Things to Consider

Remember - always - that you are in a religious place and behave appropriately.

If you are wearing full Japanese dress, try it on first if you get the chance. Dressing takes longer than you might think - give yourself enough time. And - ah - it`s tight - toilet?

Contact the shrine to book your ceremony well in advance.

Make sure you know the procedure at the shrine you are marrying in. In particular, the business with the sake and laying a leaf or palm on the altar.

As part of the ceremony you have to read something (your vows) in (probably) handwritten Kanji. The furigana is tricky to read, try and get hold of a copy in advance to practice or make sure your partner knows they have to read it first and you will follow.

Photos: Have a word with the priest and ask if you can have a discreet photo taken during the ceremony itself. Visit the shrine in advance and decide what external shots you want on the day.

For many, if not most, of your Japanese friends, this will be the first time they have been to a marriage ceremony inside a shrine. They are unlikely to be of much help...

If in doubt, keep your mouth shut and look solemn.


OVERVIEW

The precise ceremony will vary by shrine. (Fubar has only experienced Hakozaki and Sumiyoshi shrine ceremonies)

After you arrive at the shrine the bride and groom may be shown into separate ante-rooms. You enter the ceremony hall together, followed by the guests. You sit together, man on the right, in the centre of the room. The guests are seated around you in a horseshoe shape. The drum tolls, the ceremony starts. The priest prays. You are each offered sake on a set of red dishes - 3 times, each time you drink with 3 sips. More prayers. You recite your "vows". You are given a leaf/sprig - (Tamagushi) to place on the altar together. Someone from your "side" will then place a similar sprig on the altar. More prayers / blessing. Guest leave, you "sign" the register.®