🌿 Waimea Valley Wedding, Elopement & Proposal FAQ

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Do we need a reservation or permit to get married or propose at Waimea Valley?
Yes. Waimea Valley is a private venue, and all weddings, elopements, proposals, and professional photo sessions require advance reservation and a location fee through their events office.

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Is Waimea Falls the same as Waimea Valley?
Waimea Valley refers to the entire cultural and botanical site — pathways, gardens, banyans, visitor center and sacred grounds.

Waimea Falls is the waterfall located inside the valley where ceremonies, portraits, and proposals can take place with a reservation.

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Can we have our ceremony or proposal at the waterfall?
Yes — with a private reservation, couples can exchange vows or pop the question at the waterfall platform. Without a reservation, the falls remain open to the public and cannot be used privately.

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Can we access the waterfall without crowds?
Yes. Private event bookings include exclusive access to Waimea Falls before the park opens to visitors or after the valley closes, giving you quiet, intimate time at the waterfall — no swimmers, tourists, or photo distractions.

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How do we get to the waterfall? Do we have to hike?
No hiking required! Private events include golf cart transportation for you, your officiant, and your photographer/videographer. This allows you to reach the falls easily and maximize portrait time in multiple locations.

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Is the waterfall always flowing?
Yes — Waimea Falls runs year-round. Flow varies depending on rainfall, from a soft, serene fall to a dramatic rushing cascade. No matter the season, we know the angles and techniques to make the waterfall look amazing.

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Can the waterfall pool turn brown after rain?
Sometimes! After heavy rainfall, the pool can take on a more earthy or caramel tone due to natural sediment washing through the valley — a totally normal rainforest cycle. The lush greenery and cinematic atmosphere are still incredible, and the photos remain stunning in every condition.

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Is Waimea Valley accessible for guests?
Yes. Waimea Valley offers paved pathways, restrooms, and golf carts for private events, making it one of the most guest-friendly venues on Oahu — ideal for little ones, elders, or anyone with mobility considerations.

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How many guests can attend a Waimea Valley wedding?
Waimea Valley accepts everything from just-the-two-of-you elopements to weddings with full guest counts. The events office will confirm capacity, available ceremony areas, and logistics based on your date and party size.

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Can we take photos throughout the gardens?
Yes — with a private reservation, you’ll have permission to take portraits in designated areas throughout the valley, from lush banyan groves and flower-lined pathways to bridges, lawns and the waterfall platform.

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Do you offer photo and video packages for Waimea Valley?
Absolutely! Jenna Lee Pictures offers photography, videography, and drone coverage (where approved). We help build timelines, guide the flow, and capture everything from wide cinematic environmental shots to intimate in-between moments.

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Do you help plan proposals?
Yes — we assist with timing, location recommendations, lighting, and stealth logistics. We also work with décor partners to create stunning proposal setups and coordinate discreetly so the surprise stays 100% intact.

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What ceremony spots are most popular for weddings at Waimea Valley?
Waimea Valley offers several beautiful locations throughout the botanical gardens and grounds for weddings, elopements, and vow renewals — from open lawns to the iconic waterfall backdrop. Popular ceremony spaces include:

✨ Upper Meadow – A lush, shaded open meadow that works beautifully for larger weddings or mixed ceremony + cocktail areas with meadow views and tropical greenery. 
✨ Main Lawn – A favorite outdoor ceremony spot framed by a majestic monkeypod tree and garden pathways, perfect for weddings of various sizes. 
✨ Palm Meadow – A scenic meadow surrounded by tall palms and greenery, ideal for outdoor ceremonies with a natural, tropical feel. 
✨ Waimea Falls Platform – For a dramatic rainforest backdrop, many couples choose the waterfall for intimate ceremonies and unforgettable photos. 
✨ Amphitheater – A botanical garden-style space with stone seating and lush plant life, great for unique or theatrical ceremony vibes. 
✨ Pikake Pavilion & Adjacent Areas – While typically used for receptions, this open-air venue adjacent to the Main Lawn can flow beautifully with ceremony or celebration space. 

Each area carries its own vibe — from rainforest drama and sprawling meadow romance to intimate garden moments — and the Waimea events team will confirm what’s available for your chosen date and group size. Many couples also blend spaces throughout the day for portraits, cocktail time, or transition moments.

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Is drone coverage allowed at Waimea Valley?
Yes! Waimea Valley does allow drone coverage — with a couple of important caveats.
Drones are permitted only for private events with advance reservation (such as weddings, elopements, and proposals) and must be operated by a licensed and insured drone pilot. Certain areas within the valley may have restrictions depending on guest activity, park rules, or cultural sensitivities, but we’ll guide you on where and when aerial coverage works best.

Drone footage can be an incredible addition — showcasing the dramatic valley walls, lush canopies, and waterfall views — and we’re fully equipped to capture smooth, cinematic aerials whenever conditions allow.

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What does Waimea Falls l look like after rain?
Waimea Falls flows year-round, but the look of the pool and water can change with the weather. After heavy rain, the waterfall can run faster and may take on a richer, earthy tone from the natural sediment in the valley — a normal part of Hawaii’s rainforest landscape. Some days it’s clear and turquoise, other days it’s more powerful and dramatic. We’ve shot here in every condition, and it’s always gorgeous on camera.