The Ceremony
Each ritual has a meaning. Each gesture tells a story.
伝統との出会い、未来への約束
A Shinto ceremony is more than a ceremony held at a shrine. Nine rituals, in order, each one meaning something — and someone beside you saying, quietly, what is happening and why. You will understand your own ceremony while it is taking place. That is the whole point.
The whole ceremony, on one sheet
We send this to every couple beforehand, in their own language. Printed, it also works as the order of service for family who have never seen a Shinto ceremony.
One by one
A priest performs a purification rite for you and your guests, preparing body and spirit before the ceremony begins.
“We make ourselves ready for this moment.”
The priest offers sake, food and other sacred offerings. In Shinto tradition, offering food and sake expresses respect and gratitude.
“We give thanks for being able to gather here today.”
The priest recites a traditional prayer called norito, announcing your marriage before the kami and asking for happiness, harmony and protection.
“We announce the beginning of our life together.”
You recite your vows before the kami. This is the moment couples remember afterwards, and the one place where your own words can go.
“We promise to respect and support one another.”
Three cups — small, medium, large. Each is used three times, making three by three: nine. It is the image people carry away from a Shinto wedding.
“We share the same sake and unite our lives.”
You present a branch of sakaki before the altar, turning it as you set it down — a gesture of gratitude and of wishes for the life ahead.
“We offer our gratitude and our prayers.”
Not part of the oldest Shinto tradition, but now included in many ceremonies — a modern addition most couples from abroad are glad to keep.
“We promise to care for one another.”
A wedding is not only the union of two people. Everyone present shares sake together, and the two families are joined. This is where children and parents take part.
“From today, our families are connected.”
The head priest closes with words of congratulation and good wishes. The ceremony ends, and you walk back out into Kyoto.
“May your life together be filled with happiness.”
Sake is optional. Tell us and the cups are poured as water, with nothing said about it. [要確認：神社の了承]
The nine form one story
Purify · Offer · Announce · Promise · Unite · Pray · Exchange · Connect · Receive the blessing
01–03
The ground is prepared and the ceremony is announced.
04–05
The vows are spoken and the sake is shared.
06–07
Gratitude is offered and rings are exchanged.
08–09
The families are joined and the blessing is given.
The ceremony itself takes about [DURATION]. [要確認：神社ごとの所要時間]
Now you know what happens. The next question is when.