Two Types of Getting Married in Japan
If you want to getting married in Japan, you have two choices: a legal and straightforward marriage or a luxurious wedding with a dream concept. Typically, a legal marriage involves only registering your marriage at a local government office. On the other hand, a luxury wedding is a more elaborate process that follows the registration of your marriage. So, here are some things you need to know before you say “I do.”
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Japan
Getting married in Japan, there are laws that govern marriage. Articles 731 to 737 of the Japanese Civil Code specify that men must be at least 18 years old, and women must be at least 16 years old. Additionally, individuals under the age of 20 are not permitted to marry, except with the consent of both parents.
Furthermore, women who have previously been married are required to wait for six months before they can marry again. This rule is designed to prevent confusion regarding the paternity of a child. You will also need to prepare documents for the marriage registration. What are these documents? Let’s discover them below!
Prepare These Documents for Getting Married in Japan
Registering for getting married in Japan is a straightforward process. In this case, you must complete an application for the registration of marriage, which should be signed by two witnesses (of any nationality) who are over 20 years old.
Additionally, both partners are required to provide their birth certificates, passports, and an affidavit of competency to marry (to confirm legal age and single status). It’s quite simple, isn’t it? However, it’s important to note that the birth certificate needs to be in Japanese, but you can handle by StuDrill.
At the same time, StuDrill recommend that you check with the local city office and ask about any additional documents required. For example, you may have to authenticate documents with an apostille.
Furthermore, you’ll have to send the mentioned documents to your home country for authentication before obtaining an apostille in Japan. Now that you know about the required documents, let’s consider the process and the costs.
Complete Process and and Costs for Marriage in Japan
For all non-citizens can register their marriage by submitting all the required documents to the nearest city hall where the Japanese partner legally resides or the closest local government office. Registering your marriage by mail is also an option if one of the partners is Japanese. So, it’s a straightforward process, isn’t it?
After a few weeks of marriage, you can request a Certificate of Acceptance Notification of Marriage to confirm your marriage. Additionally, the registration fees for your marriage are not very high.
The Affidavit to Marry for foreigners costs around ¥5,500, while the Certificate of Acceptance Notification of Marriage ranges from ¥350 to ¥1,400. Now that you understand the process and fees, how about planning the ceremony?
The Kinds of Wedding Ceremonies in Japan
There are two main kinds of weddings in Japan, that is the civil and religious ceremony. So, you can have only a civil wedding or both according to your preferences. If you only care about the legality of your marriage, then you can get married on the same day with a civil wedding.
Source: WeXpats Guide
Apart from that, one of the religious wedding ceremonies in Japan is the traditional Buddhist ceremony. People typically hold the ceremony at a shrine or temple, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Many believe that a temple is a place associated with good luck.
Furthermore, if you wish to infuse your marriage with both fun and Japanese tradition, consider organizing an after-party for the ceremony. After-parties are common in Japan as they provide an opportunity to bring together close friends and colleagues.
Place Recommendations for Getting Married in Japan
Additionally, there are places that you can choose for your dream wedding, such as have it at a chapel, hotel, or garden, depending on what you like. Some of the most popular wedding venues in Japan are: The Heian Shrine in Kyoto, Ritz Carlton Hotel in Osaka, La Boulette in Tokyo, Fujiya Hotel in Hakone, the Coralvita Chapel in Okinawa, and Disney Hotel in Tokyo. So, which one is your dream choice?
Obviously, you may have heard of extravagant weddings with huge budgets – a dream come true for the bride (or groom). But you don’t have to spend a fortune to get married in Japan, because marriage isn’t really about money, but the one promise you make with that special person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while getting married in Japan may initially appear complicated. But, many online resources can guide you through the process, as well as companies that offer services, including assistance with paperwork and wedding planning. Maximize these options to ensure a stress-free special day. So, have you planned your wedding yet?
Getting married in Japan will become much easier if you can speak Japanese. I understand that you might be concerned about the time and effort it takes to learn a new language. However, if you’re eager to get married as soon as possible, you’re in luck! StuDrill‘s latest app is on the way.
Featuring personalized AI, it will assist you in mastering speaking skills, building your vocabulary, and more, all through the convenience of a mobile app. Get ready for its launch this autumn!
Editor : Zakiah Machfir
