Questions
Most of these come up in the first email. If yours is not here, write to us — we answer within [LS_REPLY_WITHIN].
Before you book
Does this make us legally married in Japan?
No. In Japan a marriage is registered at a city office, never at a shrine — the ceremony and the registration are separate things. Nothing we do changes your legal status, in Japan or at home. We say this first because it is the question everyone asks, and because it is also what makes the day simple: there is no paperwork to get wrong.
We are already married. Is that unusual?
It is the most common reason couples come to us. In English this is usually called a vow renewal. A Shinto ceremony suits it well, because its nine rituals are about gratitude and the years ahead rather than about signing anything.
What documents do we need to bring?
None for the ceremony. No marriage certificate, no residency, no visa of any particular kind. Bring your passports for the hotel and that is all.
How far in advance should we write to you?
The shrine fixes the date, so earlier is better — particularly for cherry blossom in early April and autumn leaves in late November, when Kyoto is at its busiest. [LEAD TIME]
The ceremony
How long does the ceremony take?
The ceremony itself is about [DURATION]. With dressing, hair and make-up beforehand and photographs afterwards, set aside about [TOTAL DURATION] for the whole morning.
Will we understand what is happening?
Yes — that is the point of how we run it. We send you an illustrated guide to the nine rituals in your language before you travel, go through it again on the morning, and someone stays beside you during the ceremony to say quietly what is coming next.
Can our parents and children take part?
Yes. The eighth ritual, shinzoku haitai, exists precisely for this: everyone present shares sake and the two families are joined. Tell us how many of you there are and we will arrange it. [MAX GUESTS]
Can we write our own vows?
Yes. The fourth ritual, seishi, is where they are spoken. Send us what you would like to say and we will arrange it with the priest, in your language and in Japanese.
One of us does not drink alcohol.
Tell us and the sake cups are poured as water, with nothing said about it during the ceremony.
Film and photographs
What do we receive, and when?
[NUMBER] edited photographs and a [LENGTH] film of the ceremony, delivered within [DELIVERY TIME].
Can we show the film at our wedding at home?
Yes. The footage is yours, with no restriction on personal use. If you would like a shorter cut for a reception screen, ask us and we will make one.
Will you use our photographs on this website?
Only if you give us written permission, and you can withdraw it later. Nothing is published by default.
Money, changes and cancellation
What is included in the price, and what is not?
The plans page lists both, side by side. The one amount that is not paid to us is the shrine offering (hatsuhoryo), which goes to the shrine directly.
When do we pay?
A deposit holds the date, and the balance is due before the ceremony. The exact amounts and dates are on the terms page.
What happens if we have to cancel?
The refund depends on how much notice you give. The full schedule is on the terms page, and we will repeat it in writing when you book.
What if it rains?
The ceremony is held indoors at the shrine and goes ahead in any weather. Photographs in the grounds are the part that changes; we work with what the day gives us.
Food and getting there
We are vegan, or we have a food allergy.
This is handled properly rather than worked around. Our chef holds the Vegetable Sommelier qualification and the menus are cooked in our own kitchen, so vegan, vegetarian and allergy-aware meals are made with the same care as everything else — not ordered in. Tell us the details on the inquiry form.
How do we get to the shrine from our hotel?
[TRANSPORT — どのプランに含むか確定後に記載]