【Shinzenshiki】Introducing the charm of Japanese Kimono weddings.

In this page, I will write about “Shinzenshiki(神前式)”, one of the Japanese wedding styles.

“A wedding dress is nice, but I’d like to have a wedding in kimono!”
“If I’m Japanese, I want to have a Japanese wedding!”
“I’ve heard of the Shinzenshiki, but I’m not sure about it. How is it done?”
And so on, I’m sure you’re all interested in the “Shinzenshiki”!

We, who actually conducted the ceremony, would like to introduce the charm of the “Shinto wedding ceremony,” a Japanese wedding style in kimono.
I’d like to introduce to you.

What is “Shinzenshiki(神前式)”?

“Shinzenshiki” refers to a wedding ceremony held mainly at a shrine or a Japanese style temple (such as a hotel venue).
You pledge your marriage to the gods enshrined in the shrine or temple.
Most often, the groom wears a “Montsuki Hakama(紋付袴)” and the bride wears a Kimono such as “Shiromuku (白無垢, pure white kimono)” or “Irouchikake(色打掛, gorgeously patterned kimono)”.

If you look at the old days, it seems that Japanese weddings were generally held in each “house”, but the Shinto wedding ceremony seems to follow the traditional flow of the ceremony.
In other words, it’s a modern wedding ceremony that follows the traditions of the Japanese.
Although there have been cases of weddings at shrines themselves since the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the current form began in 1903 with the wedding ceremony of the future Emperor Taisho(大正天皇), who was then the Crown Prince.

What is the appeal of the “Shinzenshiki”?

What is the appeal of the Shinzenshiki?
We’ve put it all together!

1) Traditional Japanese wedding ceremony is available.

After all, many people are delighted to be able to hold a wedding ceremony in accordance with Japanese tradition.
The Shinzenshiki is a form of inheritance of the rituals of Japanese wedding ceremonies in the past, and for those who have a strong attachment to Japan, it will be a special experience.

2) You can wear a kimono.

Both the groom and the bride usually wear kimonos.
Women, in particular, can choose from “Shiromuku(白無垢)”, which is said to be the most prestigious wedding attire in Japan, or the gorgeous “Irouchikake(色打掛)”, which is suitable for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding ceremony.

*I have a page that summarizes the kimono, if you would like to read it.
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[Let’s wear Kimono!] This is a summary of the advantages of “Kimono”.

3) A solemn and special experience.

As the “Gagaku music(雅楽)” is played, we go to the shrine hall where the ceremony is held, and inside there is a ritual of purification.
This is a special experience in the solemn atmosphere of the shrine from beginning to end.

4) Relatively inexpensive

This is a practical matter, but the cost of conducting a Shinzenshiki can be surprisingly reasonable.
It depends on how large the wedding party is going to be, but in many places you can’t invite friends to the Shinto ceremony, and it is often separated from the place where the meal will be taken, so depending on how you do it, you can save a lot of money.

5) A tightly knit shrine will be built.

Of course, you can choose the shrine where you want to hold the wedding ceremony.
It can be a shrine that has been associated with you for a long time, and most of the famous shrines also do Shinto ceremonies.
Since a shrine is basically an entity that has been there forever, it is good to have a shrine that you have strong ties to, so that you can greet the new year and report back to the god.

6) We can make the wedding more “family” friendly.

Since the Shinto ceremony inherits the traditional Japanese wedding style, it considers the connection between “family” and “family” to be important.
In many shrines, only family members are allowed to participate in the ceremony, because it is also a ceremony to connect the two families.
There are also ceremonies in which the relatives participate, such as the “Shinzokuhai-no-Gi(親族盃の儀).

Contents of “Shinzenshiki”

I’m going to write a detailed description of the “Shinzenshiki”.

1) The venue should be a “Shinto shrine” or a “ceremony hall with a Japanese style temple”.

The locations are mainly either “Shinto shrine” or “ceremonial halls with Japanese temple”.
There are many people who are attracted to these point.
In terms of “Shinto shrine,” many famous shrines such as “Meiji Jingu(明治神宮)”, “Kumano Hongu Taisha(熊野本宮大社)”, and “Yasukuni Jinja(靖国神社)” and so on hold weddings.
(Although “Ise Jingu(伊勢神宮)” doesn’t hold weddings, it seems that the usual flow is to have a wedding at nearby  “Sarutahiko Jinja(猿田彦神社)” and then visit Ise Jingu.)

According to my research, even small shrines that don’t usually hold Shinto wedding ceremonies may be able to do it if you ask.
By the way, I love “Susanoo-no-Mikoto(素盞嗚尊)” from Japanese mythology, so I had my ceremony at “Akasaka Hikawa Jinja(赤坂氷川神社)”, where “Susanoo-no-Mikoto” is the deity.
I also chose there because “Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a god who cares about his family”.

We didn’t know about Akasaka Hikawa Jinja originally, but the production company we hired introduced it to us, and we decided to go there because it was a historic shrine and in a good location.
It seems that many people choose to have a ceremony at a “Japanese style temple” because they can move on to the reception right away.

2) Costumes for “Shinzenshiki”

There are many people who say, “The most important thing is the wedding dress. I’m sure there are a lot of people who think that.

（１）Bride’s costume

Some people may be very particular about the bride’s outfit.

There are three main types of Kimono, and the hairstyle is a combination of the three.

◇Kimono

①Shiromuku(白無垢, Pure white kimono)

The “Shiromuku(白無垢)” is a traditional Japanese costume that is all in white and is considered to be the most prestigious wedding costume in Japan.
Many people may admire this impressive costume.
If you combine it with a Wataboushi(綿帽子, cotton hat) or Tsunokakushi(角隠し), it will make you look even more beautiful.
(The photo is of my wife, Korobokkuru.)

②Irouchikake(色打掛, colored uchikake)

If you prefer a more glamorous outfit as opposed to a Shiromuku, you can go for a Irouchikake(色打掛, colored uchikake).
“Uchikake” is a kimono in which a second kimono of the same shape is worn over the Kosode.
In the past, it was common to wear a Shiromuku for the ceremony and a Irouchigake for the reception, but recently, more and more people are wearing Irouchikake for the ceremony itself.

③Hikifurisode(引き振袖)

The Hikifurisode(引き振袖) was widely worn as a bridal gown by samurai family women in the Edo period.
Even though the kimono itself is of a subdued color, the pattern of the obi and the way it is tied can be used to create a gorgeous look.
It is also popular as a kimono that goes well with Western hair styles.

◇hair styles

①Bunkin-Takashimada(文金高島田) + “Wataboushi(綿帽子)

“Bunkin-Takashimada(文金高島田)” is a hairstyle for women that first appeared in the Edo period (1603-1868), and has now become a style that is most suitable for kimono.
A wig is used in most cases, but there are also methods such as tying a wig with natural hair or using natural hair to create a “half wig” style.
The Wataboushi is a traditional wedding garment that can only be worn with a Shiromuku.

When you think of Japanese wedding attire, Wataboushi probably come to mind for many people.
The Wataboushi is similar to the role of the veil in a wedding dress, and is meant to keep the bride’s face from being seen by anyone other than the groom until the end of the ceremony.

②Bunkin-Takashimada(文金高島田) +Tsunokakushi(角隠し)

Unlike Wataboushi, Tsunokakushi(角隠し) can be worn with all kinds of kimono, including Shiromuku(pure white kimono), Irouchikake(colored uchikake) and Hikifurisode(引き振袖).
“Tsuno” means “horn” and “Kakushi” means “hide” in Japanese.
Tsunokakushi means “to hide bride’s horn and obediently follow groom’s family”.
It may be difficult to choose between Wataboushi and Tsunokakushi, but each has its own characteristics, so it is best to choose the one that best suits your taste.

③Western hairstyle

Instead of a Japanese hairstyle such as the Bunkin-Takashimada, you can choose to have Western hairstyle.
Western hairstyle can be worn with Japanese costumes, but if you match them well, you can create a modern and stylish look.
Western hair cannot be worn with a Tsunokakushi, but it can be worn with a Wataboushi.

（２）Groom’s costume

The groom’s costume is “Itsutsumontsuki-Haori-Hakama(五つ紋付羽織袴, Haori-Hakama with five crests)”.
Black is the most common color, but nowadays white and gray are also available.
(By the way, that’s me in the photo, and my brother is next to me.)

3) The flow of the Shinzenshiki Ceremony

The following is an introduction to the flow of the Shinzenshiki.
In fact, Kannushi(like Shinto’s priest) or Miko-san(Shrine maiden) will explain the ceremony beforehand, and it is so easy to understand that there is no need for rehearsal.
※The details of the ceremony differ slightly from shrine to shrine. The following is based on the ceremony at Akasaka Hikawa Jinja, where I was married.

（１）Sanshin-no-Gi(参進の儀)  

The bride and groom enter, led by a Kannushi or Miko-san.
Depending on the shrine and the plan, there may be a performance of Gagaku music.
(There may be an extra charge for this, but I recommend it because it adds to the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony.)

（２）Enter

The parents, relatives and friends of both families enter.

（３）Shubatsu-no-Gi(修祓の儀)

The Kannushi will say the Harai-Kotoba(祓詞, words of purification and purify) the bride, groom, and others in attendance.
The bride, groom, and other attendees all stand and bow their heads.
The ceremony is meant to purify the body of the bride and groom.

（４）Noritosouzyo-no-Gi(祝詞奏上の儀)

The Kannushi reports the marriage of the bride and groom to the Shinto god and prays for good fortune.
“Norito(祝詞)” is the words that the Kannushi says.
The words of congratulation are said by the Kannushi, “I am grateful that the wedding ceremony went well, and I hope that your relationship will continue to improve, and that God will watch over you both”.

（５）Sankon-no-Gi(三献の儀)

This ceremony is also known as the “San-San-Ku-do(三三九度, Three-Three-Nine-tine” ceremony.
Three cups, a large one, a medium one, and a small one, are used to drink sake for the god and seal the bond of marriage.
Don’t worry, you will be taught the rituals beforehand.
If you can’t drink alcohol, you can pretend to drink it, or if you tell them in advance, they can use water.

（（６）Mikushi-Azuke-no-Gi(御櫛預けの儀)）

This seems to be an original ritual of Akasaka Hikawa Jinja.
This ceremony is based on the Japanese myth that Susanoo-no-Mikoto(素盞嗚尊), the deity of the shrine, turned Kushinada-hime(櫛名田比売), who would later become his wife, into a comb and hide it in his hair when he conquered Yamata-no-Orochi(八岐大蛇).

（７）Seishi-Houdoku(誓詞奉読)

In front of the gods, the groom says Seishi(誓詞, his vows) to the gods.
This scene is the groom’s showpiece.
The groom says his vows, and the bride and groom say their names at the end.
(I didn’t know this until the day of the ceremony, but I was totally fine with it.)

（８）Tamagushi-Houten(玉串奉奠) by bride and groom

This is a ritual in which Tamagushi(玉串) to it is offered to the gods.
Tamagushi is a branch of Sakaki(榊) with a Yuu(木綿) or Shide(紙垂).
It is an essential part of Shinto rituals such as formal worship at shrines.
It is meant to pray for marital bliss and good fortune.
There are certain manners for receiving and offering the Tamagushi, but the Kannushi and Miko-san will kindly teach you how to do it.

（９）Exchange of rings

This is a ceremony that has been adopted since wedding rings became popular.
Nowadays, it seems to be performed at most every shrine.

（１０）Tamagushi-Houten(玉串奉奠) by representatives of both families

This time, the representatives of both families dedicate the Tamagushi.
The ceremony is meant to pray for the longevity and happiness of the couple with all the worshippers.

（（１１）Miko’s ceremonial dance）

Miko-san dedicate a dance to the music of Gagaku (traditional Japanese court music).
There are some shrines that have this ceremony and some that do not.
This was not the case at Akasaka Hikawa Jinja, where I performed the ceremony.

（１２）Shinzoku-Keppai(親族結盃)

In order to celebrate the wedding ceremony and to pray for the strengthening of the bond between the two families, a toast is made by all the participants.
The Miko-san pours Sake of god to all the family members, and everyone stands up and drinks it three times at once. 
(Of course, if you can’t drink alcohol, you can pretend to drink!)

（１３）They are all leaving

The Kannushi, the bride and groom, the matchmaker, and the relatives leave in that order.
Afterwards, a group photo can be taken in front of the shrine or in the garden.

How to hold a “Shinzenshiki”

So, how exactly is the “Shinzenshiki” performed?

◇When should you start thinking about it?

I know you are particular about the date and time you want to have your wedding, but I think you should start preparing about 6 months (half year) in advance.
The first thing to do is to find a venue and make a reservation.
Depending on the time of year, it may be crowded, and it is better to move quickly in order to make your wishes come true.
The earlier you move, the more likely it is that the attendees (especially close family members!) The earlier you move, the better.

By the way, we decided to have our wedding on my (husband) mother’s birthday.
It was a good time in the fall, it was a Taian(大安, my mother is the type who cares it), and most importantly, it made her happy.
（We also had a surprise birthday celebration for my mother at the after party.)

◇Two ways to hold a Shinzenshiki

There are two ways to do this “ask a production company” or “make your own arrangements”.
The easiest way is to “ask a production company”.
We have been satisfied with this method, so we recommend it.

We did our research on the Internet and found a company that gave us a great answer.
Unfortunately, the company is no longer in business, but I think it’s a good idea to do some research.
There are many companies that specialize in Shinzenshiki.

The other way is to “make your own arrangements”.
In order to hold a Shinzenshiki successfully, you need to
・Arrangement of the venue (shrine, wedding hall with a temple, etc.)
・What about hair and makeup?
・What about photography?
・Do you want to have a reception?
・How will you move to the reception venue?
You will need to decide such things as

If you ask a production company to do it for you, you will naturally have to pay for it, but if you have to arrange all the above yourself, it will be quite difficult.
If you ask each vendor, you may end up paying more, and considering the risk of failure due to omission of arrangements, it may be difficult unless you are very knowledgeable.
I’m sure you have a lot of questions about costumes and other preparations, so I highly recommend asking a production company to help you.

◇How much will it cost?

I’m sure you’re wondering about this.
Our wedding was about 350,000 yen(about 3,070 U.S. dollars), including the after party.
We didn’t have a reception, so of course if you want to have a reception, it will cost extra.

The breakdown of the cost is as follows
・The Hatsuhoryo(初穂料,the wedding fee at shrine)
・Costumes
・Hair and makeup
・Taxi fare to the after party venue
・Payment for the after party
・Payment to the production company
I guess that’s about it.

The “Hatsuhoryo” price varies from shrine to shrine.
It is often listed on the official website, so why don’t you check it out?
Also, you may have to pay for the preparation of the costume room, but if you ask a partner costume company, it may be free.
You may also have the option of having a Gagaku music (traditional Japanese court music) performance or a Miko’s dance.

◇About the Venue

You may also want to think about where to ask the production company, “Is the venue (shrine, wedding hall with temple, etc.) decided or not?”
If you do, you should ask the venue (shrine, wedding hall with a temple, etc.) because there must be a company that is affiliated with that venue.
If you haven’t decided yet, you can consult with a production company you found on the Internet or in an information magazine, and they will be able to make suggestions according to your preferences.

By the way, we knew we wanted to have our wedding at a shrine, but we didn’t have a specific shrine in mind, so we chose one of the shrines recommended by the production company.
We went to several shrines and visited them before making our decision.
Shrines also have different benefits such as “marriage union” or “family happiness” depending on the gods, so it is a good idea to check the gods as well.

Whether you ask a production company or make your own arrangements, you should book the venue yourself.
(That’s what we did in our case)
If it’s a shrine, we consulted with the Kannushi there and made the actual reservation by comparing it to the shrine’s wedding schedule.
We were able to make a tentative reservation on the spot, but the actual reservation could only be made after observing the actual wedding (another couple’s wedding).

◇About costumes, hair and makeup

◇About photography

◇After the wedding ceremony and reception, etc.

How was it to have a Shinzenshiki.

◇Why were we satisfied with the “Shinzenshiki”?

Now let me list the factors that made us satisfied.

①We could have the wedding at the shrine we liked.

②It was well received by our parents and other attendees.

④Most importantly, the fact of the wedding remained.

◇What was unsatisfactory

◇Finally.

I highly recommend it!