Hakone Estate and Gardens

Micro Wedding Venue · Saratoga, South Bay

Historic Japanese garden estate — ceremony-only, extraordinary natural beauty

Right for a micro wedding

Pricing/permit: indoor/outdoor receptions; free parking. events@hakonegardens.org. (DINNER-capable)

Venue details

Venue fee

BYO alcohol, no corkage

Ceremony-only rentals. Morning slot 10–11am or evening 5–6pm. Fees $650–$5,000 depending on area, guest count, and season. Full estate rentals up to $9,000. Contact events@hakonegardens.org for current pricing.

Capacity

Up to 180

All details provided for reference. Confirm specifics directly with the venue when booking.

Venue photos

What to know

What's includedGarden ceremony area (180); Moon Bridge (20-30); Cultural Exchange Center — a Kyoto-style tea house seating 50 for dinner with valley views; Madrone Mound for evening receptions; Lower House for changing (from 8am). A 9x9 outdoor dance floor is available for evening events.

Food & drinkOutside catering from Hakone's preferred-caterer list is required; caterers must be full service and sign the venue's catering agreement. An outside caterer not on the list costs an additional per-person fee. Many caterers cook off site and bring food in hotboxes with their own satellite-kitchen equipment. There is no corkage fee and couples may bring their own wine, beer, champagne, soda and water.

House rulesMorning ceremonies run 10–11am at weekends or 9–10am on weekdays, before the gardens open to the public · Evening ceremonies run 5–6pm, or 4–5pm November to February, after the gardens close to the public · Events cannot be held on the Madrone Mound while the gardens are open to the public · Food trucks are not possible — there is no level area for them · Linens are not provided · Hakone does not require event insurance from the couple, but does require a certificate of insurance from the caterer · Booking requires a completed rate sheet, application form and signed event policy · A $600 security and damage deposit applies, with half the rental fee due at signing and the balance 90 days before the event · Morning ceremonies 10-11am weekends / 9-10am weekdays (before the gardens open to the public); evening ceremonies 5-6pm (4-5pm Nov-Feb, after the gardens close). No events on the Madrone Mound while gardens are open. No food trucks (no level area). Linens are not provided. $600 security/damage deposit; half the rental fee due at signing, balance due 90 days before the event.

AmenitiesThree of the four structures on site were built in Japan and reassembled here · Furniture specified on the rate sheet is included · 9x9 dance floor for outdoor use at evening events · Cake can be stored during the ceremony · Changing room access from 8am