A Special Jp Wedding: Tips For A Memorable Day

A justice of the peace (JP) wedding is a popular choice for couples who are not religious, want to avoid family drama, are remarrying, want to save money, or prefer to keep things simple. While a JP wedding can save thousands of dollars, it's still possible to make the day special. From carrying a bridal bouquet to hiring a photographer, there are many ways to personalise a JP wedding. Couples can also choose to say their own vows, create a registry, and have a celebration afterwards. In addition, selecting the right JP is crucial to ensuring the ceremony aligns with the couple's vision and expectations.

Choose a unique location

Japan is a country that has always looked towards the future while never losing sight of the past. This means there are many different wedding venues, ranging from upscale hotels to beach resorts to historic temples.

If you want to make your Japanese wedding extra special, consider choosing a unique location. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Mountainous Backdrops

Get married at the top of a mountain with a majestic shrine as your backdrop. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try saying your vows while skydiving? This option offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.

Cherry Blossom Season

Tie the knot during cherry blossom season, when the country is awash with delicate pink blooms. Venues like the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto are surrounded by cherry blossoms from mid-March to early May, providing a dreamy setting for your nuptials.

Lakeside Romance

Exchange your vows by the serene beauty of Lake Fuji. Imagine saying "I do" with the iconic Mount Fuji as your backdrop—a truly special and memorable experience.

Beach Weddings

For a laid-back yet stunning option, consider a beach wedding. The Busena Terrace Beach Resort in Okinawa offers two event spaces, both with ocean views and natural lighting. You can choose to get married on the beach or opt for a covered terrace.

Garden Ceremonies

If you're a nature lover, why not opt for a garden wedding? Venues like the Kyoto Northern Church offer lush greenery and adjacent restaurants for your guests to celebrate after the ceremony.

Cityscape Vows

For a modern twist, say your vows against the backdrop of a glittering cityscape. Venues like Anniversaire in Tokyo Bay and The Ritz-Carlton offer luxurious settings and stunning views of the city.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With its mix of natural wonders and modern cities, Japan offers a wealth of unique locations to make your wedding day truly special.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is essential to making your JP wedding special. Here are some key things to consider:

Choose a Location That's Special to You

If you're opting for a JP wedding, you might want to choose a location that holds significance for you and your partner. This could be the city where you met, fell in love, or currently reside. Don't feel limited to your local government building; you can travel to another destination and make it part of your honeymoon or a fun-filled family vacation.

Research Marriage License Requirements

Understanding the legal requirements for your marriage is crucial. The process can vary from city to city and county to county within each state. In some states, there may be a waiting period after obtaining your license, and it will only be valid for a specific period. If you're getting married abroad, you might be able to waive the waiting period and obtain the license once you arrive at your destination. Alternatively, consider having a legal ceremony in your home country first to ensure your marriage is officially recognised.

Apply for the Marriage License

Once you've researched the requirements, it's time to apply. You'll typically need identification, birth certificates, social security numbers, and any relevant divorce papers. Make sure to use a black pen to sign the documents, and check the accepted forms of payment, as some offices only take credit cards or money orders.

Make an Appointment or Nominate a Day

Depending on your chosen location, you may be able to make an advance appointment for your ceremony. In some cases, there could be a significant wait for an appointment, so plan ahead. If appointments aren't offered, you'll need to nominate a day and arrive early to secure your turn. Weekend weddings may be challenging, as most courthouses operate Monday through Friday. Keep in mind the validity period of your marriage license and ensure your ceremony falls within this timeframe.

Create a Checklist

On the day of your JP wedding, bring all the necessary paperwork, including your marriage license, associated documents, and ID. Ensure you have the required number of witnesses, and they are over the legal age. Check if you can incorporate personal elements, such as reciting your own vows, having guests attend, and documenting the day with photos or videos.

Plan for Photography

Investing in a talented photographer is an excellent way to make your JP wedding special. Opt for someone familiar with the location and surrounding areas to guide you to the best photo backdrops.

Invite Your Closest Loved Ones

A benefit of a JP wedding is the flexibility with guest lists. However, check the regulations for your chosen location, as there are usually limits on the number of guests. Consider having a maid of honour or best man serve as a witness, or even your photographer.

Choose an Outfit That Makes You Feel Good

Just because it's a JP wedding doesn't mean you can't dress up! Feel free to choose formal attire or go casual—it's up to you and your partner. A classic white dress, a fun pantsuit, or a tuxedo are all great options.

Add Personal Touches

Even if you can't recite your own vows, there are other ways to make your JP wedding special. Carry a bouquet, give a toast at post-ceremony events, book a nice hotel, and splurge on spa services. You can also announce your nuptials in the local paper.

Celebrate with an After-Party

Many couples who choose a JP wedding decide to have a celebration afterward. This could be an intimate gathering with close family and friends or a larger reception at a restaurant, banquet hall, or unique venue like a zoo or museum. It's a great way to make your wedding day feel extra special without incurring the full cost of a traditional wedding.

Incorporate personal touches

Adding personal touches to your wedding is a great way to make your special day even more meaningful. Here are some ideas to incorporate personal touches into a JP wedding:

Share Your Love Story

Create a custom colouring book for the kids' table at your reception, featuring illustrations that depict your relationship milestones and love story. Alternatively, adorn your walk down the aisle with photos of you and your spouse from childhood to adulthood, showcasing your journey towards finding each other.

Customised Decor and Details

• Monogram your veil, or add a personalised label with the wedding date to your wedding dress for a unique touch.
• Create a custom stamp with your initials or a couple portrait to use on your wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and other wedding stationery.
• Design a unique hashtag for your wedding day, encouraging guests to share their photos and experiences on social media.
• Hang your wedding dress on a one-of-a-kind personalised hanger. You can even get matching hangers for your bridesmaids!
• Write your names and wedding date on a signature cocktail menu, creating a fun and personalised drink menu for your guests.
• Serve custom M&Ms with your faces, wedding date, or special messages printed on them. They make excellent favours and can be displayed at a dessert bar.
• Make your guests feel special with personalised seating cards, and give them wedding favours that reflect your interests as a couple (e.g. baby succulents if you're plant parents, or mini bottles of a local drink if your hometown is known for it).
• Customise your wedding cake topper with figurines that look just like you and your spouse, or opt for a simple topper with your monogram.

Handwritten and Spoken Words

• Surround yourself with handwritten vows displayed on an aisle or backdrop, adding a deeply personal and romantic touch to your ceremony.
• Stitch a hidden message inside the groom's jacket, a secret note that only the two of you know about.
• Write your new initials all over the reception venue—on centrepieces, napkins, or even stand-alone marquee letters.
• If you're comfortable with the idea, consider reciting your own vows to one another. Check with your courthouse beforehand to see if this is allowed, as rules vary from county to county.

These suggestions are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and come up with personal touches that truly reflect your relationship and interests as a couple!

Make it intimate

Keeping your wedding small and intimate is a great way to make your JP wedding feel special. Here are some tips to make it feel even more meaningful:

Guest List

Creating an intimate atmosphere starts with the guest list. Keep it small and only invite your nearest and dearest—those you can't imagine not being there. This could include immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as your closest friends. If your budget allows, you can let your guests bring a plus-one, but remember that this can quickly increase your headcount.

Venue

With a limited guest list, you have more venue options. Consider non-traditional spaces that may not be able to accommodate large groups. This could be a restaurant you and your partner love, a scenic hilltop, or even your own backyard. If you're feeling adventurous, turn your wedding into a weekend getaway by renting a vacation home or a few adjoining rooms at a resort. That way, your wedding celebration can double as a vacation for your guests, and they'll have plenty of time to socialise and get to know each other.

Decor and Details

With fewer guests, you can splurge on decor and details, creating a truly luxurious and personalised atmosphere. Go for a stunning tablescape with a lush floral arrangement and candles, or hang a canopy of string lights over a banquet table for an intimate, romantic glow. You can also add personal touches, like handwritten notes or personalised favours for each guest.

Food and Drink

A smaller guest list may give you more room in your budget for food and drink upgrades. Consider adding extra appetizers, offering special wine pairings, or providing personalised dessert selections. You could even include a menu card at each place setting, giving your guests a VIP experience.

Entertainment

With a small group, you have the flexibility to choose which wedding traditions to keep or skip. If you're worried about keeping the energy high, consider including an interactive element, like a mixology station or a DIY candle-making station. That way, your guests will be engaged and will leave with a unique favour or experience to remember your wedding by.

Post-Wedding Celebration

Just because your wedding ceremony is small and intimate doesn't mean you can't celebrate with a larger group afterward. Many couples who opt for a JP wedding choose to have a celebration afterward, which can be a more affordable alternative to a full wedding reception. Invite as many or as few guests as you like to a restaurant or banquet hall to continue the festivities.

Celebrate with an after-party

A JP wedding can save you a lot of money, so it's common for couples to celebrate with an after-party. This is a great way to make your wedding day feel special and is usually just a small fraction of the cost of a regular wedding.

You can invite as many or as few guests as you like. Most couples hold the celebration at a restaurant or banquet hall, as these venues already have tables, chairs, food, and music. You can also consider hosting the party at a stylish and intimate event space, like Olivia Restaurant in Los Angeles, which can accommodate various group sizes.

If you're looking for a more casual celebration, you can throw a fun-filled after-party with champagne in a hotel lounge, or go all out with a reception at a restaurant, the local zoo or museum, or someone's home. You can also consider a backyard barbecue or a potluck with close friends and family.

If you're in Japan, it's common to have a "nijikai", or after-party, among a group of close friends. Guests are expected to contribute another 10,000 yen or more for this second round of celebrations, which is usually held at a predetermined izakaya.

Frequently asked questions