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Rentals FAQ

Yellow flowers growing on the branches of a magnolia tree.

Catering 

We require that you use one of our catering teams for your event. Each offers a variety of menu options, price points and services. We recommend you check them all out!   

Catering by Brunos  
267-240-5624 

Seedling & Sage 
215-885-2037 

Power Events 
267.254.9810 

Joshua's Catering 
215.224.1800 

Vendors 

Any florist, band, DJ, or officiant is welcome to service your event and don’t require Arboretum approval. However, all vendors will be required to follow all Garden policies and procedures, with respect to load-in and load-out and garden code of conduct. For a list of our favorite vendors contact the Rentals Team directly.   

If you are interested in decorating the ceiling of our reception tent, you will be required to work with Philadelphia-based Wild Stems. They offer several innovative tent installations featuring floating linen fabrics, string lights and/or florals and greenery in a variety of styles. For more information contact: 

Wild Stems
info@wildstems.com
267-231-3487

What’s Included  

All private event rentals include admission to the Arboretum with access to 92 acres of woodlands, meadows and gardens, accessible restrooms and garden pathways, and free on-site parking. Staff is on duty throughout your event. Details for specific types of events are listed below. Please note, catering and other vendor fees are calculated separately. 

With our Wedding Rentals:  

  • Exclusive use of the historic carriage house Visitor Center and grounds for four or five hours of event time, depending on your contract 

  • Reception tent with hard surface floor, lighting, space heaters, and fans 

  • Ceremony chairs, tables and chairs for the reception, and accessory tables 

  • A green room for the wedding party available up to two hours prior to event start 

  • A five-passenger golf cart and driver to transport you around for photos and help guests who need assistance in the gardens 

With our Evening Rentals:

  • Exclusive use of the historic carriage house Visitor Center, or our Out on a Limb treehouse feature, and grounds for three or four hours of event time, depending on your type of event and contract specifics  

  • Either the reception tent with hard surface floor, lighting, space heaters, and fans or our Out on a Limb treehouse feature, depending on contract specifics 

  • Tables and chairs for dining, and accessory tables 

With our Daytime Rentals:  

  • Access to the event areas detailed in your contract for set up and activities 

  • Audio-visual equipment for our Upper Gallery meeting space only 

  • Tables and chairs for your event or meeting 

Rates

For a full list rates, please visit our Rentals Rate page. 

Room Descriptions

A conference room with white walls, tables, chairs, and a screen.

Upper Gallery

The Upper Gallery is located on the main floor of the Widener Visitor Center and is a great location for multiple meeting/retreat layouts, including audience-style, classroom, banquet or boardroom. The floors are carpeted, lights are dimmable, and the walls are lined with nature-inspired exhibits. This space includes a projector, screen and podium with microphone and the original barn door slides to create a separation from the Arboretum’s gift shop. Size: 40’x 23’ 

An empty classroom with wooden French doors and a blackboard.

Classroom

The Classroom is located on the lower level of the Widener Visitor Center and works well for classroom style set-ups for up to 22 people. The room includes a large chalkboard and screen. The Mercer tile floor, stucco walls, exposed wood beams and French doors create a cozy, rustic ambience. Size: 23’ x 19’ 

A white and wood board room with a conference table and chairs.

McLean Room

The McLean Room is located next to the Upper Gallery and is carpeted. The room includes a large White Board, two bulletin boards and a screen. The character of the historic building is evident in the stable windows and exposed woods beams. A set of double doors connect it to the Upper Gallery and it is often rented in addition to the Upper Gallery for food and refreshments. Size: 17’ x 18’ 

An outdoor wedding tent with round white tables and chairs, flowers, and place settings.

Widener Tent

For daytime events during the months of April through October, the Widener Tent is a great outdoor option. From this hillside vantage point behind the Widener Visitor Center, many of the Arboretum’s trees and other plantings serve as the backdrop. This area is adjacent to the amenities and screened for privacy. The Widener Tent is not air conditioned but cooled by ceiling fans. Windowed sidewalls are available to close the tent to protect your event from rain.  

Accommodations

There are bed and breakfast accommodations and an inn in nearby Chestnut Hill, and hotels close by in the Ft. Washington and Plymouth Meeting areas of suburban Montgomery County.  Below is a list of nearby accommodations: 

Chestnut Hill Hotel 
8229 Germantown Avenue 
Philadelphia, PA 
Contact: (215) 242-5905 

Chubb Hotel & Conference Center 
800 Ridge Pike 
Lafayette Hill, PA 
Contact: (610) 825-8000 

Courtyard by Marriott 
Germantown Pike and Hickory Road 
Plymouth Meeting, PA 
Contact: (484) 213-8687 

Double Tree Suites 
Germantown Pike and Hickory Road 
Plymouth Meeting, PA 
Contact: (610) 834-8300 

Hampton Inn 
2055 Chemical Road 
Plymouth Meeting, PA 
Contact: (610) 567-0900 

Hilton Garden Inn 
530 W. Pennsylvania Avenue 
Fort Washington, PA 
Contact: (215) 646-4637 x103 

Holiday Inn Express 
432 Pennsylvania Avenue 
Fort Washington, PA 
Contact: (215) 591-9000 

Homewood Suites 
200 Lee Drive 
Plymouth Meeting, PA 
Contact: 610-828-9600 

Hyatt Somerfield Suites 
501 E. Germantown Pike 
East Norriton, PA 
Contact: (610) 313-9990 x601 

Spring Hill Suites 
430 Plymouth Road 
Plymouth Meeting, PA 
Contact: (484) 213-8687