There is something peaceful and full of character about Hakone Estate & Gardens Wedding. Tucked into the hills of Saratoga, just a short drive from downtown San Jose, this historic Japanese garden feels like a quiet retreat far removed from the busy Bay Area. The entire venue sits within lush forest greenery and winding stone paths with gentle light filtering through the trees. From the very first moment you walk through the gate, you feel like you have stepped into another world. It is the kind of setting that makes every frame feel timeless and atmospheric.
Hakone offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with natural flow between them. Wide garden paths, wooden bridges, shaded courtyards, and bright tatami rooms create endless backdrops. Soft green tones wrap around every angle, and the stillness of the water features brings a calming mood to the day. Photographers love working here because each space feels cinematic without any extra gear. Couples who choose this venue usually want something relaxed and deeply connected to nature. Every photo feels organic and emotional because the garden itself tells part of the story.
Angelica and Shelby have a story as genuine as the place they chose. They first connected through a dating app while living in different cities and spent months traveling between Merced and Fresno to see each other. Their relationship grew through shared effort, care, and long drives. By the time they made it official in the fall of 2020, they already knew this was the kind of love that feels steady and safe.
Their wedding day was exactly that feeling brought to life. Soft tones of greens, blues, purples, and blush complemented the natural colors of the garden. The day unfolded slowly and intentionally with only their closest friends and family. Guests wandered along the garden paths, played board games, and relaxed under the shade of the trees. The ceremony took place near the wooden gate surrounded by lanterns and tall greenery. The atmosphere felt peaceful and completely personal to them. The reception indoors kept that same warmth with intimate tables, natural light, and joyful dancing. Our team captured every quiet smile and vibrant color with ease, and the soft forest light made their portraits glow.
As San Francisco photographers, we love working at Hakone because it allows us to blend emotion with scenery in a very natural way. We know the best spots for gentle light, the quiet corners for portraits, and the scenic areas that make each couple look like they are standing inside a painting. Our videography team is just as experienced, and every moment can be filmed with the same care and storytelling approach. Couples across the Bay Area praise the professionalism and kindness of our team, and you can read their full experiences on our reviews page. If you are dreaming of a calm and heartfelt celebration, you can explore more real weddings on our blog or reach out anytime to view our packages and start planning. We would love to help tell your story.
Original Weddings is a team of San Francisco wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our San Francisco photography and videography services. This wedding was edited in our Airy editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy, and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos!
Hakone Estate & Gardens Wedding Photos
Hakone Estate & Gardens Wedding Video
Angelica and Shelby’s wedding film captures the peaceful beauty of Hakone Gardens with soft movement, real emotion, and the gentle sounds of nature around them. Our videography team focused on storytelling and natural light, blending quiet moments with joyful scenes of their guests exploring the gardens. From the ceremony near the wooden gate to the laughter during the reception, every detail is preserved in a way that feels calm and true to their day. If you want a heartfelt film with drone coverage and full audio, you can explore our videography packages and watch their full video above.
San Francisco Wedding Photographers
Our San Francisco wedding photographers love working at Hakone Estate and Gardens because the venue offers endless natural beauty. The wooden bridges, stone pathways, moss-covered walls, and soft forest light create an atmosphere that is calm and romantic. We know where the most flattering light falls at different times of day and how to guide couples into natural poses without interrupting the moment. Every portrait feels effortless because the setting blends so smoothly with real emotion. Weddings here allow us to work with color, texture, and peaceful scenery that never feels staged.
Across the Bay Area and throughout California, our team has photographed countless celebrations with the same level of care. We help couples choose the best locations, plan their timeline, and feel relaxed in front of the camera. Whether your wedding takes place in the redwoods, on the coast, or in the heart of San Francisco, we bring professional guidance and a warm approach. You can explore more real weddings on our blog and discover how we turn natural light and genuine connection into timeless images you will love for years to come.
San Francisco Wedding Videographers
Our San Francisco wedding videographers create films that feel personal and full of life. At Hakone Gardens, we use slow camera movement, clean audio, and optional drone footage to capture both the scenery and the emotion of the day. We film every moment without disrupting the flow, and every couple receives a story-driven film that feels true to them. From intimate elopements to full celebrations across California, our videography team is trusted for their calm presence, experience, and cinematic style. Couples often share how grateful they are for every moment we preserved on film.
