Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at JMU

Set within James Madison University's 125-acre woodland sanctuary in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a public garden and forested greenspace with 3.5 miles of trails, marking 35 years as a regional landmark. The grounds are free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, and include features such as a newly renovated labyrinth and an outdoor StoryWalk trail. The arboretum hosts weddings and private events across several distinct settings. The Lawn overlooks a pond with seasonal garden blooms and holds up to 200 guests standing, while the Ernst Tree Terrace offers a more private setting with a seasonal fountain, pergola, and granite table overlooking the lower gardens. The Jurney Stage Garden is nestled among tall trees for smaller, more intimate gatherings, and the Frances Plecker Education Center is the arboretum's only fully indoor, climate-controlled space, equipped with a kitchen, restrooms, and A/V equipment for ceremonies, receptions, or as a dressing area. A picnic pavilion is also available for smaller private gatherings. Catering for events is arranged through JMU Special Events, and an on-site event coordinator helps guide planning from reservation through event day.