Taltree Arboretum and Gardens is a nature preservation specializing in oak trees. The arboretum features not only trees, but exquisite gardens, serene hiking trails, rich wetlands, and picturesque prairies. This preservation is highly popular in the community and offers memberships to those who wish to return again and again. Open year round, the Taltree Arboretum hours are seasonal as follows: April through October, 8am-7pm, and November through March, 10am-4pm.

Taltree is home to different types of activities all year including exhibitions, classes, and both public and private events. Perhaps the most popular of the exhibits is the Taltree Arboretum Railway Garden, an award-winning garden home to model trains that depict the history of the railroad in America. Many visitors travel to see the Taltree trains every year. The most popular public event at the gardens is the Taltree Arboretum GLOW 5K, a race that occurs on the property.

Among the many types of private events held at Taltree Arboretum are weddings. As a venue, Taltree is perfect for brides wanting a whimsical garden wedding with enough space to hold all of her guests. While many garden venues limit the bride and groom’s guest list, Taltree Arboretum has space for up to 300 people! Offering several different spaces to choose from, the gardens provide enough variety so that each wedding has its own unique style and vision. Brides love the beautiful, natural environment of Taltree Arboretum, as shown in the wedding reviews on The Knot and Wedding Wire.

Location

The Taltree Arboretum is located 70 miles from Chicago in Valparaiso, Indiana. Just a half hour from another natural wonder, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Valparaiso has much to offer visitors, especially those that enjoy the outdoors. There are many hotels available to wedding guests in the city, including the Hampton Inn and Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and Country Inn and Suites.

The address for Taltree is 450 West 100 North, Valparaiso, IN 46383. A map and directions to Taltree Arboretum can be found using this address, or on their website: www.taltree.org

Meyer Memorial Pavilion

This pavilion is an open-air structure built with rustic wood beams and stones. A stone fireplace is present in the pavilion, the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony. The stonework blends beautifully with the natural surroundings of the venue, as the pavilion is set in the midst of a beautiful garden. Close by is a pond surrounded by many flowering plants, and the Taltree staff ensures that the plants and flowers are beautiful no matter what time of year. The Meyer Memorial Pavilion would make an excellent ceremony location, and could also be used be combined with the surrounding gardens for a small reception.

Hitz Family Rose Garden

Dedicated in memory of Audrey M. Hitz, the rose garden is the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony or reception at Taltree Arboretum. A beautiful stone patio, an abundance of rose bushes, vibrant green privacy shrubs, and a flowering cherry tree make this space especially unique. This space is the true vision of a garden wedding.

The Sidetrack

Large weddings can easily be accommodated at Taltree on The Sidetrack, an expansive green lawn with enough space for up to 300 guests. Whether tented or under the stars, a wedding on this pristine space will be breathtaking.

Ed’s Oasis

Perfect for the true nature lover, and the most intimate of ceremonies, Ed’s Oasis brings your wedding right into nature itself. A small stone and wood structure make a lovely altar under which the bride and groom can exchange vows. The wedding guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful preservation up close as they sit amongst trees and flowering plants. Golf cart transportation is available to guests at this venue.

Window on the Wetlands

An exquisite ceremony location, Window on the Wetlands boasts 360 degree views of untouched wetlands and prairies. A grassy lawn allows space for wedding guests to sit as the bride and groom exchange vows under the stone-pillared pergola, behind which are views of the wetlands. Golf cart transportation is available to guests at this venue.

Budget

Potential brides will be very pleased to hear that the venues at Taltree Arboretum are extremely budget friendly. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, the space chosen, and the number of guests, but the cost ranges from $350-$800. Considering that most wedding venues cost thousands and thousands of dollars, this is quite the steal. Brides also won’t have to spend much on décor with this venue, as the natural beauty that surrounds each space is enough all on its own.

A $200 refundable security deposit is required when renting a space from Taltree. To schedule a tour of the grounds, or to ask any questions regarding the venues, contact the Taltree Aboretum staff at 219-462-0025, extension 3.