Dallas Arboretum Intimate Wedding: Rae's Day | Dallas Wedding Photographer

Only inviting your closest people? Consider the Dallas Arboretum.

Rae and her husband skipped the big wedding. They invited a handful of their favorite people and got married in the garden — here's how the day was put together.

The ceremony: one quiet corner, simply set up.

The garden staff helped them set up a small ceremony spot in a quiet corner — a flower bed that became theirs. The officiant, the couple, their loved ones around them. For that stretch of time the spot belonged to them alone: no tourists passing through, just their people, surrounded by the garden.

Portraits: right there in the garden.

After the ceremony, they took their portraits without leaving — stone steps, archways, shaded paths. No crowd to manage, no rushing between locations. The balloon photo and the laughing shots all came from that relaxed stretch.

Dinner: somewhere else.

They didn't fit a reception into the garden. Dinner happened at a separate location — simpler, more relaxed, and far less expensive than a full venue wedding.

Why this setup works:

- The Arboretum's scenery without a full venue wedding price tag.

- A small guest list keeps the day about the two of you.

- A private corner with a simple setup still feels like a real ceremony.

- Portraits on site — no travel time, no wasted light.

Practical notes:

- Address: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Main Entrance (Gate 1), 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218.

- Use the shade. Texas midday sun is harsh; the tree cover gives soft light even at noon.

- Wear comfortable shoes. The garden is big and the good spots are spread out.

- Handwrite your vows. It adds something personal, and it photographs well.

Planning a small wedding in Dallas? Check your date here: https://www.pstudioart.com/contact

Photography: Phenomenon Studio | Dallas Wedding Photographer