Japan is a country of artistry, tradition, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But what does it actually cost to get married here? The truth is: Japan can be both accessible and extravagant. From intimate elopements under cherry blossoms to luxury celebrations in historic ryokans, the cost depends on your vision, guest count, and level of service.
This guide breaks down average wedding costs in Japan for 2026. From venues and planners to photography, attire, and extras … so couples can budget realistically and plan with confidence.
The Core Truth
Weddings in Japan are not “cheap” or “expensive” by default.
They are precise.
Vendors price based on expertise, inclusions, labor hours, and responsibility. The numbers don’t change because it’s called a wedding. They change because weddings are one of the most complex live events a vendor will ever execute. So what does a wedding cost in Japan 2026?
The Big Picture – Average Wedding Cost in Japan
- Local Japanese Weddings: The average Japanese couple spends between 3M–5M yen (USD $20,000–$35,000) for a 50–80 guest wedding, typically in hotel ballrooms or shrine packages. No flexibility. Mostly set plans for convenience and expedience.
- Destination Weddings (International Couples): International couples planning bespoke weddings in Japan usually spend 5.5M–12M yen (USD $37,000–$85,000+) for 30–100 guests, depending on venue, design, and cultural elements. With total customisable flexibility for couples to celebrate their way with an independent wedding planner.
- Luxury Weddings: High-end, fully bespoke weddings at historic ryokans, luxury resorts, or cultural landmarks (Noh stages, Aman, Relais & Châteaux) start around 12M yen (USD $85,000) and scale upward.
Why We’re Using USD Instead of Yen
You’ll notice that throughout this guide, we sometimes reference costs in USD rather than Japanese yen.
This isn’t because weddings in Japan are priced in dollars. They’re not.
It’s simply for clarity.
For couples planning from overseas, large yen figures can feel abstract. Hearing “one million yen” often triggers sticker shock, even though it roughly translates to what many couples already expect to spend elsewhere.
Saying $6,500 instead of ¥1,000,000 allows couples to immediately understand value, scale, and proportion. To help our couples calculate their destination wedding Japan cost just a little faster.
All final contracts, invoices, and vendor payments in Japan are, of course, issued in yen. This guide uses USD only as a shared reference point, so you can compare realistically and plan confidently.
Breakdown of Wedding Costs in Japan
How much does a wedding in Japan cost? Here is a breakdown of luxury wedding Japan pricing.
1. Venues
- Hotels & Ballrooms: Typically range from ¥1.5M–¥3M ($10,000–$20,000 USD). These venues often operate on set packages that include standard menus and limited customization. Naturally, five-star and ultra-luxury hotels sit at a higher price point, with expanded offerings, upgraded service levels, and greater flexibility.
- Shrines & Temples: From 200,000–500,000 yen ($1,400–$3,500) for the ceremony only, plus rentals. Keep in mind, wedding kimono can be an expensive additional cost. (But always worth it).
- Luxury Ryokans & Historic Venues: Typically range from ¥3M–¥9M ($20,000–$60,000 USD) for exclusive use, based on approximately 50 guests. This is one of the most common questions we receive when couples ask about ryokan wedding costs in Japan. These figures generally cover private use of the venue, food and beverage, and a selection of basic inclusions. In some cases, guest accommodation may also be included. All other wedding elements, such as planning, photography, florals, styling, entertainment, and additional production, are priced separately.
- Private Villas & Resorts: From 3M–8M yen ($21,000–$56,000) for destination buy-outs. For smaller, more intimate, micro destination weddings.
2. Wedding Planners
Japan Wedding Planner Costs. Wedding planning fees in Japan vary significantly depending on experience, scope, and the style of celebration you’re envisioning. Below is a general guide to help you understand the landscape:
- Japanese Venue Coordinators: Often included within venue packages. These planners are typically limited to in-house vendors and set formats, with little flexibility for customization.
- Independent Planners (International Couples Seeking a Non-Package, International-Style Destination Wedding): Generally range from ¥500,000–¥2,000,000 ($3,500–$13,000 USD). Fees scale based on planning hours, complexity, guest count, and overall event design.
- Luxury Destination Wedding Planners: Typically charge 10%–20% of the total wedding budget, reflecting a fully bespoke service that covers logistics, cultural navigation, creative direction, guest experience, and multi-day event coordination.
👉 For couples beginning their search, see our curated guide to the Top Wedding Planners in Japan.
3. Photography & Videography
There’s no universal “right” amount to spend on photography and film. Like all wedding services, investment reflects personal priorities, aesthetic taste, and experience. That said, photography and videography together generally account for around 10% of an overall wedding budget.
- Local Studios: Typically start from just $2,500 USD (¥390,000) for shorter coverage or set packages. A solid option for couples seeking straightforward documentation within a defined scope.
- Professional, International-Level Photographers: Generally range from $3,500–$8,500 USD (¥550,000–¥1,300,000), depending on coverage hours, deliverables, and creative approach. These teams bring refined storytelling, strong technical skill, and experience working with international couples and timelines.
- Highly Experienced, Globally Established Photographers: From $10,000+ USD (¥1,570,000+) and up to $20,000 USD (¥3,000,000) for full multi-day coverage, destination logistics, film, and heirloom albums. These photography teams have spent decades working across cultures, countries, and complex destination events. They are award-winning master storytellers with a fine-art sensibility, contemporary workflows, and an ability to adapt seamlessly to any environment. What you’re investing in at this level isn’t just imagery. It’s calm under pressure. Cultural fluency. Creative intuition. And the confidence that your wedding will be documented with depth, artistry, and integrity… not just for today, but for generations.
👉 Explore the Top Wedding Photographers in Japan.
4. Attire & Styling
- Kimono Rentals: From 100,000–600,000 yen ($700–$4,000) depending on embroidery and accessories.
- Wedding Dresses (Rental): From 300,000–1M yen ($2,100–$7,000). Designer gowns often more.
- Hair & Makeup Artists: From 80,000–250,000 yen ($600–$1,500) for bride; grooms less.
5. Food & Beverage
- Japanese Kaiseki or Banquet: 15,000–25,000 yen ($100–$175) per guest.
- Cocktail Hours & Buffets: Slightly lower, but rare for luxury venues.
- Bespoke Catering / Michelin Star: From 25,000–40,000 yen ($175–$280) per guest.
6. Florals & Décor
- Basic Packages: ¥250,000–¥500,000 (approx. $1,500–$3,000) – Very simple, minimal arrangements using locally available flowers. Best suited for elopements or couples prioritising other elements of the day.
- Bespoke Design: From ¥1,000,000 (approx. $7,000+) – Custom-designed florals and styling concepts, often incorporating premium or imported blooms, tailored colour palettes, and cohesive visual storytelling across the ceremony and reception.
- Luxury Statement Designs: ¥2,000,000+ (approx. $14,000+) – Large-scale floral installations and multi-space styling, including ceremony features, reception transformations, and immersive design elements created specifically for the venue and season.
- Drapery & Fabric Installations: Draping has become a key design element for modern weddings in 2026, adding softness, scale, and architectural impact to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Couples should expect custom drapery installations to start from an additional ¥500,000 ($3,500+), depending on the complexity, materials, rigging requirements, and number of spaces being transformed.
7. Entertainment & Extras
- Traditional Performers (Shamisen, Koto, Taiko): 100,000–300,000 yen ($700–$2,100).
- DJ or Live Band: 200,000–700,000 yen ($1,400–$5,000).
- Cultural Experiences (Tea ceremony, Mochi pounding, Sake barrel opening): 100,000–300,000 yen each.
Real Wedding Budget Examples in Japan (2026)
Example 1: $75,000 Wedding in Japan (Up to 100 Guests)
Typical allocation:
- Catering & Bar: $15,000–$18,500
- Venue & Rentals: $11,000–$15,000
- Planning & Design: $7,500–$11,000
- Florals & Décor: $7,500–$11,000
- Photography & Film: $6,500–$8,000
- Entertainment: $3,500–$6,000
- Attire & Beauty: $3,000–$4,500
- Misc. & Contingency: $2,000–$3,500
This level works beautifully for intimate destination weddings, ryokan celebrations, and couples prioritizing experience over scale.
Example 2: $100,000 Wedding in Japan (100 Guests)
- Catering & Bar: $20,000–$25,000
- Venue & Rentals: $15,000–$20,000
- Planning & Design: $10,000–$15,000
- Florals & Décor: $10,000–$15,000
- Photography & Film: $9,000–$12,000
- Entertainment: $6,000–$10,000
- Attire & Beauty: $5,000–$8,000
This is where Japan truly shines. Thoughtful design, strong guest experience, and room for creativity without excess.
Example 3: $150,000 Wedding in Japan (125–150 Guests)
- Catering & Bar: $30,000–$37,500
- Venue & Rentals: $22,500–$30,000
- Planning & Design: $15,000–$22,500
- Florals & Décor: $15,000–$22,500
- Photography & Film: $12,000–$15,000
- Entertainment: $9,000–$15,000
This tier allows for multi-day celebrations, welcome events, live music, and deeply layered guest experiences.
Example 4: $250,000+ Luxury Destination Wedding in Japan
- Catering & Bar: $50,000–$65,000
- Venue & Rentals: $37,500–$55,000
- Planning & Design: $25,000–$40,000
- Florals & Décor: $25,000–$40,000
- Photography & Film: $20,000–$30,000
- Entertainment: $15,000–$25,000
At this level, weddings become productions. Multiple days, complex logistics, international teams, and experiences guests talk about for decades.
Elopement Costs in Japan
For couples seeking intimacy:
- Simple Elopement (Photo + Officiant): starts from $5000 (¥800,000).
- Luxury Elopement (Multi-location, planning, cultural elements, remote venues): $10,000 – $20,000+ (1.5M–3M yen).
👉 Learn more in our guide to Japan Elopements.
FAQs
How much does a wedding in Japan cost?
Anywhere from 3M yen ($20,000) for local packages to 12M yen+ ($85,000+) for luxury destination weddings.
Is Japan more expensive than other destination wedding countries?
Comparable to Italy or France for luxury, but with cultural experiences unique to Japan. Packages at shrines and hotels can be surprisingly affordable.
Can foreigners legally marry in Japan?
Yes, but paperwork is complex. Many couples handle the legal ceremony in their home country and celebrate symbolically in Japan.
What’s the most budget-friendly way to marry in Japan?
Elopements or small weddings at shrines, combined with photo sessions, are the most cost-effective.
What’s the most expensive wedding option in Japan?
Exclusive use of luxury ryokans, Aman or Rosewood resorts, or historic cultural venues with international-level production.
Closing
In Japan, wedding costs aren’t just about numbers. They’re about access to centuries-old traditions, dramatic landscapes, Michelin-star cuisine, and the seamless blending of Japanese hospitality with global luxury standards. Whether your budget leans toward intimate or lavish, Japan offers a spectrum of experiences … each unforgettable in its own way.
See a favourite 37 Frames wedding here: A celebrity wedding in Hawaii
