Planning A Wedding In Japan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in Japan can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the local customs and procedures. From obtaining a marriage license to finding the perfect venue, there's a lot to consider. Luckily, Japan offers a diverse range of breathtaking backdrops for your special day, from majestic mountaintops and serene lakes to vibrant cityscapes and lush gardens. With the help of experienced destination wedding planners and travel experts, you can navigate the logistics and create an unforgettable celebration in this unique and captivating country.

Getting a marriage license

To get a marriage license in Japan, you must submit the following documents to a Japanese city office: a marriage registration form (kon-in todoke), valid ID (passport, driver's license, etc.), a family register (if you are Japanese), a certificate of no impediment (for foreigners), and a birth certificate. You can also get an affirmation for marriage (also called an affidavit or clearance for marriage) from your embassy. Check the homepage of your home country in Japan, and search for 'marriage' in the search bar. Here you will be able to download an application form for the affidavit, which you should fill in and print out. You can usually book an appointment to receive the document online.

All marriages must be registered at a municipal government office. Ceremonies performed by religious organisations are not legal marriages in Japan. A marriage is legally recognised once a couple has successfully submitted the required documents to the city hall registrar to change their status in their koseki (family registration sheet). A family registration sheet serves as a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, marriage license, and death certificate. A register is kept for each nuclear family, under the name of the head of the household, with the spouse and unmarried children who are registered as dependents. A couple who marries must file a marriage registration form to create a new registration sheet under a common surname.

Transport and travel

Japan is a far-flung locale, but transportation is simple to navigate. Many airlines offer direct flights to Japan, especially Tokyo. Once there, a Japan Rail Pass is a great way to get from A to B.

If you're looking for a destination wedding, Japan is the perfect location. You could say your vows atop a majestic mountaintop shrine or alongside the serene beauty of Lake Fuji. If you're looking for a more tranquil setting, picture a wedding beneath a canopy of endless wild cherry blossoms in the countryside.

Japan's diverse landscape offers a backdrop for every vision. Mountains, cityscapes, gardens (complete with cherry blossoms in the spring) and beaches are all on the table. Japan's bustling capital—all 23 wards of it—seamlessly blends contemporary and ancient charm.

Some of the most stunning wedding venues in Japan are set inside hotels.

Venues

Japan's diverse landscape offers a backdrop for every vision. When getting married in Japan, mountains, cityscapes, gardens (complete with cherry blossoms in the spring) and beaches are all on the table.

Some of the most stunning Japan wedding venues are set inside hotels. You could also consider saying your vows atop a majestic mountaintop shrine or alongside the serene beauty of Lake Fuji. Envision a wedding beneath a canopy of endless wild cherry blossoms in the tranquil countryside.

If you're planning a destination wedding in Japan, you might want to consider hiring a wedding planner. A bilingual team can help bring your vision to life and make the planning process easier.

Vendors

When it comes to vendors, it's important to note that you'll likely be booking and communicating with Japanese wedding venues and vendors from afar. This can be a challenge, but there are Japan destination wedding planners who can help with these efforts.

One option is to invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Travel agents can provide planning expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements, and more.

Another option is to consider hiring a bilingual wedding planner in Japan. There are dedicated English-speaking wedding planners who can help you navigate the process and bring your vision to life.

In terms of venues, some of the most stunning Japan wedding venues are set inside hotels. However, Japan's diverse landscape offers a variety of options, including mountains, cityscapes, gardens, and beaches. You can envision a wedding beneath a canopy of wild cherry blossoms in the countryside or atop a mountaintop shrine.

Honeymoon

Japan is a great choice for a destination wedding, with its diverse landscape offering a backdrop for every vision. Mountains, cityscapes, gardens, and beaches are all on the table.

Japan is also an increasingly popular honeymoon destination, with honeymoon tourism on the rise. The country offers incredible variety for honeymooners, from bustling cities like Tokyo to zen-like destinations like Kyoto, romantic spots like Hakone and Nara, and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.

If you're looking for a relaxing honeymoon, you can soak in the natural hot springs of Hakone and Takayama, stroll through historic sites in Kyoto and Nara, or relax at a luxury ryokan in the mountains. For a more active honeymoon, you can explore some of the oldest temples in Kyoto, take a private sushi-making class in Tokyo, or shred it up on the crisp, powdery snow in Niseko.

With its blend of time-honoured traditions and trend-setting modernity, mouth-watering gastronomy, awe-striking natural vistas, and unparalleled hospitality, it's no wonder Japan is finding favour with newlyweds hunting for the perfect honeymoon escape.

Frequently asked questions