Destination Weddings

Japan

12 Venues
At a glance

Marrying in Japan

Japan offers couples Shinto shrines, Kyoto gardens and design led city hotels, all run with famous precision. Timing the day for cherry blossom or autumn maples gives the photographs a seasonal story.

See the venues
Best timeMar to May, Oct to Nov

Blossom or autumn colour

Flight time14 hours

Direct to Tokyo Haneda

VisaNo visa

In advance, tourist stays up to 90 days on arrival

Legal weddingLegally binding

Register at the local municipal office with a marital status affirmation from the British Embassy in Tokyo

Top tipEmbassy slots

Book the British Embassy appointment at least 7 days after applying online, slots run Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Checked against official UK government and embassy guidance. Rules can change, so confirm paperwork with the registry before you book.

Explore Japan by area

Kyoto2 venues · Nature, TraditionalExplore the area →Okinawa2 venues · Traditional, WaterExplore the area →Tokyo5 venues · Urban, BoutiqueExplore the area →

12 venues in Japan

Hand-picked from 324 venues in 31 countries and 59 areas

When to book

Your Japan wedding, month by month

Marrying abroad runs to a longer clock than at home. The best venues book a year or more ahead, and the legal paperwork has its own timings. Here is the order that works.

  1. 12 to 18 months
  2. 12 months
    • Book your venue and planner
    • Check the legal route and who confirms it
    • Hold a block of rooms for guests
  3. 9 months
    • Send save the dates
    • Share flight options with guests
    • Lock in your best month and time of day
  4. 6 months
    • Book photographer, florist and music
    • Plan a menu tasting or site visit
    • Arrange travel insurance
  5. 3 months
    • Start the legal paperwork, sooner if your route asks
    • Confirm final guest numbers
    • Plan the welcome and farewell events
  6. 1 month
    • Final payments and timings
    • Pack documents in your hand luggage
    • Hand the day over to your planner