Honolulu Botanical Gardens

        
 Wedding Ceremonies, Photographic 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 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.  Your wedding or other gathering here in the Honolulu Botanical Gardens will be a beautiful and memorable event that will inspire you to return to the gardens for many more enjoyable visits.

We invite you to have your wedding at the Honolulu Botanical Gardens and hope it will be a special moment you will treasure for a lifetime.

Guidelines

Permits are required for all photographic sessions, videos, and commercial shoots, wedding ceremonies, memorial services, and other similar gatherings. Permit applications shall be filed at least three (3) weeks in advance.

Foster and Lili`uokalani Botanical Garden

*Payment accepted in cash, VISA or Mastercard.

All permit applicants for Foster Botanical Garden must obtain a map designating the five areas permissible for use.  Designated areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis; areas are not reserved for use by a single party.  See map below.

Please advise your guests of the admission fee.  If you are paying for them, have one person organize, count and pay for the entire group before entering.

Commercial Photographers

Commercial photographers must first contact the Department of Parks and Recreation, Permit Section,  (808) 768-3440, regarding liability insurance requirements set by City Ordinance prior to making an application for use of the botanical gardens.

Obtain information and submit "Application for Use of Parks Facilities" at the Garden of your choice.

Commercial photographers are required to pay a permit processing fee and pick up the permit from the Parks Permit Section after their application for use has been approved by the Director of Botanical Gardens.

Address:

Department of Parks and Recreation

Parks Permit Section

650 S. King Street

Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 General Guidelines

Alcoholic beverages, receptions, confetti and rice throwing are prohibited.

Musical instruments and sound amplification equipment are prohibited unless authorized by permit.

Physical amenities such as tents, chairs, tables, etc., may not be incorporated into the wedding or wedding photography unless authorized by permit.

Garden hours:  All permittees shall observe garden hours.  All gardens are open 7 days a week, except on Christmas and New Year's Day.  Call gardens for hours of operation.

Permittees are advised:  "All permits issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation shall be subject to the regulations of the Department and City Ordinances, and persons, teams or organizations to whom such permits are issued shall be liable for loss, damage or injury to persons or property resulting from the use of the public facilities under such permits…Any and all damage to grounds and/or facilities must be fully and completely restored…"

The Department of Parks and Recreation, City and County of Honolulu, is committed to making all of its programs and leisure services accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities.  If you have need for reasonable modifications, please call the Honolulu Botanical Gardens at (808) 522-7064.  TTY users call (808) 768-3027.

Wedding parties and other groups utilizing the gardens shall not restrict or prohibit other visitor's use of the gardens.

Garden facilities and plantings may not be abused by any person.  Collecting of flowers, leaves, and any plant parts is not permissible.

Parking is limited; car pooling is advised.  Parking in loading zones and driveways is prohibited.  Due to limited parking, the maximum number of guests per wedding party is as follows:

Foster Botanical Garden                     50

Use of insect repellent is advised.