FAQ
Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MY DESTINATION WEDDING IN JAPAN?
Finding a venue is often the most challenging aspect of planning a wedding in Japan.
Many hotels and wedding halls offer all-inclusive packages and may not be open to customized weddings, which can be more flexible in other countries.
Additionally, there are numerous restrictions on photo and video shoots, especially in public spaces.
However, a few venues allow you to bring your own wedding professionals and attire for an additional fee or corkage.
To make your dream wedding a reality, you need an independent bilingual wedding planner who has strong connections with venues that are open to customizing your wedding experience.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON RESTRICTIONS THAT could AFFECT A DESTINATION WEDDING IN JAPAN?
Most hotels and wedding halls in Japan offer all-inclusive packages and are not open to customized weddings, unlike many other countries.
When it comes to photo and video shoots, especially in public spaces, there are significant restrictions. For example, you cannot simply go to a park for a photo shoot.
Permission must be obtained from the government, which typically involves a processing time of about one month. Your wedding planner will handle this paperwork for you.
Q: IS THERE ANY DIFFICULTy WITH HAVING A RELIGIOUS WEDDING IN JAPAN?
While Japan is home to Buddhism and Shintoism, having a traditional religious wedding ceremony can be challenging. As your wedding planner, we will assist you in obtaining the necessary permissions.
Some Christian churches use wedding companies or agents to handle church weddings. However, these are typically “packaged ceremonies” with about a 10% chance of success in executing exactly what you envision.
If you wish to have a religious ceremony, you may want to consider bringing a religious representative from your home country.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING OUR SERVICE?
a) Exclusive Venues
We have access to exclusive venues, such as:
Art-filled Hotels in Tokyo
Beautiful Garden Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto
Charming Historical Japanese Inns in Kanagawa and Kyoto
Unique Kaiseki Restaurants in Kamakura and Kyoto
These venues allow you to bring your own wedding professionals and attire!
b) English Communication and Interpreting Services
Many couples soon realize that weddings in Japan differ significantly from the global standard.
While some hotels in Japan allow you to bring your own “interpreter” (though this policy may be changing), we offer “Wedding Interpreting Services” to help you communicate with venues and make your dream wedding in Japan come true.
Our interpreters fully understand Japanese culture, making communication and negotiations much smoother.
My clients often appreciate the cultural and linguistic bridge I provide between them and the venue.
c) Journey of Self-Branding
With over 20 years of experience in wedding flower design and styling for top companies, Mina will work with you to find the essence of your wedding's tone and design.
d) Services We Provide:
Full coordination services
Intimate small wedding services
Elopement arrangement services
Wedding interpreting services for your hotel wedding
Wedding design and floral design services
Q: WHAT IF OUR DREAM VENUE IS NOT ON MINA'S LIST?
If your preferred venue is not on our list, Mina will take care of all the necessary steps—researching, negotiating, and communicating with the venue’s managers.
This is a critical part of the planning process, so we recommend giving us at least 10 days to find the best options for you.
We charge a minimal research fee (kick-start fee) for this service.
Q: ARE THERE IDEAL TIMES OF THE YEAR FOR A WEDDING IN JAPAN?
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for weddings in Japan.
The period from March to early June is typically perfect, with cherry blossoms often blooming in March or April, though the timing can vary. The blossoms last for about 10 days.
The rainy season begins in mid-June, and July and August are very hot and humid. For cooler weather, consider the far north of Japan (Hokkaido).
October to early December is another great time for a wedding, with beautiful autumn foliage peaking in November and continuing into December.
Around the New Year, Japan celebrates a special family time, making it an unsuitable period for a destination wedding.
Disclaimer:
We require a minimum of six months' notice for wedding planning services. This ensures stress-free, careful planning for your remarkable day.
We’d love to chat with you about your dream wedding in Japan!
Let’s have a 45-minute free consultation!