Located in Saratoga, California, Hakone Estate and Gardens is a historic wedding ceremony and reception venue. Unique in its appearance, Hakone Estate and Gardens is the oldest Asian estate and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. The beautiful Japanese gardens are the ideal place to exchange vows with the person you love the most. Cascading waterfalls and koi ponds are just some of the relaxing features that Hakone Estate and Gardens has to offer. With breathtaking Japanese flora and architecture, some straight from Japan, Hakone offers an international experience without the hassle. This hidden gem nestled between Silicon Valley and the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains provides a convenient retreat for a peaceful and truly unique wedding experience. If you want to give your guests an unforgettable cultural experience in a timeless oasis, Hakone Estate and Gardens is the place for you.

Facilities and Capacity

With a maximum capacity of 180 people, Hakone Estate and Gardens offers both indoor and uncovered outdoor settings. The overall feel of the 18 acres private venue is classy and outdoorsy. Small ceremonies with up to 30 guests can utilize the beautiful Moon Bridge over the koi pond for an intimate ceremony. The main garden area showcases the sprawling gardens as the backdrop for your wedding ceremony with up to 180 guests. Small receptions with up to 50 guests may be held in the Cultural Exchange Center with its viewing deck showcasing Hakone's fantastic view of the Santa Clara Valley. Receptions with up to 180 guests can use the outdoor Madrone Mound area surrounded with bamboo and showcasing an exquisite 100-year-old oak tree. Hakone Estate and Gardens also provide the Lower House as your bridal suite, overlooking a tranquil zen garden.

Services Offered

The wheelchair accessible venue offers nearby parking for its guests. Although the venue does not provide catering or event rentals, they do have a list of trusted preferred vendors who have years of professional experience. The long list of preferred vendors that Hakone Estate and Gardens provides range from caterers and florists to entertainment and officiants. Each of their preferred vendors have worked with Hakone Estate and Gardens before and is familiar with the venue’s policies and regulations.

History

As mentioned above, this 100 year old garden is one of the oldest Asian estates and gardens located in the Western Hemisphere. Hakone has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2013 and is known as one of the premier sites of the Nation Trust for Historic Preservation. It originally started as the private estate of a San Francisco philanthropist and his wife in 1915. A half a century later, the gardens were sold to the city of Saratoga, and Hakone ceased to be a private estate. Since then, Hakone has flourished as a non-profit public garden with the help of its dedicated staff, frequent visitors, and event hosts who help keep this garden beautiful for generations to come.