Wedding Ceremonies, Photography/Video
Sessions, and other Gatherings
The Honolulu Botanical Gardens offer five garden sites for weddings and other gatherings. These beautiful settings created by our tropical plant collections are home to many rare and endangered plants from around the world. Likewise, our visitors come from around the world to view these highly valued collections. The following permit guidelines help protect the many cherished plants growing here and maintain the tranquil atmosphere enjoyed by our visitors. We appreciate your cooperation in observing these guidelines.
Permit guidelines for all botanical gardens:
- Permits are required for all wedding ceremonies, commercial photography/video, and other similar gatherings or events. Click here to view or print the "Application for Use of Parks Facilities"
- Permit applications shall be filed at least three weeks in advance.
- All permittees must observe garden hours. The gardens are open daily, except Christmas and New Year's Day. Call individual gardens for hours of operation.
- Permitted parties shall not restrict or prohibit other visitor use of the gardens.
- Garden facilities and plantings may not be abused by any person. Collecting of flowers, leaves, or plants is not permissible.
- Parking is limited; carpooling is advised. Parking along roadsides, loading zones, and driveways is prohibited.
- Use of insect repellent and appropriate footwear is advised.
- Alcoholic beverage, receptions, confetti, and rice throwing is prohibited.
- Musical instruments and sound amplification are prohibited unless authorized by the permit.
- Physical amenities such as tents, chairs, tables, etc. are prohibited unless authorized by the permit.
- Commercial photography/video requires a separate permit as detailed below.
- Permits issued by the Honolulu Botanical Gardens shall be subject to the regulations of the Department of Parks and Recreation and the City and County of Honolulu Revised Ordinances.
- All persons, teams, or organizations, to whom permits are issued are liable for loss, damage, or injury to persons or property resulting from the use of the public facilities under such permits. Any damage to grounds or facilities must be fully restored.
- The Department of Parks and Recreation, City and County of Honolulu, is committed to making its programs and services accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities. If you have need for reasonable modifications, please call the Honolulu Botanical Gardens at (808) 768-7135.
- For Foster Botanical Garden all permitees must end their permit at 3:30 p.m. to facilite time to exit by 4:00 p.m..
Weddings
The Honolulu Botanical Gardens offers five sites for weddings ceremonies. Due to limited parking, the number of guests per wedding party is as follows:
- Foster Botanical Garden: 50
- Lili`uokalani Botanical Garden: 25
- Ho`omaluhia Botanical Garden: 50
- Wahiawa Botanical Garden: 30
- Koko Crater Botanical Garden: 30
Foster, Lili‘uokalani, and Koko Crater botanical gardens
| Obtain permit application and information at: Foster Botanical Garden - Cashier's Office 50 N. Vineyard Boulevard H-onolulu, Hawaii 96817 Phone: (808) 768-7135 |
Admission Fees for Foster Botanical Garden* General: $5.00 Resident: $3.00 Child 6-12Years: $1.00 Child 5 & under FREE |
*Foster Botanical Garden admission fee must be paid by all wedding guests and wedding staff. You are allowed to have one person pay for the group upon entering. Payment is accepted in cash, VISA, or MasterCard. No personal checks allowed.
NOTE: Foster Botanicl Garden is not accepting any wedding permits from now until December 31, 2022. The garden is currently undergoing ADA construction which could result in unexpected closures.
Wedding areas are available on a first come-first served basis. To view a larger version or print the map of the Foster Garden designated wedding areas, please click the image below:
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
To obtain a permit application and information please contact:
Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
45-680 Luluku Road
Kāne‘ohe, Hawai‘i 96744
Phone: (808) 233-7323
Wahiawā Botanical Garden
To obtain a permit application and information please contact:
Wahiawā Botanical Garden
1396 California Avenue
Wahiawā, Hawai‘i 96786
Phone: (808) 621-5463
Commercial Photography/Video Permits
- First, contact the botanical garden you wish to inquire about for availability.
- Next, complete and submit an "Application for Use of Parks Facilities" form no later than three weeks prior to the date you wish to use the garden. Forms can also be obtained by visiting the botanical gardens or the Parks Permit Office:
Department of Parks and Recreation
Parks Permit Section
650 S. King Street
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone: (808) 768-3440
3. For Foster Botanical Garden all permitees must end their permit at 3:30 p.m. to facilite time to exit by 4:00 p.m..
Please be advised that each permit applicant must have in current force and effect an insurance policy, in which a combined limit of liability for bodily injury and property damage is $1 million per occurrence. The insurance certificate shall name the City and County of Honolulu and its officers and employees, and the State of Hawai‘i and its officers and employees as additional insured. A copy of the certificate of insurance shall be filed with the Parks Permit Section of the Department.
