Kyoto isn’t just a city—it’s a time capsule. Every street, every wooden machiya house, every crimson torii gate whispers stories of centuries past. If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels like stepping into a living fairytale, Kyoto is your place.
But where exactly should you exchange vows in this ancient city? Let’s dive into the most breathtaking traditional wedding locations in Kyoto, where history, spirituality, and romance intertwine.
1. Kiyomizu-dera: A Wedding with a Legendary Leap of Faith
Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
Legend has it that if you leap from the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, your wish will come true. Luckily, we’re not suggesting anything that drastic—just saying “I do” here is enough to make your dreams a reality.
With panoramic views of Kyoto and a temple surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maple leaves in autumn, this UNESCO-listed site is a stunning place for wedding photography. While official weddings here are rare, nearby traditional ryokan and tea houses offer intimate ceremonies with the temple as a breathtaking backdrop.
⭐ Best for: Couples who love history, grand views, and a touch of dramatic romance.
2. Kamigamo Shrine: A Sacred Sanctuary for Your Love Story
Website: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/
One of Kyoto’s oldest Shinto shrines, Kamigamo Shrine is steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery. The shrine is dedicated to the deity of thunder—because, let’s face it, love sometimes feels like a lightning bolt.
Here, traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies include time-honored rituals like sake-sharing (san-san-kudo) and exchanging vows in front of the shrine’s ancient torii gates. It’s an incredibly spiritual and serene way to start your journey as a married couple.
⭐ Best for: Couples seeking a deep spiritual connection and a peaceful, meaningful wedding.
3. Heian Shrine: For a Wedding Fit for Royalty
Website: https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/
If you want to feel like Kyoto royalty on your wedding day, Heian Shrine is your spot. With one of the largest torii gates in Japan and sprawling gardens filled with weeping cherry trees, this shrine is a showstopper.
Shinto weddings here are rich with tradition—imagine walking through the grand vermillion corridors in a silk kimono, stepping into a ceremony filled with blessings and beauty. The surrounding gardens are also perfect for capturing once-in-a-lifetime wedding photos.
⭐ Best for: Couples who love elegance, tradition, and a grand wedding setting.
4. Nanzen-ji Temple: A Zen Start to Your Forever
Website: https://www.nanzen.net/
For couples who want a more intimate, peaceful setting, Nanzen-ji is the place. This Zen Buddhist temple exudes tranquility, with its massive wooden Sanmon gate, lush moss gardens, and historic rock pathways.
The Zen atmosphere here is perfect for couples who want to start their marriage with mindfulness, reflection, and a deep sense of harmony. Even if you don’t have your ceremony inside the temple, it’s a dreamy place for a wedding photoshoot.
⭐ Best for: Couples who appreciate peace, nature, and understated beauty.
5. Yasaka Shrine: Kyoto’s Most Iconic Wedding Spot
Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/
Right in the heart of Gion, Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines. Known for its stunning lantern-lit evenings and vibrant festivals, it’s also a spectacular wedding location.
Getting married here means stepping into history while embracing Kyoto’s cultural heart. Plus, the surrounding streets of Gion, with their traditional tea houses and occasional geisha sightings, make for some of the most cinematic wedding photos imaginable.
⭐ Best for: Couples who love Kyoto’s lively energy and want a wedding with character.
How to Plan a Traditional Wedding in Kyoto
📜 Can Foreigners Get Married in Kyoto?
Absolutely! Many shrines offer wedding packages for non-Japanese couples, but you may need a local wedding planner to assist with bookings.
💰 How Much Does a Kyoto Shrine Wedding Cost?
Traditional Shinto weddings in Kyoto range from $2,000 to $10,000+, depending on the shrine, attire, photography, and reception.
🎎 What Should You Wear?
- Brides typically wear a shiromuku (white kimono) for a traditional look.
- Grooms wear a montsuki hakama (formal kimono with family crests).
📅 Best Seasons to Get Married in Kyoto
- Spring (March–April): Cherry blossom magic.
- Autumn (October–November): Golden and crimson maple leaves.
- Winter (December–February): Quiet, snowy elegance.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and lively, but humid.
A Kyoto Wedding: More Than Just a Ceremony
A Kyoto wedding isn’t just about the vows—it’s about the experience. Imagine:
💮 Enjoying a private tea ceremony before your wedding.
🚶 Strolling through bamboo forests in Arashiyama for your first look.
🍣 Indulging in a traditional kaiseki dinner with your loved ones.
Kyoto turns your wedding into a multi-day adventure filled with unforgettable moments.
Your Kyoto Wedding, Captured Beautifully
A wedding in Kyoto deserves photography that’s just as breathtaking as the city itself. That’s where I come in!
With years of experience capturing destination weddings, I specialize in telling love stories through stunning, natural, and timeless photography. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a full-scale traditional ceremony, let’s create something magical together.
📸 See my Kyoto wedding portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Explore my photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s plan your dream wedding: Contact me here
Are you ready to turn Kyoto into the backdrop of your love story? Let’s make it happen. 💕
