Planning an LGBTQ+ wedding can be an exciting, yet overwhelming process—especially when you’re considering a destination wedding in Japan. Although Japan doesn’t yet legally recognize same-sex marriages, the country has become an increasingly popular and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ couples looking to celebrate their love in unique, breathtaking settings. From bustling city skylines to serene temples and tropical beaches, Japan offers a beautiful mix of traditional and modern venues for your big day.
In this LGBTQ+ wedding planning guide for Japan, we’ll cover everything you need to know: from top venues and legal tips to practical advice on making your wedding unforgettable. Whether you dream of a romantic ceremony in Kyoto’s ancient gardens or a vibrant celebration in Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ hotspot, this guide will ensure your wedding is everything you’ve ever wanted—and more!
Why Choose Japan for Your LGBTQ+ Wedding?
Despite not recognizing same-sex marriages nationally, Japan has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and many venues that openly support and celebrate same-sex couples. In recent years, LGBTQ+ rights have made significant strides in Japan, particularly in progressive areas like Shibuya, Tokyo. While Japan may not offer full legal recognition for same-sex marriage, there are plenty of ways to have a meaningful and beautiful wedding. From intimate ceremonies at traditional shrines to luxurious resorts overlooking Mount Fuji, Japan has a vast array of unique and inclusive wedding options.
So, why should you consider Japan for your LGBTQ+ wedding? Here’s why:
- Beautiful and Unique Venues: From tranquil temples to chic city hotels and tropical beaches, Japan offers stunning venues that cater to all tastes.
- Rich Cultural Experience: Celebrate your love in a country where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, offering a wedding that’s both beautiful and culturally enriching.
- Inclusive and Welcoming: Japan’s major cities, like Tokyo and Kyoto, are home to vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and supportive wedding venues.
Top LGBTQ+ Wedding Venues in Japan
1. Shibuya & Shinjuku, Tokyo – The Heart of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
Tokyo’s Shibuya and Shinjuku districts are at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ movement in Japan. In 2015, Shibuya became the first ward in Japan to issue partnership certificates to same-sex couples, making it a great place to start your wedding journey. The area is full of stylish hotels, trendy event spaces, and LGBTQ+ friendly venues, perfect for couples looking to exchange vows in the vibrant heart of the city.
- Shibuya’s Modern Venues: For a chic city wedding, consider venues that offer stunning views of the Tokyo skyline. Hotels like the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel provide luxurious settings for an unforgettable celebration.
- Shinjuku’s LGBTQ+ Friendly Spaces: Venues here are known for their inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring your celebration feels personal and meaningful.
Explore Shibuya Weddings
Shibuya Partnership Certificates
2. Shunkoin Temple, Kyoto – A Serene Traditional Ceremony
For couples who want to marry in a serene, spiritual environment, Kyoto’s Shunkoin Temple offers a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and progressive values. Located in the historic Myoshinji Temple Complex, Shunkoin Temple is one of the few venues in Japan that offers same-sex wedding ceremonies. The peaceful Zen gardens and centuries-old structures create a perfect backdrop for an intimate and spiritual celebration.
This venue provides an opportunity to incorporate traditional Japanese rituals, like a tea ceremony, while embracing a modern, inclusive approach to love.
Shunkoin Temple Weddings
3. Kafuu Resort, Okinawa – A Dream Beach Wedding
For LGBTQ+ couples looking to get married by the sea, Okinawa’s Kafuu Resort offers a stunning tropical setting. Imagine exchanging vows on a private beach with the sparkling blue ocean as your backdrop. Kafuu Resort’s inclusive wedding packages allow you to customize every detail, from the ceremony to the reception, ensuring a truly unique experience.
Okinawa’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beaches make it an ideal location for couples seeking a relaxed, nature-inspired wedding.
Kafuu Resort Weddings
4. Hyatt Regency Osaka – Luxury Meets Tradition
If you prefer a luxurious venue with traditional elements, Hyatt Regency Osaka offers an elegant setting for your celebration. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel combines modern amenities with traditional Japanese designs. It’s ideal for couples who want a grand, sophisticated wedding while still honoring Japanese cultural practices.
Their wedding team is highly experienced in organizing same-sex weddings, making sure your ceremony is both beautiful and stress-free.
Hyatt Regency Osaka Weddings
Navigating the Legal Landscape for Same-Sex Couples in Japan
While same-sex marriages are not legally recognized nationwide, certain areas in Japan offer partnership certificates for same-sex couples. These certificates provide some legal rights, such as hospital visitation rights and access to housing benefits, but they do not equate to marriage in a legal sense.
- Shibuya and Setagaya: These wards in Tokyo were the first to issue partnership certificates in 2015, and other areas have followed suit.
- Marriage Alternatives: Many couples who marry in Japan choose to have a symbolic ceremony, and some opt for legal marriages abroad, such as in the United States, which can be recognized internationally.
If you’re looking for legal support or advice, it’s a good idea to consult with a local lawyer familiar with LGBTQ+ rights in Japan. There are also wedding planners who specialize in working with LGBTQ+ couples to navigate these complexities.
LGBTQ+ Wedding Services in Japan
Many wedding planners in Japan specialize in organizing LGBTQ+ weddings, ensuring that every detail is taken care of. These services often include:
- Customizable Wedding Packages: Offering everything from traditional ceremonies to modern celebrations, these planners cater to your unique vision.
- Photography Services: Professional photographers experienced in LGBTQ+ weddings will help capture every special moment of your day.
- Beauty and Styling: From hair and makeup to outfit styling, top beauty professionals are available to ensure you look and feel your best.
Some notable wedding planning services in Japan include Crystal International, which offers LGBTQ+ friendly wedding packages, and Equal Wedding Japan, which specializes in same-sex weddings.
Crystal International Weddings
Equal Wedding Japan
Tips for a Perfect LGBTQ+ Wedding in Japan
- Plan Around Cherry Blossom Season: If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding, consider getting married during Japan’s cherry blossom season (March to May), when the country is blanketed in stunning pink blooms.
- Embrace Japanese Traditions: Incorporate traditional elements like a Japanese tea ceremony, kimono dressing, or exchanging vows under the iconic torii gates.
- Personalize Your Ceremony: Whether it’s a beach wedding in Okinawa or a garden ceremony in Kyoto, make sure your wedding reflects your personalities and love story.
Conclusion: Celebrate Love, Celebrate Japan
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and choosing Japan as your wedding destination adds a layer of cultural richness and beauty that will last a lifetime. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan offers endless opportunities for LGBTQ+ couples to celebrate their love in unique, meaningful ways.
As an experienced destination wedding photographer, I, Serg from Your Happy Moments, specialize in capturing these magical moments. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the neon-lit streets of Shibuya or the peaceful gardens of Kyoto, I’ll be there to make sure every precious moment is immortalized. Explore my portfolio at Your Happy Moments Blog and discover my wedding photography packages at Investment. Let’s make your wedding day in Japan truly unforgettable!
Feel free to reach out via my Contact Page, and let’s start planning your dream wedding today!
