Why settle for just a room with four walls when you can enjoy a room with a view? The Morton Arboretum has venues for every occasion, and each comes complete with picturesque views that make any event memorable.
The award-winning aspects of the Arboretum add beauty and panache to any event. The Visitor Center won The Conservation Foundation 2005 Award for Environmentally-Sustainable Building Designs. Environmentally-progressive pavements won the 2005 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement of the Year Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The next time you plan your social or business event, think of these outstanding destinations! For more information about renting our “rooms with a view,” please contact us at 630-725-2190.
Rental Rates
The White Pine Pavilion
Thornhill Education Center
The Thornhill Education Center includes the Arbor Room, the Founder's Room, The Morton Terrace, and the Thornhill Lawn.
Fragrance Garden
The Fragrance Garden is a perfect location for an intimate wedding ceremony.
Arbor Room
Arbor Room offers spectacular views with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an expansive landscape.
Founder's Room
Add character to your wedding or social event by hosting it in the former library of the Morton family mansion. The historic room features timeless ornate bookcases, marble fireplace, and stained glass windows.
Visitor Center
The Ginkgo Room, the Chestnut and Hawthorn Rooms, and Orientation Hall have walls of glass—so magnificent Meadow Lake, Arbor Court, and sections of the Children's Garden and Maze Garden are never out of view. Seasonally planted containers in Arbor Court add texture and color to the scene, and birds and wildlife make frequent visits. Reflections on the water create a constantly changing backdrop and provide beauty to your event. Occasionally, a blue heron will fly over the water as you dine. Waterfowl and small ground creatures might make appearances, as they scuttle from dry land to water, from ground level to the treetops.
The Hawthorn and Chestnut Rooms are available for daytime and evening rental and adjacent to the Ginkgo Room. They are perfect for small groups and as adjuncts to the Ginkgo Room. Both offer views of Meadow Lake and are equipped with retractable screens and darkening shades.
Special Venues
In addition to the Visitor Center and Thornhill, several locations deserve your consideration.
Hedge Garden
Ceremonies sparkle within the Hedge Garden, where aisles of pristine greenery lead toward the statuesque four pillars. This formal garden is situated on three terraces. It is framed with elegant sheared hedges and a backdrop of four striking white columns that soar 20 feet high.
Sycamore Room
Create lasting memories by having your event in the inspirational Sycamore Room. Located in the Visitor Center's West Pavilion, the Sycamore Room has sheer glass walls overlooking the Ground Cover Garden, which is blanketed in color during all four seasons. This warm and inviting space is perfect for cocktail receptions.
Upon request, Facility Rental staff will be happy to provide you with a list of reliable audio-visual suppliers for your event.
For more information about renting our “rooms with a view,” please contact us at 630-725-2190.
For Children's Garden reservations, call 630-725-2038.
Group Picnics
During picnic season (May through September), The Morton Arboretum invites you and your group to enjoy your picnic in a delightful open grassy area, surrounded by a canopy of trees. We can accommodate a very large number of people in one or more tents.
The Arboretum supplies the tents, tables and chairs. Our caterer can offer you picnic fare including onsite grilling and full beverage service.
Talk to our Catering Department about providing group activities.
The Morton Arboretum does require using our in-house caterer for all events.
Private Event Tram Tours
Take your guests on a scenic ride aboard the Acorn Express open-air tram and learn about key points of interest along the way. Our driver will stop to allow you to take photographs at either West Side gardens or the serene shores of Lake Marmo. We'll provide background music or bring along your favorite CD to enjoy along the way.
For weddings, we have a Wedding Photo Tram Tour that can take your guests on a one-hour, narrated tour of the Arboretum grounds while they take in the scenery and the views. Your private wedding tram makes one scenic photo stop of your choice along the way. LEARN MORE