In recent years, more and more couples from overseas have chosen to celebrate their wedding in Japan. A Japan wedding combines breathtaking seasonal scenery, refined hospitality, and deep cultural traditions. It is not just a ceremony, but a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
For overseas couples who choose to hold their wedding in Japan, a Japanese-style wedding and a chapel wedding in Japan are filled with romance, while a Japan wedding and a chapel ceremony symbolize elegance and refinement. However, a Japan wedding actually includes several different styles, and each ceremony carries its own unique meaning and atmosphere.
This guide introduces the four main types of Japanese wedding ceremonies and explains what overseas couples should consider when planning their wedding in Japan, including how to choose the perfect location.
The Four Main Types of Japanese Wedding Ceremonies
A Japan wedding can generally be categorized into four styles. Understanding their differences will help you find the one that suits you best.
Western-Style Wedding (Chapel Wedding)
A Western-style wedding is held in a church or a dedicated wedding chapel and is the most popular option among overseas couples.
The classic image includes a white wedding gown, a long aisle, and a pastor officiating the ceremony. In Japan, a chapel wedding in Japan may take place in a traditional church or in a purpose-built wedding chapel designed specifically for ceremonies.
Japanese chapels are known for their architectural beauty and stunning surroundings. You can choose from ocean-view chapels, forest chapels surrounded by greenery, or modern urban chapels in cities like Tokyo. A chapel ceremony in Japan combines solemn elegance with exceptional photo opportunities.
For couples seeking a romantic and timeless atmosphere, this type of Japan wedding is an ideal choice.
Civil-Style Wedding (Non-Religious Ceremony)
A civil-style wedding in Japan is not based on any specific religion. Instead of making vows before a deity, the couple declares their commitment in front of family and friends.
This style offers great flexibility. The ceremony flow and vows can be customized according to the couple’s preferences, making it ideal for international couples or bilingual ceremonies.
If you wish to incorporate elements from your own culture into your Japan wedding, a civil-style ceremony allows for creativity and personalization while still enjoying a wedding in Japan.
Shinto Wedding (Traditional Shrine Ceremony)
A Shinto wedding is a traditional Japanese ceremony held at a shrine. The bride typically wears a white kimono (shiromuku) or colorful kimono (ir-ouchikake), and symbolic rituals are performed to represent blessings and unity. For many overseas couples, this type of Japanese wedding ceremony is not just a wedding, but a deep cultural experience. However, not all shrines accept overseas couples for a Japan wedding ceremony. Advance confirmation and application are essential, especially for ceremony and photography permissions. If you want a wedding that fully reflects Japanese tradition and heritage, a shrine wedding in Japan is a meaningful option.
Buddhist Wedding Ceremony
A Buddhist wedding takes place in a temple and symbolizes reporting the marriage to one’s ancestors. It emphasizes family values and lineage.
This form of wedding is less common internationally, making it one of the more unique styles of a Japan wedding. It is suitable for couples who prefer a calm and solemn atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Japan Wedding as an Overseas Couple
For overseas couples, the most popular choices remain chapel weddings and traditional shrine weddings.
Chapel Wedding in Japan
A chapel wedding in Japan is often the first choice for overseas couples. The ceremony structure is clear, and language arrangements can be easily adapted.
Across Japan, you can find various chapel wedding locations:
- ・Ocean-view chapels in Okinawa
- ・Forest chapels in Hokkaido
- ・Urban chapels in Tokyo
La-vie Factory offers chapel venues and partner locations throughout Japan. Couples can choose their preferred destination and enjoy comprehensive support—from the ceremony itself to professional photography and album production.
Traditional Shrine Wedding (Wa-kon)
For a shrine wedding in Japan, it is important to confirm whether the shrine accepts overseas couples and to obtain ceremony and photography permissions.
La-vie Factory assists couples in selecting suitable shrines and temples that welcome international weddings and helps manage all necessary applications and arrangements.
Professional support is essential to ensure your Japan wedding runs smoothly and respectfully.
Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Japan Wedding
Selecting the right destination is one of the most important steps in planning your Japan wedding.
Urban vs. Resort Destinations
Urban destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka offer convenient transportation and rich cultural surroundings. They are ideal if family members are traveling from abroad.
Resort destinations like Okinawa and Hokkaido provide spectacular natural landscapes. Oceanfront chapel weddings and outdoor photography sessions are particularly popular for a Japan destination wedding.
Combining Travel with Your Japan Wedding
Many overseas couples combine:
- Pre-wedding photography with the official ceremony
- A family vacation with their Japan wedding
Seasonal beauty is another highlight—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, or snowy winter landscapes make a wedding in Japan truly unforgettable.
La-vie Factory’s Japan Wedding Services
La-vie Factory provides comprehensive support for overseas couples planning a Japan wedding:
- 1. Multilingual support (Chinese and English)
- 2. Assistance with shrine and chapel applications
- 3. Integrated planning for ceremony, photography, and album production
Whether you choose a chapel wedding in Japan or a traditional shrine ceremony, you can plan your wedding with confidence.
Conclusion | Find the Japan Wedding That Suits You Best
A Japan wedding offers diverse options—from chapel weddings to traditional shrine ceremonies. Each style carries its own meaning and atmosphere.
If you dream of a romantic and elegant setting, a chapel wedding in Japan may be perfect for you. If you wish to experience authentic Japanese culture, a traditional shrine wedding will leave a lasting impression.
Let your Japan destination wedding become one of the most meaningful and unforgettable days of your life.