You met and the chemistry was spot on. You’ve gotten to know each other and love blossomed. You have popped the question and maybe even met her parents and asked for their blessing. Now the time to plan the wedding is here and the question becomes where to tie the knot? Do we get married in Hawaii or in Japan?
Peruse any “top list of wedding destinations” and the islands of Hawaii will pop up on almost every list. The reasons to have a wedding in Hawaii are plentiful. The very setting of the islands is romantic. The sunsets, the beautiful beaches, waterfalls, rainbow and abundant tropical flora. Not to mention the yearlong mild climate, aloha spirit and slower island style pace.
As one of the most popular wedding destinations, the islands of Hawaii are well equipped and ready to accommodate almost any and all wedding requests. If you want a beach wedding, no problem. There are many venues to choose from and assistance from a wedding planner at the resorts or a private planner are easy to find. If you want a wedding inside many of the exquisite hotels in Hawaii, that too can easily be arranged. If your tastes are more for a simple ceremony, no problem.
While Japan may not be the first choice on many mainstream “top lists for wedding destinations” it should not be overlooked. In some ways the fact that it does not make these types of lists makes it all the more attractive. Not everyone has the opportunity to get married in Japan, so if you have the chance to be married there you would have a wedding to remember that many Americans can only dream about actually doing.
Japan can offer a wedding venue and style that can only be accomplished in Japan. Imagine your bride in a traditional wedding kimono and yourself as well. The photographs from these weddings are always spectacular as you feel as if you are transported to another era. Very romantic, very beautiful, and a deep cultural experience.
There are many historic temples or shrines that are popular wedding venues in Japan. Some of these are centuries old and rich and beautiful in history, tradition and culture. The serene beauty and settings of these shrines and temples are unique in all the world. While dressing in traditional Japanese wedding attire is an attractive option, some opt for western wedding apparel as well. It all depends on the bride and groom’s preference.
Planning the time of year to marry in Japan should be taken into account. Unlike the year long mild weather in Hawaii, Japan has some extreme weather seasons. December through January is the dry season, September through October is the rainy season and August is very hot and humid. Be sure to discuss the best time of year for your wedding prior to picking the date for your big day.
There are many online sites for planning weddings in Japan. Many shinto shrines and buddhist temples also offer wedding package deals. It is best to compare several and do some research into where you want to have the ceremony. The temples in Kyoto are very popular and it is common to see weddings performed there. Some temples in Kyoto are very accustomed to having non-Japanese/Japanese couples and can perform the ceremony entirely in English if desired. Just be sure to do your research.
It very well may be your fiance will already have a temple or shrine she wants to get married at because she has some connection with it either through family memories or because she’s always wanted to get married at that particular place. It may also be her preference to have her relatives there at the wedding and it may be easier to do it in Japan out of concern for her family and friends. On the other hand, your family and friends may also want to have the wedding in Hawaii for the same reasons. The good news is that a flight to Japan from Hawaii and vice-versa is much shorter than a flight to the mainland!
When getting married in Japan as a non-Japanese citizen, be sure to check and have the proper paperwork to have the marriage performed there. You can check the requirements with your local U.S. embassy.
In the final analysis, both Hawaii and Japan are dream wedding destinations. Equally beautiful and romantic, each with rich history and beautiful surroundings. Decide which is best for you by discussing it with your bride to be. Either way, it will no doubt be wonderful.
Want to marry a Japanese woman?
Talk with our professional matchmaker.
Try EM CLUB Today!
EM CLUB 2222 Kalakaua Ave Suite 700A Honolulu, HI 96815
Phone: (808) 926-0101
Email: info@emclub.jp
No comments:
Post a Comment