So, you’ve decided to get married in Japan—great choice! Whether you’re dreaming of a cherry blossom ceremony in Kyoto or an ultra-modern wedding high above Tokyo’s skyline, Japan offers an unforgettable setting. But before you pop the champagne and start practicing your “I do” in Japanese, there’s one tiny little thing to tackle first: bureaucracy.
Don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through the paperwork maze with clear steps, useful tips, and a bit of humor to keep things interesting.
1. Is Getting Married in Japan Right for You?
Before diving into the legal process, let’s quickly weigh the pros and cons of tying the knot in Japan:
✅ Pros:
✔️ A legally recognized marriage that doesn’t require residency in Japan
✔️ Stunning locations for wedding ceremonies (temples, beaches, skyscrapers—you name it!)
✔️ A chance to embrace Japanese traditions, from Shinto ceremonies to kimono attire
❌ Cons:
⏳ Some paperwork needs to be translated into Japanese
📜 Some countries require additional steps to recognize your marriage abroad
💴 Japanese weddings can be expensive (but oh-so-worth it!)
2. The Essential Documents You’ll Need
To get legally married in Japan, you’ll need:
1. Affidavit of Competency to Marry (Kon-in Yoken Gubi Shomeisho)
This is an official document proving you’re legally free to marry. Most foreigners get this from their embassy or consulate in Japan.
2. Passport
A valid passport is required (because they need to know who’s saying “I do”!).
3. Birth Certificate (Sometimes Required)
Some municipal offices may ask for a birth certificate, so check with the local ward office (kuyakusho).
4. Residence Certificate (Jūminhyō) (Only if Living in Japan)
If you or your partner live in Japan, this will be needed.
5. Divorce or Death Certificate (If Previously Married)
If you’ve been married before, official proof of your previous marriage’s termination is necessary.
💡 Pro Tip: Documents in English must be translated into Japanese. You can translate them yourself, but accuracy is crucial!
3. Submitting the Marriage Notification (Kon’in Todoke)
Once your documents are ready, head to the local municipal office (kuyakusho) to submit the Marriage Notification Form (Kon’in Todoke).
👫 You’ll Need Two Witnesses
- Must be over 20 years old
- Can be of any nationality
Once submitted, congratulations! 🎉 Your marriage is now officially recognized in Japan!
4. Registering Your Marriage in Your Home Country
Japan doesn’t automatically notify your country about your marriage, so you’ll need to report it to your home country’s embassy or consulate.
Some countries may require an official marriage certificate (Kon-in Todoke Kisaijiko Shomeisho), which you can request from the municipal office.
🔎 Check with your home country’s embassy to confirm the process!
5. Making It Memorable: Choosing a Ceremony Style
Now that you’re legally married, it’s time to celebrate!
🏯 Traditional Japanese Shinto Wedding
A Shinto wedding (shinzen shiki) involves wearing traditional kimono, exchanging sake cups (san-san-kudo), and a ceremony at a shrine. One of the most famous places to have this experience is Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo.
💒 Western-Style Wedding in Japan
Prefer a white dress and church bells? Japan has beautiful chapels, like:
- Ribbon Chapel (Hiroshima) – A stunning modern glass chapel.
- Church on the Water (Hokkaido) – A breathtaking chapel surrounded by nature.
🏔️ Unique & Adventurous Weddings
Want something truly special? Consider:
- Mount Fuji Wedding – Say “I do” with Japan’s most iconic backdrop.
- Okinawa Beach Wedding – Crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches make for a perfect tropical wedding.
- Tokyo Skyline Wedding – Get married in a skyscraper with panoramic city views!
6. Fun Japanese Wedding Traditions to Try
Want to embrace Japanese culture in your wedding? Try these:
🌸 Cherry Blossom Timing: If you want a magical spring wedding, aim for late March – early April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
🍶 Sake Sharing Ceremony: Instead of exchanging rings, some couples share three sips of sake as a symbol of unity.
🎁 Omiyage for Guests: In Japan, wedding guests receive beautifully packaged gifts (hikidemono) as a token of appreciation.
7. FAQ: Common Questions About Getting Married in Japan
💡 Q: Do I need to be a resident of Japan to get married?
A: Nope! You can get legally married in Japan even if you’re just visiting.
💡 Q: Can same-sex couples get legally married in Japan?
A: Unfortunately, Japan does not currently recognize same-sex marriage. However, many LGBTQ+ couples choose to have symbolic ceremonies in Japan.
💡 Q: How long does the marriage registration process take?
A: In most cases, your marriage is legally recognized on the same day you submit the documents!
💡 Q: Can I have a wedding ceremony before the legal paperwork?
A: Yes! Many couples have their dream wedding first and do the paperwork later.
8. Let’s Capture Your Happy Moments in Japan!
Your wedding in Japan isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a story, a moment, a memory to cherish forever. And what better way to preserve those moments than through stunning photography? 📸
I specialize in destination wedding photography, capturing the raw emotions and magical settings that make your day unforgettable. Check out my past wedding stories here, explore my photo packages here, or reach out to me here—I can’t wait to be part of your love story! 💍✨
Final Thoughts
Getting married in Japan is surprisingly straightforward, but knowing the legal steps in advance will make the process stress-free. Whether you’re planning a traditional Shinto wedding, a beach ceremony in Okinawa, or a modern wedding in Tokyo, Japan offers a one-of-a-kind experience for couples.
Now go forth and plan that dream wedding in Japan—you’ve got this! 🚀
