A Morris Arboretum wedding is a wonderful way to celebrate the quirkiness and beauty of the Philadelphia area on your wedding day. The conveniently located arboretum provides endless views and convenient ceremony and reception spaces. Mary and Matt’s intimate Morris Arboretum wedding showcased the gorgeous gardens and kept guests having fun from start to finish.

A Morris Arboretum Wedding

As a wedding venue, Morris Arboretum provides a variety of activities and spaces, from gardens to art installations. Couples renting the arboretum get access to the entire 92 acres on their big day. Endless gardens are full of historic features, such as bridges and fountains. They lend an enchanting elegance to portraits and ceremonies.

Flowers fill every corner of Morris Arboretum, from the manicured gardens to the cherry trees in springtime. In the fall, the trees are an explosion of red, orange, and gold. Almost any time of year, the gardens are a stunning place to celebrate a wedding.

A Morris Arboretum wedding presents plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Long walkways lead to lookout points and even a telescope. Guests can drink cocktails in the treetops and enjoy the view. 

The natural beauty of a Morris Arboretum wedding is a strong draw, but the most unexpected delight is the Squirrel Scramble. This giant structure composed of hammock-like nets allow guests a chance to climb up and recline for a bird’s-eye view of the gardens. Mary, whose wedding is featured here, even took off her shoes to climb in during cocktail hour. 

For those hoping to keep two feet on the ground, the Bird’s Nest is another fun interactive installation. Guests can walk into the winding structure to find a giant robin’s egg. The Bird’s Nest is a unique spot for portraits that feel natural but modern.

When planning a wedding in the city, it’s always important to consider whether a venue is close to public transportation. Fortunately, Morris Arboretum is close to the Chestnut Hill West train station. This means it’s accessible for locals and out-of-town guests staying in hotels downtown.  

The Morris Arboretum has a quintessentially Philadelphian history. It was originally built in 1887 as the home of the influential Morris family, who owned a thriving iron-manufacturing firm. The family found that the land was in poor condition, so they rehabilitated it with their plant collection. In 1932, the Morris family gave the land to the University of Pennsylvania as an arboretum so that it could be used for research and teaching. It has been a beloved gem of the community since.

When planning a Morris Arboretum wedding, there are some seasonal considerations. Ask what will be in bloom on your date. You may get some inspiration for florals. Fortunately, a reception tent is included, so you’re covered, rain or shine. The venue also provides space heaters and fans as needed.

Mary and Matt’s Intimate Wedding 

Like many couples who were forced to reschedule their weddings due to the pandemic, Mary and Matt were more than ready for their Morris Arboretum wedding. They had an extra layer of stress in that they are both medical residents. Understandably, they were ready to unwind and celebrate the happy things in life.

Mary and Matt were a treat to work with. When we met, we bonded over obscure comedies like I Think You Should Leave. I knew their wedding would be full of laughter!

Because the July day was so hot and humid, the ceremony moved to the tent at the last minute. Beforehand we could see the rain coming but were able to grab some photos before the sky opened up. The golden light was dreamy. The dramatic thunder couldn’t dampen Mary and Matt’s spirits either.

The ceremony and reception under the tent were bright and airy despite the rain. White flower petals led the way to the ceremony space. Behind Mary and Matt, sunlight illuminated the trees. Even though we were in the tent, nature felt very present from the ceremony through the post-dinner dance party. 

Are you interested in seeing more weddings like this Morris Arboretum wedding? Check out this Awbury Arboretum wedding. 

Thanks to the vendors who made this day possible:

Photographer: Heather McBride Photography

Venue: Morris Arboretum

Catering: Company’s Coming Catering

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suit:  Armani Exchange

Cake: Night Kitchen Bakery

Hair Stylist: Jessica Pileggi

DJ: No Macarena DJ & Custom Music