How to Plan A Shelldance Orchid Gardens Wedding

How to Plan a Hakone Estate and Gardens WeddingUltimate Guide for Planning a Hakone Estate and Gardens Wedding(complete with pricing and photos)Many couples choose to have a Hakone Estate and Gardens wedding because of its gorgeous natural backdrop that makes it a perfect choice for an outdoor ceremony. Its unique and beautiful setting offers anywhere from a koi pond, bamboo garden, and wooden bridge that offer photogenic backdrops for your wedding day. Read below for more reasons why a Hakone Estate and Gardens wedding might be best for you.TLDR – With a koi fish pond, pink Sakura, and a waterfall, the Hakone Estate and Gardens wedding evokes a Japanese garden theme.– Available ceremony times: 10am – 11am & 5pm – 10pm, overtime billed $500 per hour– The Hakone Estate and Gardens ceremony can host 150 guests; the reception can seat 60 guests indoors + 40 guests seated on the nearby decks.– The cost of a wedding at Hakone Estate and Gardens begins at $500 and will vary on the amount of guests.– Packages available equipped with traditional wedding preparations, etc.– Elopements on weekdays are allowed 10AM – 3PMWhy a Hakone Estate and Gardens WeddingWhen Oliver and Isabel Stine started a Japanese garden as their escape to remind them of their voyages to Japan, they couldn’t imagine what their humble 18-acre garden would turn out to be. The main gate looks like something you will find in a Japanese village, pink Sakura tree blossoms pave the path for you, and a cascading waterfall and a koi fish pond make up the scene. If you have always dreamed of an evening wedding, this is the venue for you because Hakone estate and Gardens stay open to the public until 5:00 pm. Events begin after the gates have been closed to the public.  Photo by Ian Chin Photography Hakone Estate and Gardens Wedding CostRental Fee: $500 – $7500 depending on detailsCapacity: 60 guests (indoors). 180 guests (outdoors)Hours: 5PM – 10PMYou are allowed to host a ceremony from 10 am to 11am and from 5 pm to 10 pm, and any overtime is billed at $500 per hour. Ceremony-only packages start from $550 to $2250, and reception-only packages will cost between $1500 to $7500. You can also book the ceremony and reception packages which will range from $2100 to $7500.How to Book a Hakone Garden WeddingEmail: Events@Hakonegardens.orgPhone: 408-741-4957Website: https://www.hakone.com/weddings-and-receptionsHakone Estate and Gardens ElopementsRental Fee: starting at $550 weekdays from 10 am to 3 pmYou can host your elopement at the Wisteria Pavilion, Tea House Garden, Moon Bridge, and Upper Wisteria Pavilion and still get most of the benefits of a full wedding. Afterwards, taking advantage of the redwood trees, bamboo forest, and koi pond is suggested for photos!What’s IncludedPre-event meetings, walk-through, referrals, and consultations with Event ManagerPhoto shootSet up and break down time before and after the eventFree admission and parking for guestsCeremony rehearsal timeDressing area for BrideHakone Event Staff (day of your wedding)Chairs and tablesCeremony chair setup and breakdownMembership for one yearAdmission PassAccess to our gardens during your entire eventBest Time for a Hakone Estate and Gardens Wedding Hakone Estate and Gardens Wedding Photos Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335 ianchinphotography@gmail.com Related Posts on the Blog

How to Plan a Wedding in Golden Gate Park Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding in Golden Gate Park (complete with pricing, photos, and videos) Curious on how to plan a wedding in Golden Gate Park? Many couples choose Golden Gate Park because it offers so many different outdoor settings in the heart of San Francisco. If you are wanting a compromise between beauty and location within San Francisco, read below for the steps on how to have a Golden Gate Park wedding. A Wedding in Golden Gate Park Overview The park itself is bordered by Fulton Avenue and Lincoln Way on the north and south and the Great Highway and Stanyan on the east and west. Within these confines, you will find virtually anything you can imagine. Situated on the grounds lies a number of popular destinations including the California Academy of Sciences, De Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, Strybing Arboretum, and many more areas to explore.  Golden Gate Park Wedding Venues For couples looking to tie the knot in their very own Golden Gate Park wedding, there are many different places within the park to have your ceremony. The park itself recommends seven different locations. See below for capacity maximums as well as whether they allow ceremonies and receptions. Chain of Lakes. Located near Middle Lake, one of three small bodies of water that form the Chain of Lakes, this setting is loved for its greenery and solitude. Max capacity of 100. Ceremony only. Chinese Pavilion. In the middle of Stow Lake, you will find an area that was a gift from San Francisco’s sister city, Taipei. The pavilion itself is adorned with intricate carvings and creates a peaceful setting for an intimate wedding. Max capacity of 50. Ceremony only. Fuchsia Garden. Next to the Conservatory of Flowers, this is the perfect location for a late spring or summer wedding as the area is covered in purple-red blooms from May into November. This is one of the best locations for beautiful wedding photos. Max capacity of 150. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Portals of the Past. Another aquatic venue, this location is framed by marble columns and an archway that creates a regal setting. You’ll also find Rainbow Falls nearby, making this an ideal fairytale setting. Max capacity of 100. Ceremony only. Queen Wilhelmina Garden. This garden can be found beneath the grand Dutch windmill and is named after the longest reigning Dutch monarch. Tulips bloom from mid-March to mid-April, making that the optimal time for a stunning wedding in this area; however, it is beautiful year-round. Max capacity of 200. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Rose Garden. Golden Gate Park’s Rose Garden is one of its most famed areas. A plethora of colors of roses are in bloom from mid-May to July with another wave of beauty blossoming in September. Max capacity of 100. Ceremonies and receptions allowed. Shakespeare Garden. This site has rows of trees lining a potential aisle, a brick wall, sundial, and many other settings that produce a love story backdrop that will rival the tales of Shakespeare himself. This is the most popular venue for a wedding in Golden Gate Park. Max capacity of 200. Ceremony only. If you’d like to read more, check out my Shakespeare Garden Wedding walkthrough. How to Book a Wedding in Golden Gate Park Wedding reservations at Golden Gate Park can be made up to a year in advance. I recommend booking as early as possible to ensure availability. Reservations can be made by calling the Parks Department by phone or e-mailing them. Payments can be made by check or card. If making a reservation less than two months form the wedding date, couples must pay in full immediately by card.   Golden Gate Park Wedding Costs   The fees vary by location, with the reservation fee and 2 hour minimums ranging from $494 – $847. Specific information on costs can be found on the official pricing document from San Francisco Parks, but see below for a general outline of costs amongst the difference venues. Best Time for a Wedding in Golden Gate Park   While San Francisco never gets too cold or too hot throughout the year, “Summer” in San Francisco (aka the warmest months) is actually September and October, rather than the summer months June – August. Throughout the year, it consistently averages the low to mid 60s, so there’s not really a bad time to have a Golden Gate Park wedding!   Golden Gate Park Wedding Reception Limitations If you are looking for a larger wedding, some of the venues are only suitable for smaller crowds. For example, the Chinese Pavilion can only hold 50 guests while Chain of Lakes and Lloyd’s Lake are limited to 100 each. Several locations allow receptions including Fuschia Dell, Queen Wilhelmina Garden, and the Rose Garden; however, the other locations do not. What Is Included with Your Rental? When you reserve your wedding at Golden Gate Park, you are only reserving for use of the specific venue within the park. However, you will likely save a bit on décor as many of the sites serve as perfect backdrops for a ceremony. This is particularly true for the Chinese Pavilion and Queen Wilhelmina garden. It is also important to note that there are some policies in place that may affect your planning. For example, guests are not allowed to throw rice, birdseed, flowers, or confetti as these things may negatively impact the soil. Animals may also not be released during the ceremony. Finally, amplified sound and alcohol are not allowed. However, many of the settings are perfect for a harp or small string ensemble. It is also worth noting that bathrooms are only available at the Chinese Pavilion. Guests at other locations will have to find alternatives for facilities. Conclusion San Francisco is a city with a wealth of treasured locations for a beautiful wedding day. However, there are few spots with as varied and ornate locations as Golden Gate Park. Planning your wedding at Golden Gate Park will be a fun task for any couple as there are so many ways to customize the occasion to fit your

Shakespeare Garden Wedding San Francisco Ultimate Guide for Planning a Shakespeare Garden SF Wedding (with pricing, photos, and videos) Why a Shakespeare Garden SF Wedding? Choosing a Shakespeare Garden wedding is a recommended choice for those who want an intimate wedding venue at a reasonable price in the middle of San Francisco. Being the most popular wedding venue in Golden Gate Park, couples commonly have a Shakespeare Garden wedding ceremony before holding their reception elsewhere. Run by the SF Parks and Recreation, a Shakespeare Garden wedding San Francisco is an affordable way to get married in a beautiful setting. If you want more options, check out these other locations on where to have a wedding in Golden Gate Park.  Shakespeare Garden San Francisco Wedding Cost Reservation Fee : $531Rental Fee : $152 hourly rate (2 hour min)Refundable Deposit: $500 Reservation Process for a Shakespeare Garden Golden Gate Park Wedding Email: RPDReservations@sfgov.orgPhone: 415-831-5500Rental Application: https://fs18.formsite.com/sfrpsurvey2/jtlyfqhycd/index.html Wedding reservations at Golden Gate Park can be made up to a year in advance. Payments can be made by check or card. If making a reservation less than two months form the wedding date, payment must be made in full immediately by card. Restrictions Unfortunately, there are no onsite restrooms at the Shakespeare Garden. In addition, they have strict music and decor regulations to minimize the damage to the park and do not provide tables or chairs. Shakespeare Garden does not allow any food or drink receptions so you will have to find a secondary location to celebrate. Take a look at this list of 50+ San Francisco wedding venues, if you are looking for all inclusive wedding venues similar to Shakespeare Garden. Best Times for an SF Wedding While San Francisco never gets too cold or too hot throughout the year, “Summer” in San Francisco (aka the warmest months) is actually September and October, rather than the summer months June – August. Throughout the year, it consistently averages the low to mid 60s, so there’s not really a bad time to have a Shakespeare Garden wedding San Francisco! Shakespeare Garden Wedding Walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIF4ytamSm0 Wedding at Shakespeare Garden Photos Related Posts on the Blog Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com 762 10th Ave San Francisco, CA 94118

How to Plan a Wedding in Muir Woods Ultimate Guide for Planning a Wedding in Muir Woods (with pricing, photos, and video) Planning a wedding in Muir Woods is a dream for many nature-loving couples. The towering redwoods, calming atmosphere, and intimate environment create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. However, organizing a wedding in this iconic park requires careful planning, from obtaining permits to understanding the limitations at this popular elopement venue. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect wedding in Muir Woods – step by step. TLDR – Muir Woods is easily walkable and centrally located between SF and Napa Valley. – Muir Woods wedding permits start at $60 for up to 30 guests. – Weddings in Muir Woods are done before 10AM or after 4:30PM and are ceremony only, no reception.– Bad cell phone service, limited ceremony options Why a Wedding in Muir Woods  Muir Woods is a stunning location to visit, let alone get married in. The picturesque nature of Muir Woods and the central location between San Francisco and Napa Valley makes it a very popular spot to celebrate. It’s incredibly well-maintained (1.5 miles of ramps and mostly flat trails make it very easy to walk) and only allow ceremonies before 10AM or after 4:30PM, ensuring you and your guests have more privacy. A Muir Woods Elopement There are few areas more perfect and convenient than a Muir Woods elopement. An elopement in this Bay Area forest means you and your partner can have the perfect outdoor wedding surrounded by centuries old trees. Eloping here allows you time to focus on intention while allowing for some awesome photography. It’s an ideal location for a wedding that combines a love of the outdoors and an appreciation for nature. photo by Ian Chin Photography How to Book a Muir Woods Wedding Permit Application: Fill out a permit application at this site ($60 non – refundable application fee)Email: goga_permits@nps.gov Note: Submitting an application does NOT mean your permit request has been approved It takes 4-15 business days for initial permit application review Once your permit is approved, it can take several months for your permit specialist to write your permit NPS accepts applications up to a year in advance Muir Woods Fees / Muir Woods Wedding Permit and Size Muir Woods is a national park, so you will still need to complete a permit (starting at $60). Regardless of the size of your group (even if it’s just the marrying couple and an officiant), all events need to be processed and approved in advance, with appropriate permits Permits are required for any size group (maximum of 30 guests) Muir Woods Wedding Venue Restrictions Firstly, there is very LITTLE TO NO CELL SERVICE in this park so keep this in mind! Given the nature of the Park, no animals, chairs, decor, music, or reception is allowed. Having a wedding in Muir Woods means it is strictly a standing ceremony location (although there are a few benches) so plan on a reception elsewhere (read below for recommendations). Muir Woods Elopement Packages My photo packages start at $1400, and associate photographer packages start at $1000 for up to 2 hours. Videography packages start at $1000 which include a 2 – 3 minute highlight reel and all unedited footage. LETS TALK ABOUT YOUR WEDDING AT MUIR WOODS Best Months for a Wedding in Muir Woods This site shows the best hour by hour weather to help plan your wedding at Muir Woods Muir Woods Wedding Photography and Walkthrough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHcJNX09nCk Post Ceremony Reception Ideas Since Muir Woods only allows ceremonies, you will need to find a reception location that best fits your style. If you want to minimize the commute, San Rafael provides a nice compromise for cuisine options and proximity, while San Francisco will have more variety. Check out my food and drink recommendations for San Francisco and my recommendations for San Rafael. Muir Woods Trails For those more adventurous types, perhaps adding a hike before or after your Muir Woods wedding speaks to you! Take a look at this trail guide to help in your planning. Conclusion Deciding on a Muir Woods wedding in my experience is best for couples who love the outdoors and want a gorgeous backdrop for their celebration, regardless of number of people. With its affordability and simple process to booking a wedding, Muir Woods is on top of many lists of best places to elope in San Francisco and is easily the most popular redwood wedding venue in Northern California. If you are flexible with location, check out these other Redwood Forest Wedding Venues. If you are looking for the North Bay specifically, these other Marin County Wedding Venues might help as well. Interested In More Information? Please Fill Out the Form Below! 415 756 9335  ianchinphotography@gmail.com San Francisco, CA 94118 Related Blogs to Help with your Planning