Hakone Estate and Gardens 21000 Big Basin Way • Saratoga • California 95070
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Why You'll Love This Place
A Here Comes The Guide Wedding Venue Review
- This exquisite and historic 18-acre Japanese garden, the oldest and largest in the Western Hemisphere, was originally inspired by exhibits seen in the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. A peaceful retreat for visitors during the day, the evenings are reserved for private celebrations—a romantic oasis just for you.
- Most couples say "I do" in the heart of the gardens, where a cascading waterfall empties into a picturesque Koi pond. The Wisteria Pavilion, a charming wooden structure wrapped in fragrant wisteria, is another popular ceremony site. Either way, you'll be surrounded by thoughtfully manicured landscaping, winding paths, and beautiful Japanese architecture.
- A stunning deck overlooking the Santa Clara Valley leads into the Cultural Exchange Center, a magnificent replica of a 19th-century Kyoto tea merchant’s shop and living quarters. Al fresco receptions may be held on the Madrone Mound, a lovely, bamboo-lined rise shaded by an arching, century-old oak tree.
Video
Deals
"I Do" Elopement for Two
Host your elopement or vow renewal on the Moon Bridge, Wisteria Pavilion, Upper Wisteria Pavilion, or Tea House Garden. Includes:
- Pre-event meetings, walk-through, referrals, and consultations, plus staff on-site on the event day
- 30-minute access to dressing area
- Choice of in-house officiant or minister (and filing of marriage license) or bring your own
- Brief ceremony with choice of traditional or contemporary wording
- 45-minute photo session
- Complimentary Hakone 1-year membership for the couple
Starts at $300.
Available Monday–Friday, from 10am–3pm. Additional time available at $100/hour; additional guests at $25/person.
PRICES: What's this going to cost?
Rental Fee
- $550–8,000/event
Prices listed are for weddings and special events during the peak season (May–October). Overtime is $500/hour, not to go past 10pm. Off-season rates available.
Ceremony-Only - $550–2,250
Ceremony-only rentals run 10–11am or 5–6pm in the Wisteria Pavilion, MoonBridge, or Gardens. Pricing varies depending on the space reserved, time of day, and time of year.Reception-Only - $1,500–8,000
Reception-only rentals run 5–9pm or 5–10pm. Pricing varies depending on the space reserved, guest count, event duration, time of day, and time of year.Ceremony + Reception - $2,100–8,000
Ceremony + reception rentals run 5–10pm. Pricing varies depending on the guest count, time of day, and time of year.All rentals include:
- Pre-event meetings, walk-through, referrals, and consultations, plus staff on-site on the event day
- Access to bridal dressing area prior to the ceremony
- Setup & breakdown time before and after the event
- 1-hour ceremony rehearsal (if applicable)
- Photo permit and photography time
- Free garden admission and parking for guests
- Complimentary Hakone 1-year membership for the couple
- No corkage fee or cake cutting fee
Capacity
| Indoors | Outdoors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceremony | Seated | 60 | 180 |
| Cocktails, etc. | Standing | 100 | 180 |
| Reception | Seated | 60 | 180 |
| Meetings | Total meeting capacity for this venue is 80. | ||
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Garden Area or the Madrone Mound holds 150 seated or standing guests; the Cultural Exchange Center (CEC) holds 80 seated theater-style; the Lower House 60 seated theater-style.
RECEPTION CAPACITY: The Cultural Exchange Center accommodates 60 seated or standing indoors, with an additional 40 guests seated on the adjacent deck. The Madrone Mound holds 150 seated or standing outdoors. The Lower House holds 40 seated guests.
MEETING CAPACITY: The Cultural Exchange Center accommodates 80 seated theater-style or 35–40 seated conference-style. The Lower House holds 60 guests seated theater-style or 20 seated conference-style.
Venue Details
Site Uses
- Ceremony
- Outdoor Ceremony
- Wedding Receptions
- Outdoor Reception
- Small Wedding
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Special Events / Parties
- Business Functions / Meetings
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
Essential Info
Price
$ • $$
Catering
Preferred list
BYO
BYO caterer with approval; extra fees may apply.
Alcohol
BYO
Amplified Music
Indoors
Some restrictions
Wheelchair Access
Access limited
Availability
For weddings and receptions:
• the Garden Area and Madrone Mound are available 8am–11am or 5pm–9pm (or 10pm with overtime fee);
• the Lower House and Cultural Exchange Center 9am–9pm (or 10pm with overtime fee).
For business functions:
• year-round, daily, 8am–5pm, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Venue Type
Buildings & other settings available:
- Banquet Hall / Events Facility
- Conference Center
- Garden
- Historic / Landmark Building
- Non-Profit
- Park
- Patio / Deck / Terrace
- Retreat
- Unique
Venue Views
Peep the views you’ll enjoy from this venue!
- Forest / Woods
- Fountain / Water Feature
- Garden
- Lagoon / Pond
- Landscaped Grounds
- Valley
- Waterfall
Services & Amenities
Feel like a VIP with these services and amenities:
Catering: preferred list
Kitchen Facilities: prep only
Tables & Chairs: provided
Linens, Silver, etc.: through caterer
Restrooms: limited wheelchair accessibility
Dance Floor: yes
Dressing Area: yes
Meeting Equipment: DVD player, LCD projector/screen,white boards, easels, wireless internet
Parking: large lot, free parking for guests
Accommodations: no guest rooms
Telephone: emergency use only for meetings
Outdoor Night Lighting: yes
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no
Cleanup: renter or caterer
View: Santa Clara Valley, Japanese gardens, cascading waterfalls and koi pond
Other: gift shop, picnic tables, access to gardens, trails and paths, tea ceremony & guided tours
Restrictions
But take note of the following limitations!
Alcohol: wine, beer, and champagne only; through caterer or BYO
Smoking: parking lot only
Music: amplified OK indoors with volume limits
Wheelchair Access: limited
Insurance: not required
Other: no rice, decorations restricted
Hakone Estate and Gardens
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