This engagement session was unhinged in the best way. This one is gonna be living rent-free in my brain for a looong time. Hakone Estate and Gardens might just be one of the dreamiest backdrops of all time, so engagement photos here?? Stunning. If you’re looking for inspiration for romantic engagement photos, don’t miss out on Irene and Minh’s shoot at Hakone Estate that I got to capture as their California engagement photographer! 

Is Hakone Estate and Gardens a Good Location for Engagement Photos?

If you’re into quiet moments, romantic scenery, and want your photos to feel a little elevated without feeling like you’re posing for a magazine cover (unless that’s the vibe, in which case… werk), Hakone Estate and Gardens is the place for you. It’s a Japanese Garden right here in Saratoga that honestly looks like a fairytale!

If you: 

• Care about authentic moments more than a perfectly-posed smile
• Are all about aesthetics, but don’t want your photos to feel performative
• And want to honor your love story in a way that’s real and artful, all at the same time… 

Hakone Estate and Gardens might be the one. 

It has tons of gorgeous backdrops that will fit anyone’s style, and it’s also SO easy to plan engagement photos here. I’ll get into all the details, but know that when you book me as your California engagement photographer, it’s my job to handle all of the logistics. All you have to do is show up and be adorable (which I know won’t be hard 😉), I gotchu on the rest!!

Tips for Planning Your Hakone Estate and Gardens Engagement Photos

There are a few things to know, but as I said, Hakone makes it so easy. A location that looks straight out of a magazine and doesn’t stress you out? Literally the dream. 

Permitting and Logistics

Hakone Estate and Gardens does require a permit for your engagement photography, but all you have to do is fill out and submit this quick application. Appointments are also needed, which, of course, I’ll help you with! 

There is an $80 per hour fee for photoshoots on weekdays and $100 per hour on the weekends, which covers up to three people. Two hours usually gives us enough time to hit all the best spots, without having to rush! 

Pro tip: If you book your wedding at Hakone Estate and Gardens, you get a free engagement photoshoot on the property. It’s a win-win situation!! 

Best Time to Take Hakone Estate and Gardens Engagement Photos

Hakone is open every day of the week. In the winter (November to March), they open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays, and 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekends. In the summer (March to October), you can go between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays, and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. I always tell my couples that a weekday morning is prime time, because of the lighting (trust me) and because it’s way less crowded.

Personally, I’ll always recommend April or May for your engagement photos! You’ll get beautiful AF weather, dreamy lighting that frames you like the main character you are, and cherry blossoms for DAYS. And yes, it’s as gorgeous as it sounds. 

Pro tip: You can request an appointment before or after the actual park hours for an extra charge, which is honestly so worth it if you want a quieter, more intimate experience. We get the whole place to ourselves, plus you get the option of sunrise or sunset photos, which are hella gorgeous here!! If you choose to go before park hours, it adds an extra $75 per hour, and after-hours adds an extra $150 per hour. 

My Favorite Engagement Photo Spots at Hakone Estate and Gardens

Okay, as a California engagement photographer, I definitely have my top spots for pics here. It’s so hard to choose here because every corner is stunning, but I’m including the spots that I refuse to miss: 

• The Moon Bridge: This is my #1 spot. I mean, hello?? The romance, the drama of it all… It’s too good to pass up. 
•  The Bamboo Garden: The bamboo makes such a stunning backdrop for photos. We get the perfect amount of light shining through here that lets me get a little creative with it, and the photos always turn out gorgeous. 
• The Moon Viewing House: The architecture here is unmatched. It’s giving effortless elegance, and trust me, it adds so much to your gallery. I love to get some wide-angle shots here for your editorial moment. 

Engagement Photos Outfits for Your Hakone Estate and Gardens Photoshoot

Hakone Estate and Gardens is perfect for a classy, romantic engagement photoshoot outfit. The blooming flowers, the serene feel, and the lush trees all make it feel poetic, so dressing for that vibe is always the way to go. I’ll always recommend: 

• Blues and greens – this color palette against the gardens? So good. 
• Jacquard fabrics – they add an elegant feel to your look every time. 
• Subtle floral accessories – tying in the floral feel all the way down to your outfit is absolutely the move. 

Both of Irene’s dresses? 10/10. The first one was so classy, and those baby blue accents against the backdrop were stunning. Plus, pairing it with subtle flower earrings and a fan with flowers was such a great choice. 

Her second dress was a more modern silhouette, which gave a fresh feel to a traditional garden setting. And don’t even get me started on her pairing the veil with it… SO cute!! 

Grace Thao | California Engagement Photographer

Whether your vibe is vintage garden or coastal charm, I’m so here for it. And as your California engagement photographer, I’ll be there with you every step of the way to plan an engagement session that actually feels like you. If Hakone Estate and Gardens feels like your place, let’s go!! We’ll plan a session here that’s gorgeous, meaningful, and feels like you. Inquire about booking me here, and I’ll meet you there any time, any day. 

Loved this blog? I have tons more inspiration that’s just your style: 

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Cavaignac, A Country Estate: A Northern California Wedding Venue That’s Bringing All The Charm