The Dubuque Arboretum Wedding, Ashley & Adam

Jan 21

Adam and Ashley’s wedding at Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens was truly one for the history books. As one of the very first couples to host both their ceremony and reception at the Arboretum, their day set the tone for what this stunning venue could become for future couples. Surrounded by lush gardens, mature trees, and peaceful walking paths, their wedding felt intimate, romantic, and effortlessly connected to nature—an absolute dream for an outdoor wedding in Dubuque, Iowa.

The ceremony took place at the Arboretum’s charming gazebo, a picturesque setting that provided a classic focal point framed by greenery and florals. As guests gathered beneath open skies, Adam and Ashley exchanged vows in a space that felt serene and timeless. The natural beauty of the Arboretum meant minimal décor was needed—the setting itself did the heavy lifting, creating a ceremony atmosphere that was heartfelt, relaxed, and undeniably romantic. It was the perfect choice for a garden wedding ceremony in Dubuque.

Following the ceremony, guests transitioned seamlessly to the reception held under the Packard Pavilion. The open-air pavilion offered the best of both worlds: the beauty of an outdoor reception with the structure and comfort needed for dinner, dancing, and toasts. String lights, thoughtful table décor, and the surrounding gardens transformed the space into an inviting reception setting where guests could celebrate well into the evening. Hosting the reception under the pavilion allowed Adam and Ashley to fully embrace the Arboretum’s landscape while still enjoying a smooth, well-flowing wedding timeline.

Adam and Ashley’s wedding showcased just how special the Dubuque Arboretum wedding venue truly is. Being among the first couples to celebrate there made their day even more meaningful, and their wedding stands as a beautiful example of how this venue can host both elegant ceremonies and joyful receptions. For couples dreaming of a Dubuque arboretum wedding that blends natural beauty, flexibility, and a one-of-a-kind guest experience, Adam and Ashley’s celebration is the perfect inspiration.

Getting married at Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a beautiful choice for couples who want a wedding day that feels natural, romantic, and truly one of a kind. With acres of landscaped gardens, winding paths, mature trees, and seasonal blooms, the Arboretum offers a stunning backdrop that changes with the seasons. It’s an ideal setting for couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding in Dubuque, Iowa, where the scenery alone creates an unforgettable atmosphere with minimal décor needed.

One of the biggest reasons the Dubuque Arboretum is such a great wedding venue is its versatility. Couples can host a heartfelt ceremony at the gazebo, surrounded by lush greenery, and then transition seamlessly into a reception under the Packard Pavilion. This flow allows guests to fully experience the property while keeping the day cohesive and easy to navigate. The pavilion provides an open-air feel with the structure needed for dining, toasts, and dancing—making it perfect for a relaxed yet elevated arboretum wedding reception.

From a planning perspective, we absolutely love weddings at the Dubuque Arboretum because the setting naturally enhances the entire guest experience. The grounds feel peaceful and intimate, even with larger guest counts, and the photo opportunities are endless—from garden paths and floral beds to wide-open green spaces. It’s a venue that encourages couples to slow down, be present, and truly enjoy their day, which is something we value deeply as planners.

The Dubuque Arboretum is also ideal for couples who want a wedding that feels personal and non-traditional. Whether you’re envisioning a simple garden ceremony, a romantic outdoor reception, or a nature-inspired design, the venue acts as a beautiful blank canvas. Every wedding hosted here feels unique, shaped by the couple rather than the space—which is exactly why we love working weddings at this venue.

For couples searching for a Dubuque wedding venue that combines natural beauty, flexibility, and a memorable guest experience, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is truly special. It’s a place where meaningful moments unfold organically, celebrations feel grounded and joyful, and weddings feel timeless—making it one of our favorite places to help couples say “I do.”

Getting Ready at The Dubuque Arboretum

The getting ready experience at the Dubuque Arboretum is one of the many reasons we absolutely love planning weddings here. From the moment the morning begins, the space offers a calm, intimate atmosphere that sets the tone for the entire wedding day. Surrounded by natural light, neutral backdrops, and thoughtfully designed interiors, the Arboretum provides the perfect environment for brides, grooms, and their wedding parties to relax, connect, and truly enjoy the moments leading up to the ceremony.
One of the biggest advantages of getting ready at the Dubuque Arboretum is how effortlessly it supports both functionality and aesthetics. There’s ample space for hair and makeup teams to work comfortably, room for bridesmaids and groomsmen to spread out, and beautiful corners ideal for detail shots, candid moments, and emotional first looks. These spaces photograph beautifully, allowing wedding galleries to tell a full, seamless story—from morning preparations to the final dance of the night.
We also love how the getting ready experience here feels intentional and unhurried. Being on-site eliminates unnecessary travel, keeps everyone on schedule, and allows couples to stay fully present throughout the day. Instead of rushing from hotel rooms to ceremony locations, couples can enjoy a smooth, stress-free transition from getting ready to walking down the aisle. This flow is especially valuable for outdoor ceremonies at the Arboretum, where timing and coordination play such an important role.
For couples planning a Dubuque Arboretum wedding, the getting ready portion of the day becomes more than just prep—it becomes part of the celebration. Laughter with your closest friends, quiet moments of reflection, and heartfelt reactions all unfold in a space that feels warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. From a planning perspective, it’s one of our favorite places to start a wedding day, and for couples, it’s an experience that feels both peaceful and unforgettable.

The Ceremony at the Dubuque Arboretum

The ceremony at the Packard Pavilion at the Dubuque Arboretum was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by mature trees, rolling greenery, and the peaceful ambiance the arboretum is known for, the pavilion provided a naturally stunning backdrop that required very little additional décor. The open-air structure allowed guests to feel fully immersed in nature while still offering a defined, intimate ceremony space—making it a perfect option for couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding ceremony in Dubuque, Iowa.
As guests arrived and took their seats, the pavilion framed the moment beautifully, drawing everyone’s focus to the couple at the center. The soft rustling of leaves, warm sunlight filtering through the trees, and the serene setting created an emotional and unforgettable atmosphere. It’s one of the reasons we love coordinating ceremonies at the Dubuque Arboretum—the space feels intentional, peaceful, and effortlessly romantic, allowing the love story to truly take center stage.
For couples looking for a ceremony location that blends natural beauty with structure and convenience, the Packard Pavilion wedding ceremony is an incredible choice. It offers stunning photo opportunities from every angle, easy guest flow, and a seamless transition into the celebration that follows. Weddings like this are a perfect example of why the Dubuque Arboretum continues to be one of our favorite outdoor wedding venues in Eastern Iowa.

The Reception at the dubuque Arboretum

The reception under the Packard Pavilion at the Dubuque Arboretum was the perfect continuation of Adam and Ashley’s wedding day—romantic, relaxed, and full of thoughtful, personal touches. As the sun set and the pavilion glowed with warm string lights, the space transformed into an intimate outdoor reception venue that felt both cozy and magical. Surrounded by mature trees and the natural beauty of the arboretum, guests enjoyed an open-air celebration that balanced elegance with an inviting, laid-back atmosphere.
One of our favorite details from the evening was the couple’s unique guest favors: thrifted mugs displayed for guests to choose from. Each mug was different, adding a charming, sustainable, and sentimental touch to the reception. Guests were invited to “do us a favor and take a favor,” selecting a mug to take home as a keepsake from the day—something both practical and meaningful that reflected Adam and Ashley’s personalities perfectly.
Heartfelt toasts, first dances, and the cake cutting unfolded under the pavilion, creating unforgettable moments framed by soft lighting and lush greenery. The Packard Pavilion allowed guests to easily move between dining, mingling, and dancing, while still feeling connected to the surrounding gardens. For couples searching for an outdoor wedding reception venue in Dubuque, Iowa, the Packard Pavilion offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, flexibility, and charm—and Adam and Ashley’s reception was a beautiful example of just how special this space can be.

The Dining Expirience at the Dubuque Arboretum

Instead of a traditional plated dinner, Adam and Ashley opted for a pizza food truck reception, and it was one of the most loved parts of the entire wedding day. Parked just steps away from the Packard Pavilion at the Dubuque Arboretum, the pizza truck offered a relaxed, interactive dining experience that guests couldn’t stop raving about. Freshly made pizzas were served hot and quickly, allowing guests to grab slices, mingle, and enjoy the evening at their own pace.
This non-traditional approach to wedding catering perfectly matched the couple’s laid-back, intentional style. Guests loved the variety of flavors and the casual feel—proof that wedding food doesn’t have to be formal to be memorable. The pizza truck created a fun, communal atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable grabbing seconds, chatting between bites, and heading straight back to the dance floor without a long dinner service slowing things down.
For couples planning an outdoor wedding reception in Dubuque, Iowa, a food truck is an incredible alternative to traditional wedding catering—and Adam and Ashley’s celebration showed just how successful it can be. The combination of great food, an open-air setting, and a relaxed timeline made the dinner experience feel effortless, personal, and unforgettable for everyone in attendance.

Adam and Ashley’s wedding day at the Dubuque Arboretum was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are the ones that feel true to the couple. From their intimate ceremony surrounded by nature to a reception filled with personal details, laughter, and thoughtful experiences, every part of the day reflected who they are and what they value. Whether it was the relaxed getting-ready moments, the heartfelt vows, or the way guests were encouraged to slow down and truly enjoy the celebration, the entire day felt intentional and warm.

We loved how they embraced non-traditional elements throughout their wedding—from a pizza food truck dinner that guests genuinely loved, to thrifted mug favors and a guestbook designed to become art in their home. These choices created an atmosphere that felt welcoming, memorable, and uniquely theirs. Paired with the natural beauty of the arboretum and the charm of the Packard Pavilion, their wedding was both effortlessly elegant and deeply personal.

For couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding in Dubuque, Iowa, Adam and Ashley’s day is a perfect example of how meaningful, creative, and joyful a celebration at the Dubuque Arboretum can be. We are so honored to have been part of their wedding day and to witness the start of their marriage in such a beautiful setting. Days like this are exactly why we love what we do—and why weddings at the Dubuque Arboretum will always hold a special place in our hearts.