Friends of Hilltop Arboretum

Guest capacity

Up to 50 seated guests

About this venue

Nestled on historic Highland Road in Baton Rouge, Friends of Hilltop Arboretum is a serene 14-acre sanctuary where natural beauty and award-winning design meet. Designed by Lake|Flato Architects, this living plant museum offers an unforgettable setting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and intimate celebrations. Exchange vows beneath the majestic "Mr. Emory Wedding Tree"—a historic live oak—or host your guests amidst tranquil wildflower meadows, pineland savannah gardens, and a peaceful pond with a wooden boardwalk. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A RAW SPACE VENUE.

Seated guest capacity

  • 50

Venue type

  • Parks, Gardens

Venue setting

  • Covered Outdoor
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
11855 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Our event spaces

Friends of Hilltop Arboretum

A serene botanical haven for your special day.

Friends of Hilltop Arboretum features versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces designed for seamless event flow. The Beverly Brown Coates Auditorium boasts floor-to-ceiling pond views, climate-controlled comfort, and convenient kitchen access. For open-air gatherings, the Margaret Holmes Brown Pavilion and Bert Turner Courtyard offer covered pavilion and outdoor terrace settings framed by native plant collections. Couples can say "I do" under the historic "Mr. Emory Wedding Tree" or host a ceremony at the earthen amphitheater and wildflower meadows, connected by scenic boardwalk paths surrounded by aquatic blooms. AS A RAW SPACE VENUE, NO RENTALS OR SERVICES ARE INCLUDED, giving you total freedom to build your setup from scratch.

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed and casual”

Included in this room:

AS A RAW SPACE VENUE, NO RENTALS OR SERVICES ARE INCLUDED, giving you total freedom to build your setup from scratch.

Friends of Hilltop Arboretum

A serene botanical haven for your special day.

Friends of Hilltop Arboretum features versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces designed for seamless event flow. The Beverly Brown Coates Auditorium boasts floor-to-ceiling pond views, climate-controlled comfort, and convenient kitchen access. For open-air gatherings, the Margaret Holmes Brown Pavilion and Bert Turner Courtyard offer covered pavilion and outdoor terrace settings framed by native plant collections. Couples can say "I do" under the historic "Mr. Emory Wedding Tree" or host a ceremony at the earthen amphitheater and wildflower meadows, connected by scenic boardwalk paths surrounded by aquatic blooms. AS A RAW SPACE VENUE, NO RENTALS OR SERVICES ARE INCLUDED, giving you total freedom to build your setup from scratch.

Guest capacity

Up to 50 Seated

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed and casual”

Included in this room:

AS A RAW SPACE VENUE, NO RENTALS OR SERVICES ARE INCLUDED, giving you total freedom to build your setup from scratch.

Available services that can be provided by Friends of Hilltop Arboretum

Services & amenities

  • Event staff
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Transportation & access

  • Self parking - free
  • Wheelchair accessible

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

1 review

  • H

    Hillary

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Jul 31, 2026

    exactly what we needed and more

    We held our wedding reception at the Hilltop Arboretum and rented the auditorium and pavilion. The balance was perfect because guests could enjoy the outdoors but duck into the air conditioning whenever they needed to. The process of renting the space was seamless, and representatives were available to help us every step of the way so it was less stress for me during a very stressful time. The representative who was present the day of, Ms. Amy, went above and beyond to make sure it went smoothly for us. I really can't praise them, or the facility, enough. While we overpaid for other aspects of our wedding/reception, renting with Hilltop was actually worth every penny.

Our maximum capacity for any event is 50 people.
Yes! We do not permit live amplified bands. You are welcome to have a DJ or acoustical music. If music is going to be outside, we have a specific place on the pavilion where music needs to be set up. We monitor sounds levels during events and if the Hilltop Representative determines that the music is too loud, you will be required to turn it down or forfeit your deposit.
Our parking lot can accommodate up to 40 vehicles. If your event has more than 30 people and you need more than 40 parking spaces (including caterers, musicians, photographers, and any other vendors), you are required to arrange for off-site parking and shuttle people in. You are responsible for all of the costs and arrangements for parking and shuttle services. Shuttle vehicles should hold a maximum of 35 passengers as larger vehicles cannot maneuver in our narrow parking lot. Parking in the adjoining neighborhoods is prohibited; doing so results in forfeiture of your deposit.
Yes, the Agreement for Use of Facilities and Premises Form outlines all of the details about the coverage required and how the policy is to be endorsed. Proof of insurance for the event as well as for all contractors and subcontractors must be received by Friends of Hilltop Arboretum at least 30 days prior to your event.
We do not provide catering services. All caterers must be licensed and insured. We recommend you use LSU approved caterers as they carry the required insurance needed.
No, we are a non-smoking facility. This includes E-Cigs and Vapes.
For private rental events, yes. Bartenders must be licensed and insured, with proof provided to Friends of Hilltop Arboretum at least 30 days prior to your event.
Yes, the rental fee includes a $500 refundable deposit. The deposit will be returned, within thirty days following the event, providing the rental party strictly comply with all points in the Agreement for Use of Facilities and Premises. Damages exceeding the deposit are the responsibility of the Renter.
We accept reservations 12 months in advance.
All events must end by 10:00pm. Clean up can go later but the party ends at 10:00pm.
Beverly Brown Coates Auditorium is 30’x40 Margaret Holmes Brown Pavilion is 38’ x 60’ Bert Turner Courtyard is 38’ x 60’ Cherry Owens Library is 35’ x 13’
We recommend you call Baton Rouge Mosquito Abatement the week of your event and ask them to come out and spray. While they will not spray all 14 acres, they will spray around the main areas that are going to be used. Depending on the time of year, you might also consider having bug spray available for your guests to use.
Yes, the auditorium is equipped with a projector, screen, and podium with connection cables. There is a fee for using our A/V equipment.
Yes, and passwords are provided the day of rental.
Yes, you are welcome to decorate. No nails, staples or tape can be used. We recommend tying decorations onto the rails, cables, beams, etc. or you can use Command® Pull-Tangers. If you want to hang additional lighting in the courtyard, you need to rent stands as we do not want the trees used for this purpose. Open flames are not allowed, candles need to be enclosed. You are required to remove all decorations at the end of your event.
We provide cardboard trash boxes and bag liners. You are responsible for making sure all trash is taken to and put in the dumpster at the end of your event.
We do have tables and chairs that can be used outside that you are welcome to use. The auditorium has tables and chairs available for use. You are responsible for set up and take down for any Hilltop furnishings. We have rectangular tables, no rounds.
Yes, sort of. We were designed to be an arboretum, not a wedding venue, so we make do with what we have. Typically, if the bridal party does not come dressed and ready, then the bride and bridesmaids get ready in the office area. There is a bathroom and plenty of space. Please note we do not have a full-length mirror.
Yes
No, crawfish boils are not allowed on site.
No, you are responsible for making sure the facility is cleaned and returned to its original state. This includes hauling all of the garbage and placing it in the dumpster.
No, although we strongly suggest you advise your guests to wear appropriate shoes. Being an outdoor venue, most of our walking surfaces (grass, gravel, and slatted boardwalks) are not appropriate for high or spiked heels and, in fact, can be a serious tripping hazard. Better to be safe and comfortable than sorry and cute.

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