Japan Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 18 traditional wedding ceremonies from 3 cultural traditions in Japan.
Buddhism
Pre-wedding
Buddhist Wedding Preparation(Junbi)
準備The couple prepares for the ceremony, including traditional kimono dressing, hair, and makeup at the temple.
Key elements
- Kimono (shiromuku or iro-uchikake), traditional hair styling, makeup
Buddhist Temple Photo Session(Kinen Shashin)
記念写真A photo session within the temple grounds, capturing the couple in their traditional attire amidst the historic setting.
Key elements
- Temple scenery, traditional attire, natural lighting
Wedding day
Buddhist Wedding Ceremony(Kekkon Shiki)
結婚式The formal Buddhist wedding ceremony where the couple makes vows before the Buddha, with incense and gagaku court music.
Key elements
- Incense, gagaku court music, altar with Buddha statue, vows, blessings
- based on the concept of Nidana (karmic ties)
Post-wedding
Group Photo Commemoration(Shashin Satsuei)
写真撮影A group photo session with family and friends to commemorate the wedding day.
Key elements
- Group photo, celebratory atmosphere
Christianity (Style)
Wedding day
Christian-Style Benediction(Shukufuku)
祝福A short invocation by the officiant for divine blessing upon the couple.
Key elements
- Spoken blessing, formal attire
Christian-Style Bible Readings(Seisho Houdoku)
聖書朗読Passages from the Christian Bible relevant to marriage are read aloud.
Key elements
- Bible, formal reading
Christian-Style Hymns(Sanbika)
讃美歌Congregational singing of religious songs during the ceremony, creating a solemn and celebratory atmosphere.
Key elements
- Organ or piano music, hymn books or projected lyrics
Christian-Style Prayers(Inori)
祈りPetitions or thanks offered to God on behalf of the couple.
Key elements
- Spoken prayer, bowed heads
Exchange of Rings(Yubiwa Koukan)
指輪交換The symbolic exchange of wedding rings between the bride and groom.
Key elements
- Wedding rings (typically gold or platinum), ring bearer
Vows before God(Chikai)
誓いThe couple exchanges vows of commitment before God and witnesses.
Key elements
- Written or spoken vows, formal attire
Wedding Kiss(Kisu)
キスA kiss shared by the couple, often as the culmination of the ceremony.
Key elements
- Public display of affection
- often photographed
Shinto
Wedding day
Family Sake Sharing(Shinzoku Katame no Sakazuki)
親族固めの盃Both families share sake, symbolizing their new bond and unity as extended families.
Key elements
- Sake, shared cups, family gathering
Norito Recitation(Norito Sojo)
祝詞奏上The Shinto priest recites a formal prayer, reporting the marriage to the deities and seeking their blessings.
Key elements
- Formal prayer scroll, ancient Japanese language
Procession(Sanshin no Gi)
参進の儀The bridal procession where the couple, led by shrine attendants, makes their way to the main hall.
Key elements
- White shiromuku kimono or Western-style dress for bride
- hakama for groom
- solemn walk through shrine grounds
Purification(Shubatsu no Gi)
修祓の儀A ritual cleansing performed to purify the minds and bodies of the couple and participants before the sacred vows.
Key elements
- Haraegushi (purification wand), ritual gestures
San-san-kudo
三三九度The ritual of sharing three cups of sake three times by the bride and groom, symbolizing the marital vows and the union of two families.
Key elements
- Three lacquered sake cups (small, medium, large)
- sake
- the number three symbolizes heaven, earth, and humanity
Tamagushi Offering(Tamagushi Hoten)
玉串奉奠The couple offers a sacred branch (tamagushi) to the deities, expressing gratitude and respect.
Key elements
- Tamagushi (sakaki branch adorned with white paper streamers)
Vow Reading(Chikai no Kotoba)
誓の詞The bride and groom read their wedding vows, pledging their commitment to each other before the deities.
Key elements
- Written vows on formal paper, solemn declaration
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