How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Japan? (2026 Edition)
- Ross Harrison
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
Introduction: Understanding Elopement Costs in Japan
One of the first questions couples ask us is simple: “What does an elopement in Japan cost?” This is a perfectly reasonable question. The truth is, however, that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Your final spend depends on the kind of experience or experiences you want to create. Some couples dream of a simple, private ceremony with just a photographer, while others envision traditional kimono fittings, a tea ceremony, a garden ceremony, and a celebratory dinner or extended photo-shoot.
In this updated 2026 edition, we’ll break down the real cost ranges for eloping in Japan, along with examples of what different budgets can bring to life. Our goal is to give you clarity and confidence as you start planning, while emphasizing that every elopement is bespoke and not packaged.
Elopement Costs Are Rising - Why?
As with weddings around the world, costs in Japan have been affected by several factors:
Rising business, living and vendor costs: Inflation and supply chain shifts have made services like photography, hair & makeup, and dining more expensive.
Exchange rates and global travel costs: Depending on your home currency, exchange rates may make Japan either more affordable or more expensive year-to-year.
That said, eloping in Japan remains remarkably good value compared to large-scale weddings back in your home country, and offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience without the burden of hosting a crowd.
For a much a more detailed breakdown of elopement costs in Japan check out our original article on this topic: How much does it cost to get married in Japan?
Core Costs of an Elopement in Japan
While every couple’s plan is unique, here are the essential cost categories most couples can expect when they work with us.
1. Every celebration is unique
We don’t offer “off-the-shelf” packages—each event is tailored to your vision, priorities, and guest list. Costs reflect your choices at every step.
2. Start with the basics
Here’s a simple cost range to guide you, based on the ceremonies we arrange:
Elopement (just the two of you + optional up to 2 guests):
Tokyo: ¥680,000 – ¥950,000 (no kimono) → ¥770,000 – ¥1,300,000 (with kimono)
Kyoto: ¥850,000 – ¥1,250,000 (no kimono) → ¥950,000 – ¥1,500,000 (with kimono)
These include:
Planning & coordination
Ceremony venue
Photographer
Videography
Travel and (maybe) accommodation for staff (different from city to city)
Hair & makeup (¥30,000 – ¥80,000), or included with kimono fitting
Kimono rental + dressing (¥130,000 – ¥180,000)
3. Want more guests? That’s a micro‑wedding or full wedding
Micro‑wedding: up to ~20 guests + reception—adds venue rental and longer vendor hours. Generally rises above elopement costs.
Full wedding: 50+ guests, full-day event—even multi-day. Major cost drivers: catering, rental, staff, and décor. Numbers can range from mid‑seven figures (¥) to ¥10 million+, depending on scale. Please note: We do not do reception planning or full weddings.
4. Marriage Registration
The legal marriage happens through a combination of embassy and city hall paperwork. It does not take place at your chosen venue.
A separate day needs to be booked - we currently charge ¥85,000 for translation and assistance at the city hall.
Most couples are choosing to do the legal formalities in their home countries and opting for a symbolic ceremony here in Japan.
5. Secular vs Shinto vs Buddhist ceremony
Shrines/temples charge ¥130,000–¥200,000 for ceremonies—but that covers the celebration, not the legal registration.
Buddhist Temples can charge between ¥200,000 and ¥500,000 for a cermeony only.
6. Factors that affect your cost
Element | Budget impact |
Location | Garden vs shrine vs remote venue |
Kimono | ¥130,000–¥180,000 rental (incl. dressers) |
Photographer | ¥150,000–¥400,000+ |
Videography | ¥125,000 ~ ¥600,000 + |
Beauty & styling | ¥40,000 ~ ¥120,000 |
Decor & florals | From ¥30,000 to much more |
Tea Ceremony | From ¥50,000 - Final costs depends on number of people participating. |
Live musician | From ¥50,000 - Final costs depend on number of musicians required. |
Guests & catering | Larger parties = larger budgets |
Travel/staff fees | If changing cities |
Reception duration | We don't do reception planning |
7. Why we don’t do fixed packages
People often ask: “Can you do our wedding for X yen?” As you can tell from the above table, every decision changes the price:
Do you want kimono?
Do you need a videographer?
Will you need an extended photo session and/or multiple locations?
Are you adding décor or special travel?
Do you want to include special cultural experiences and if so, will your guests want to participate?
How many guests will be in attendance?
Will you require catering, and if so, for how many people?
Will any of your guests require hair and makeup as well?
The answers to the above questions, and more besides will have a big impact on pricing, and thus makes a package offering infeasible.
We build your wedding quote based only on your specific plan.
8. How to plan your budget—step by step
Pick a style: Elopement (2–5 people) or micro‑wedding (up to 20)
Choose location(s): shrine, temple, villa, garden, restaurant...
Decide on enhancements: kimono, décor, extra photos, videography, cultural experiences etc
Estimate guest count: will they need transport to secluded venue locations?
Include travel/staff time if you’re moving between sites or locations.
Hidden Costs to Consider
While we try to keep estimates clear, here are a few things couples sometimes overlook:
Travel & Accommodation: Flights and hotels are not usually part of elopement packages, but need to be considered for planners and vendors alike.
Seasonal surcharges: Peak cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons can see higher vendor/venue rates.
Translation & permits: Required for some venues or rituals.
Delivery times for photos/video: Faster turnaround may cost extra.
How to Keep Costs Manageable
Choose weekdays: Venues and vendors are often more available (and sometimes more affordable).
Prioritize experiences: Focus on the elements that matter most to you and let go of what doesn’t.
Go guest-free: Every additional guest adds complexity and cost. Couples who keep it just the two of them often find the most freedom and savings.
In short: Elopements in Japan don’t come in fixed packages, but by making clear choices about what matters most to you. We’ll deliver a customized plan that fits both your vision and budget. No hidden costs, just your perfect day designed your way.
Planning an elopement isn’t something you do twice. After nearly a decade and 300+ ceremonies, we help couples navigate venues, permissions, and cultural expectations — quietly and correctly.
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