visitors will be present. Weddings are scheduled around park hours to minimize this, but it is a factor. The payoff is scale — no private venue in DFW offers 66 acres of maintained gardens.
Common Questions
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden FAQ
Can you have a wedding at the Dallas Arboretum?+
Yes. The Arboretum hosts weddings in multiple venues on-site — from intimate garden ceremonies for 20 guests up to 250-guest events at Rosine Hall. Rental packages vary by venue selection and day of week.
How much does an Arboretum wedding cost?+
Venue rental ranges widely by location and day. Smaller garden ceremonies start around $3,000. Full-venue Rosine Hall weddings can exceed $10,000 in peak season. Photography is separate — Small Hour collections run $1,200–$2,750.
Do we need a permit for engagement photos?+
Yes. The Arboretum requires a photography session fee even for engagement shoots. Confirm current rates with the venue. We handle permit logistics for Small Hour clients.
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Planning Your Wedding Here?
Let us photograph your day at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Small Hour's collections for Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden range from $1,200 (3 hours) to $2,750 (6 hours with engagement session). Photos only, 10-day delivery.