Thinking about getting married at Allerton Garden on Kauai? Set along Lawai Stream in Lawai Valley on the South Shore, Allerton Garden is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and one of the island's most distinctive places for a garden wedding. As a Kauai wedding photographer, I've photographed a 200-guest celebration here, with a ceremony under a giant old tree. Here's everything you need to know about getting married at Allerton Garden.
LOOKING TO GET MARRIED AT ALLERTON GARDEN?
I'd love to be a part of your special day. To book, or to learn more about my services and packages, please contact me through the below button.
Where Is Allerton Garden?
Allerton Garden is in Lawai Valley on Kauai's South Shore, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) alongside McBryde Garden. The NTBG visitor center is at 4425 Lawai Road in Koloa, a short drive from Poipu, so if you're staying at one of the Poipu resorts you're only minutes away. It's a good fit for couples who want lush garden scenery without driving up to the North Shore.
Can You Get Married at Allerton Garden?
Yes. Couples do marry at Allerton Garden, and I've photographed a large family wedding here. Because it's a protected botanical garden, NTBG sets the available ceremony and reception spaces, guest counts, hours, and rules, so contact their events team before you lock in a date or build your guest list.
Because this is a private garden and not a public beach, you work directly with NTBG instead of getting a state beach permit. Fees, vendor rules, and photography policies are set by the garden, so ask for them in writing early.
You'll still need a valid Hawaii marriage license and a licensed officiant to make your ceremony legal. Here's my full guide to getting a marriage license in Hawaii, and a breakdown of Kauai wedding permits so you know when you do and don't need one.
Why Choose Allerton Garden for Your Kauai Wedding?
I've photographed a wedding at Allerton Garden, and these are the reasons I recommend it:
Room for a big celebration. Open lawns beside Lawai Stream have space for a ceremony and a tented reception, which is how a 200-guest wedding worked here.
A setting that's already finished. A huge old tree, layered tropical plantings, and garden paths mean the garden does most of the decorating for you.
Privacy. Unlike a public beach, a private garden keeps your ceremony free of strangers in the background of your photos.
Reliable weather for Kauai. The South Shore is generally the sunniest and driest part of the island, which helps when you want to lower the chance of rain.
Space for family. Lawn space means you can invite a larger group than most beach or waterfall sites allow, which suits big, local-family celebrations.
Best Time of Day for an Allerton Garden Wedding
Light in a valley garden changes quickly, so your start time matters:
Morning: Soft, even light under the trees. It's cooler for guests and great for relaxed portraits.
Late afternoon: Warm, golden light filters through the trees and across the lawn. This is when I like to pull the couple aside for portraits.
Midday: Open lawns get harsh sun, but shade under the big trees stays flattering. I'll scout the best shaded spots before the ceremony.
Your garden booking time will shape the schedule, so share it with me early and I'll plan family photos and portraits around the best light.
Weather Considerations
South Shore weather is typically drier than the North Shore, but Lawai Valley is still a tropical garden. Short showers can pass through at any time of year, and the lawn can be damp afterward. A tented reception, like the white tent used at the wedding I photographed here, keeps guests covered, so ask NTBG what their rain plan and tent rules are.
Photography Possibilities at Allerton Garden
As a photographer who has worked in this garden, here are the settings I look for:
The old tree. A huge old tree makes a natural ceremony backdrop, whether it's dressed with white flowers or left simple.
Garden paths. Palms, ferns, and layers of tropical plants for portraits with a lush green backdrop.
The lawn. Wide open space for group photos, a first dance, and a tented reception.
Details. Pink blooms, green leaf leis, and even a paper parasol make simple portraits feel special.
On a big wedding day I stay close but quiet so the moments happen naturally, and I move between family groups and the couple so nobody gets missed. If you want variety, we can pair your garden ceremony with sunset portraits at a South Shore beach like Kiahuna Beach. See my Kauai wedding photography for details.
Nearby Places to Stay and Celebrate
Allerton Garden is minutes from Poipu and Koloa, so you have lots of options.
Poipu resorts: The Grand Hyatt Kauai, the Sheraton Kauai Resort, and Koloa Landing Resort are all close by.
Vacation rentals and condos: Plenty in Poipu and Koloa for families and large groups.
Dinner after your celebration: Koloa and Poipu have a wide range of restaurants for a rehearsal dinner or an after-party.
Planning Your Allerton Garden Wedding
A few things to keep in mind:
Book early. Popular dates fill up, especially in peak seasons. Contact NTBG as soon as you have a date in mind.
Confirm the details. Ask NTBG which ceremony and reception spaces fit your guest count, and what the rules are for tents, vendors, and music.
Footwear. The lawn and paths can be uneven and damp. NTBG asks garden visitors to wear closed-toe shoes, so bring comfortable ones and change into your wedding shoes at the ceremony site.
Mosquitoes. It's a tropical valley. Bring bug spray and apply it well before getting dressed.
Guest arrivals. Ask NTBG how your guests will get into the garden and how long it takes, and build that time in before your ceremony.
Photographer logistics. Let me know your booking time as soon as you have it and I'll plan the day, including time for family photos and portraits before or after your ceremony.
Timeline. For a larger celebration I recommend full-day coverage so there's time for the ceremony, family groups, portraits, and the reception. See my wedding packages for details, or add wedding videography.
Ready to Plan Your Allerton Garden Wedding?
Getting married at Allerton Garden gives you the privacy of a botanical garden, the room for a big celebration, and the sunny South Shore, all in one spot. If you're looking for a Kauai wedding photographer who knows this garden and how to work with its light, I'd love to help capture your day. Have questions about planning your Allerton Garden wedding that I didn't cover here? Reach out any time.
GETTING MARRIED AT ALLERTON GARDEN?
I'd love to be a part of your special day. To book my photo services, or to learn more about my services and packages, please contact me through the below button.
About the Author
Ikaika Pidot is the photographer behind Ikaika Photography, a Hanalei-based wedding and elopement studio. He has photographed 600+ couples on Kauai and around Hawaii since 2019. Meet Ikaika