October – April: Open daily 8am – 5pm. Last admission 1 hour before closing.

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Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a stunning showcase of desert landscapes from around the world and is the ideal location for any event.

Our  event partners, Cloth & Flame, are known for creating exceptional experiences, blending culinary adventure with stunning scenery, and delivering unforgettable, one-of-a-kind events.

Weddings

Rich with authentic Arizona character and landscapes, Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden is the perfect location to host your wedding ceremony.  The Arboretum offers a selection of four distinct ceremony locations, two elopement locations, and two larger-scale wedding spaces. Please review the descriptions of the ceremony spaces below to see which location fits best with the vision for your special day.

Elopement Locations

Smith Greenhouses

Choose from either our West or East Greenhouses for an intimate ceremony space surrounded by unique cactus and succulents. With built-in bench seating and historic stonework, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque location. Can accommodate up to 10 guests.

Baja Desert Point

Our most remote and rugged location that encapsulates the beauty of the Arizona high desert. With beautiful views of Picketpost Mountain, framed by stately saguaros, if you are looking for a true desert ceremony this is the spot for you. Can accommodate up to 10 guests.

The Arboretum is the ideal location for an intimate celebration surrounded by a variety of landscapes. We have two unique offerings for our smaller wedding clients that showcase the spaces that make the Arboretum special.

To get started, fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Wedding Locations

Woodland Garden

Our most popular ceremony location, the Woodland Garden features beautiful mature eucalyptus trees that provide dappled shade while a stylish circular bench creates a focal point for your vows. Can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Perennial Garden

This space is perfect for a small ceremony. Our Perennial Garden is tucked away in an intimate corner of the garden with beautiful views of the mountains. Offering blooms from late spring to early fall, this location features a covered patio and circular brick focal point. Can accommodate up to 50 guests.

Surrounded by spectacular views and picturesque natural architecture, we offer two distinct wedding areas, each offering the peace and tranquility of a beautiful natural environment.

To get started, fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Private Events

We have a variety of outdoor, indoor, and covered spaces available to rent for small conferences, workshops/seminars, award ceremonies, memorial services, and more. All areas are accessible and parking is available at no extra charge. BTA Circles Members and above enjoy a 20% discount on facility rentals. Let’s create a memorable event together! To get started, fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of this page.

Private Event Locations

Children’s Learning Center

The Children’s Learning Center features a large, open-air space under a covered ramada and is perfect for retreats, workshops, and classes. Can accommodate up to 30-50 guests.

Picnic Area

The Picnic Area is a gorgeous wide-open outdoor space under the trees and is perfect for parties, bridal showers, dinner events, celebrations of life, and conferences. Can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Smith Building Patio & Greenhouses

The Smith Building Patio and Greenhouses provide a unique indoor/outdoor event space for luncheons, dinner events, bridal showers, and award ceremonies. Can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Smith Lecture Room

The Smith Lecture Room is an indoor room and is a great setting for business meetings, workshops, retreats, educational speakers, and small parties. Can accommodate 30-40 guests.

Visitor’s Center Patio

The Visitor’s Center Patio is a beautiful outdoor patio for small parties, receptions, bridal showers, dinner events, and celebrations of life. Can accommodate 30-50 guests.

We have five private event rental locations throughout the Arboretum and are confident that one of them will suit your needs. As you consider booking one of our spaces, please note that you will have private use of the designated rental area only.

Begin Inquiry:

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The perfect weather is calling—whether you’re here for the incredible variety of plants, curious wildlife, or simply a peaceful moment, the Arboretum has it all. Take a stroll and see what inspires you today!

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Reconnect with the soothing sounds and sights of nature. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or a quiet retreat, the Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of peace.

#visitphoenix #visitmesa #explorenature #explorepinalcounty #thingstodoAZ #1arb #visitarizona #visitsuperior
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Did you know that milkweed is essential for the survival of monarch caterpillars? Monarchs rely on milkweed as the only food source for their caterpillars, making this plant a critical part of their life cycle.

Milkweed not only provides nourishment for these iconic pollinators but also offers protection. Monarch caterpillars ingest toxic compounds from milkweed, which make them less palatable to predators—a clever natural defense!

Sadly, habitat loss has reduced the availability of milkweed, threatening monarch populations. Planting native milkweed in gardens and green spaces helps create safe habitats for monarchs to lay their eggs and ensures caterpillars have the food they need to grow and eventually transform into butterflies.

Interested in supporting these beautiful pollinators? Consider planting milkweed in your yard and helping preserve their migration journey for future generations.
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Experience the tranquility of the Arboretum, where every path offers a quiet moment to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.

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Fall Color Update | Our fall colors are about to take center stage! According to the forecast, this weekend should bring a beautiful burst of color. Grab a friend and come experience autumn’s charm!

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Meet the Coatis, curious creatures that call the desert home!
Found in Arizona’s desert scrub, woodlands, and riparian areas, these playful animals are relatives of raccoons. They are recognized by their long tails and social nature. During the day, they forage for insects, fruits, and small critters, using their strong claws for climbing and digging.
Keep an eye out—you might just spot one on your next visit to the Arboretum!

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Bird Week is still soaring until November 15th! With the perfect weather, it`s a great time to head outdoors and explore the Arboretum. Grab your bird checklist, learn about our featured birds, and enjoy a beautiful day connecting with nature. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity—see you on the trails!

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🍂 Fall Color Update | We are starting to see some yellows and a few reds appear in the canyon.

Our best estimate, depending on the weather forecast, is peak fall color towards the end of November. We will keep you posted as things change. Stay tuned for more updates! #visitarizona #visitphoenix #visitmesa #explorepinalcounty #thingstodoaz #1arb
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