June through August: Open 6:00 a.m. to 12 Noon Wednesday through Monday, closed on Tuesdays.
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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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Catch the Yarrow blooms in the Demonstration Garden and the Herb Garden. ...

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New here? Let us show you around.
Welcome to Boyce Thompson Arboretum—Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden.
Explore winding trails, desert blooms, and 343 acres of living beauty just outside Phoenix.
Come curious. Leave inspired.
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Calling all teachers! Boyce Thompson Arboretum invites you to join us for our professional development sessions. Come spend time with us as we familiarize ourselves with the 5E Instructional Model and explore desert plant adaptations! Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Visit https://btarboretum.org/pd/to apply. ...

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✨Summer Golf Cart Tours ✨

Explore the arboretum this summer with our staff on a golf cart tour! We invite you to join us for an hour long cart ride to some of our most scenic spots of the arboretum. Our knowledgeable staff will give you insights into our collections and take you to the best photo ops the gardens have to offer.

Wednesdays-Saturdays in June, July, August between 7:00am-8:00am, 9:00am-10:00am, 11:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $20 per person, plus the cost of admission.

Cart tours are first come first served with a limit of 5 guests. Ask about availability at our Visitor’s Center Wednesday through Saturdays this summer!

Some exclusions apply
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Make the most of your mornings this summer! From June through August, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is open Wednesday through Monday, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with last admission at 11:00 a.m. We are closed on Tuesdays.

Plus during these months enjoy special admission rates:
Ages 13 and up – $16
Children 5–12 – $10
Children under 5 – Free

Visit early, explore the trails, and soak in the beauty of the Arboretum in the cooler part of the day.
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Tiny cuttings, big impact.

Every plant you see here started from just a snip — carefully cleaned, dipped, and rooted with care. Propagation isn’t just practical. It’s powerful. It helps us grow more plants for pollinators, restoration, and education — all while conserving precious resources.

But we can’t do it alone. Your support helps us expand our propagation efforts and grow the future of this garden.
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Think you`re seeing bark? Look again. You might be spotting the Ornate Tree Lizard. But once you see it...you can`t unsee it. ...

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If you grew up in the Southwest, this flower might be part of your childhood. The Desert Willow is back in bloom in the garden and just as magical as you remember. ...

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