Plan your event
Hakone is a unique and intimate venue, unmatched by any other indoor or outdoor setting in the Bay Area. We are a preferred venue for weddings, receptions, corporate events and special occasions of all types. Imagine your guests strolling through our gardens, eating under the stars or inside one of our many historic buildings, imagine the beauty of nature surrounding you as you celebrate your special occasion.
Our unparalleled location, in the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Silicon Valley, coupled with the exquisite authentic Asian gardens, lush greenery, historic buildings and serene, peaceful atmosphere, combine to provide the most attractive venue imaginable for your event. Contact us for more information on how we can help make your event truly memorable.
Photo: Corinna Rose
Pay online
You can pay for your event fees online. Online payments are processed through PayPal.Your payment will show bookkeeper@hakonegardens.org as the recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your guest limit for weddings?
Our outdoor reception area, the Madrone Mound, can seat up to 180 guests. The Madrone Mound can also be tented if you are considering a wedding reception during the winter/early spring. For indoor events we offer the Cultural Exchange Center which has a dinner seating capacity of up to 50 or the Lower House (Dry Garden House) which can seat up to 40 for dinner. Please click here to view a map of our venue.
What times are available for wedding ceremonies and receptions?
We offer both morning and evening options for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Morning ceremonies are available on the weekends from 10 AM to 11 AM and weekdays from 9 AM to 10 AM. Following a morning ceremony, luncheon receptions may be held inside our Lower House or the Cultural Exchange Center, which also has an outdoor viewing deck. Outdoor receptions on the Madrone Mound are only available in the evening. Evening hours begin at 5 PM and end at 9 or 10 PM. Set up and break down time is added to these hours, typically two hours for set up and an hour for break down. The set up and break down times are dependent upon the type of event. For ceremony only, we provide one hour plus setup and breakdown time.
Can I have just a ceremony at Hakone?
Yes, you may. However ceremony only events have limited availability during our busy season which is mid March through mid October. During our busy season ceremony only events are scheduled at 10 AM on the weekends or Fridays starting at 5 pm.
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Can I have just a reception at Hakone?
Yes, however we have limited availability for receptions only during our busy season which is mid March through mid October.
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Can we use our own caterer?
Yes, you can bring in your own caterer with approval by Hakone. Additional fees may be charged if you choose an outside caterer. Hakone offers an extensive list of preferred vendors which provide a wide range of culinary expertise and years of experience working with our venue.
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What is your pricing range?
For weddings fees range from $300 to $8,500, depending on the areas rented, time of year, and guest count. Please contact our Events Manager (events@hakonegardens.org) for specific rate information.
Do you require a deposit?
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It varies depending on party size. A refundable deposit is required at the time you sign your contract.
Vendor list
We work with a number of fine local caterers, servers, florists, bakers, photographers, and event coordinators who will assist you with planning your special event. And with years of experience, our Hakone staff will help guide you through each step of your event.
Photo: Josh Wong
Are there any fees that are not shown on the rate sheet?
No, We do not have any hidden fees.
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How do I secure a date for my wedding?
To secure your wedding date we require payment of the refundable damage deposit and half of the rental fee. The remaining rental fee is due three months before your event. If signing within three months the full fee is required.
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How far in advance should I book my wedding?
Many of our weddings are booked a year or more in advance. If you have a specific day in mind it is best to contact us early in your planning process. Saturdays are our most heavily booked day, followed by Friday evenings. Sundays usually have more availability, however during our busy season these dates fill up quickly as well. Most wedding venues book a year in advance, so finalizing your date and location should be done early in your planning process.
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Is your venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the ceremony and reception areas are wheelchair accessible, but other areas of the gardens have limited wheelchair access due to the nature of our terrain.
Can my guests tour the garden during our event?
Yes, one of the charms of having your wedding at Hakone is that your guests have full access to our exquisite gardens. Food and beverages need to remain within your reception area.
Do you provide facility tours of your venue?
Yes, our Events Manager will gladly arrange a tour for you, whether on weekdays or weekends.
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How can I get more information?
For more information, please contact our Events Office at events@hakonegardens.org. Please indicate in the subject line whether you are interested to have just a ceremony, reception or both at Hakone on your special day (ex. ‘Wedding Inquiry – Ceremony & Reception’). In your email, please include the following information:
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Estimated number guests
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Date(s) that you are interested in
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Possible date for a tour
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Thank you for considering Hakone. We look forward to working with you to create an exquisitely beautiful wedding event.