FAQs

Question

What are the COVID requirements for Stanford Memorial Church?

Answer

Each individual entering Stanford Memorial Church for weddings and wedding rehearsals must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for visual verification conducted by the Wedding Coordinator and the event staff to gain entry. Masks are not required but are strongly recommended on-site, regardless of vaccination status.

Question

What are the COVID requirements for Hakone?

Answer

They have not sent us an official policy yet.

Question

Should I rent/drive a car to the wedding?

Answer

Up to you. Here are things to consider: - parking at Stanford is hard (see below) - parking at Hakone is easy - you have plenty of time to get from Stanford to Hakone (90 mins for a ~30 min drive) - if you plan on drinking, you shouldn't drive

Question

How do I park on Stanford campus before the ceremony?

Answer

Most parking is a ~15 minute walk from Memorial Church, so please ARRIVE EARLY. You don't have to pay meters on weekends and you can park in most spots (permits are not enforced on weekends). Here are some parking lots that could work: The Stanford Oval - very close to the church, but parking might be limited. Tresidder Parking Lot - a 15 minute walk Parking Structure 1 aka Roth Way Garage- a 15 minute walk Santa Teresa Street - has street parking, but try to park near the Main Quad Most of these lots are searchable on Google, but you can also search on the interactive map here: https://campus-map.stanford.edu

Question

How do I park at Hakone Estate & Gardens?

Answer

There is ample free parking available in Hakone's parking lot.

Question

Can we arrive at Hakone early for the reception?

Answer

Kind of? Hakone will not allow wedding guests in earlier than 5pm, because they are open to the public with paid admission until then. You are welcome to show up early, but they may require payment to enter. We recommend arriving no earlier than 4:45pm, which should hopefully make parking easier too since the park will be closing to the public.

Question

So what do I do between the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Explore Stanford! Take photos! Make new friends to carpool with to the reception! Take a quick nap at your hotel? Grab some boba?

Question

Then why did you leave so much time between your ceremony and reception?

Answer

It wasn't always like this. Stanford changed their ceremony schedule during the pandemic, and this was the best compromise they'd give us.

Question

What does "semi-formal" attire actually mean?

Answer

Wear whatever makes you feel fancy! According to the Internet, this could mean: A suit and tie. A gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. But what does "Sarah wanting us to live our best life" actually mean? My cousin Aimie said it best on her wedding invite - "try to outdo the bride!" I don't want to force anyone to go all out, but I also know some folks would really love to. Go ahead - be as extra as your heart desires!

Question

Other attire considerations?

Answer

Dinner will be served outdoors, so we recommend bringing a jacket. You also might walk a lot. The entire grounds of Hakone will be open for guests to explore during the reception, and we really hope you all take advantage of that. Not all Hakone garden paths are paved, so it could be worth packing some non-stiletto shoes.

Question

Someone said after party?

Answer

Yes! Hakone requires the party to end at 10pm. And we think 10pm is too damn early. We've rented a house 10 minutes away that is actually okay with hosting events. However, don't expect anything fancy. It should be more like a chill kickback after a long fun-filled day. We'll provide light snacks (instant noodles) and refreshments (whatever alcohol's leftover from the reception). RSVP for this is non-binding. We just wanna know how many instant noodles to buy... but actually.

Question

Tell me moar about your save the dates

Answer

Why thank you for asking! Our dear friend and fellow Hammie Anna Maria (insta: @amiiirion) designed and made a real water color painting, and there's lots of personal details in em: - a kayak because Rob proposed at the boathouse - the background contains Volcán Barú, a volcano in Panama visible from Rob's family's farms - the geometric pattern is based off the Tomb of Hafez, representing Sarah's father's Iranian side - cherry blossoms for Hakone and the time Sarah spent studying abroad in Kyoto