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This week’s topics: Lied Lodge wedding venue, Arbor Day Farm weddings, Midwest wedding destinations, eco-friendly wedding ideas, sustainable wedding venues, full-weekend wedding tips, wedding planning in Nebraska, nature-inspired wedding design, guest experience at destination weddings, how to plan a retreat-style wedding, tree planting wedding traditions, wedding venue tour podcast, Lied Lodge wedding packages, best Nebraska wedding venues, seasonal weddings at Arbor Day Farm
In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Brooke Beise, Publisher of Nebraska Wedding Day and Minnesota Bride, sit down with Patty Pierce and Rachel Hrabik of Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm — a one-of-a-kind Nebraska venue offering full-weekend wedding experiences rooted in sustainability and meaningful connection.
Located in Nebraska City, Lied Lodge is part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation. The 80-room lodge, spa, orchard and winery serve as the backdrop for celebrations that feel like a true retreat. Couples and their guests are encouraged to unplug and reconnect — whether hiking four miles of scenic trails, relaxing in the sauna or sipping wine on the terrace. Patty and Rachel share how their team designs weddings that allow couples to slow down and enjoy the entire weekend, from the welcome party to the farewell brunch.
The property offers eight unique event spaces across its sprawling grounds, including Hazelnut Lawn, Woodland Grove, a historic barn and even Arbor Lodge Mansion — home of J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbor Day. There's a heart-shaped lawn, a ceremony deck shaped like an apple blossom and sweeping views in every direction. These indoor-outdoor spaces can be tailored for gatherings large and small, with seasonal beauty at every turn.
Guests also enjoy a farm-to-fork culinary program, with menus shaped by the on-site garden and local sourcing. Seasonal offerings highlight Nebraska's harvest — from spring greens to summer produce and cozy fall flavors. Sustainability is built into every element, from compostable serviceware and refill stations to upcycled florals and donation programs.
Planning support is built into the venue experience, with Rachel and Patty often guiding couples from their first tour to the final sendoff. Whether you're an in-state couple planning multiple visits or planning from afar, Lied Lodge provides flexible meetings, vendor walk-throughs and group tastings to help couples feel at home. With 6–24 month booking timelines and options to rent the property for full-weekend events, couples have room to create a truly personalized celebration.
From unity ceremonies that include planting a seedling to supporting reforestation through every booking, weddings at Lied Lodge reflect the values of the Arbor Day Foundation. As a special touch during the Best of Nebraska Wedding Day celebration, Lied Lodge even collaborated with a violinist to play a version of Taylor Swift's "Best Day" — underscoring how thoughtful details are woven into every event.
This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films, Hotel Indigo and Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
