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The Brenton Arboretum
4.8 ★★★★★ 311 Google reviews · Garden wedding venue in Dallas Center, Iowa
Nonprofit with a collection of 2,500 trees and shrubs, plus walking trails and a play area.
Plan your tour
- Today see hours ·
- Phone +1 515-992-4211
- Website thebrentonarboretum.org — most venues book tours right on their site
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8:30 pm |
The setting
“New in 2019 - the trail around the pond is now paved.”
“A wedding photographers dream come true- bridges, willows, and beautiful meadows with wildflowers!”
Amenities couples mention
“New in 2019 - the trail around the pond is now paved.”
“Follow the road past the natural play area and pavilion, past the big willow tree and pull off to the right at the next parking area you come to.”
“Natural, quiet, dirt roads ok for driving not likely a good place for wheelchairs or strollers.”
What couples say again and again
“GORGEOUS place that just so happens to double as an absolutely beautiful wedding venue!”
“The trails are so well maintained and we love all of the bridges.”
From the reviews
GORGEOUS place that just so happens to double as an absolutely beautiful wedding venue! A wedding photographers dream come true- bridges, willows, and beautiful meadows with wildflowers! If you're looking for an adventurous-type venue without leaving Iowa- The Brenton Arboretum is the place to go.
Getting married at The Brenton Arboretum
The Brenton Arboretum comes up for weddings — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the tour worth it. First, see the garden at the time of day and season you'd actually get married — a garden that glows at golden hour in June can look very different at noon in March, so ask what's in bloom for your date and walk the path your guests take from parking to ceremony to reception. Second, bring your real questions: the rain plan (where does the ceremony move, and does it hold everyone?), shade and bugs for a summer afternoon, the catering and bar policy, the music curfew, and exactly what's included — tables, chairs, setup, and teardown are where quotes quietly diverge. Popular garden dates book 12–18 months out, so if the tour feels right, ask what's open in your season before you leave.
Corporate events & private parties at The Brenton Arboretum
Reviews and the venue's own info mention corporate events, retreats, or private parties at The Brenton Arboretum — garden venues often have real weekday availability since weddings claim the weekends. A quick call answers the three things that matter: weekday and off-season rates, whether the space works for your headcount and A/V needs, and what catering is allowed. If your event lands on a Friday or Saturday in wedding season, ask early.
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