Shinto Ceremony
You would be forgiven for thinking that a shinto shrine wedding ceremony has its roots in ancient Japanese history. After all, shinto itself, the religion of Japan, was codified way back in the 8th century. However, a shinto shrine wedding is a relatively recent invention. One of the earliest was performed little over 100 years ago for the nuptials of Crown Prince Yoshihito to Princess Kujo Sadako. Before looking at the wedding, let’s explore a little bit about Shinto itself.
What is Shinto?
Shinto (神道), sometimes referred to as kami-no-michi (kami – god, michi – road) or “way of the gods” focusses on ritual and ceremony that serve to establish a connection between the past and the present. The kami are said to influence everyday lives, bringing good or bad fortune.
Though codified 1200 years ago, the earliest writings did not refer to it as a religion. It was instead thought of as a collection of beliefs and myths. These days however, it is considered a religion, and has over 81,000 beautiful, ornate shrines across the country. Each shrine devotes itself to the worship and honor of a great number of spirits or deities.
In English “kami” translates to ‘spirits’ or ‘gods.’ In Japanese however, it is an all encompassing term. It includes the sacred essence that takes the form of rocks, trees, rivers, animals, places or even people. Furthermore, according to the shinto belief, kami and people occupy the same world and plane of existence.
Almost 80% of Japanese people regularly participate in Shinto practices or rituals. However, only a few would identify themselves as true believers. Like westerners who only attend church at Christmas, many Japanese only attend a shrine at New Year or for Shichi-go-san (a special event for the blessing of children). Now we know a little bit about Shinto, what about the wedding itself?
Guide to a Shinto Shrine Wedding
A shinto shrine wedding ceremony is usually a small event. Most Shrines will be able to seat between 10 and 20 people; few shrines can accommodate more than 30. For this reason, the ceremony is usually attended by just close family and friends. However, the reception is open to larger groups.
Unlike western weddings, that incorporate the legal signing of the marriage certificate, a shinto ceremony is not legally binding. Some shrines will draw up a certificate for the couple to sign, but this is merely a keepsake rather than anything of legal value. The ceremony is a purification ritual designed to bring blessings on the couple and their families.
It takes about 20 ~ 30 minutes to perform and is divided into eight parts:
1.参進の儀（Sanshin no gi) – Procession to the altar
A shinto shrine wedding starts with a procession through the grounds of the shrine. The first port of call is the 手水 (temizu), to ritually wash (purify) your hands in preparation for standing in the presence of kami.
The procession is part of the ritual, and is led by the priests and hand maidens, who lead the wedding group slowly towards the place of kami.
The idea is that with each step the heart and mind is cleansed of impure thoughts. By the time the party reaches the altar, each person is prepared to stand in the presence of kami.
1.参進の儀（Sanshin no gi) – Procession to the altar
Once the party reaches the altar, the wedding can start. A shrine attendant signals the start of the ceremony with an impressive Taiko Drum role.
Then the saishu (the lead priest of the ritual) offers a bow, which is then reciprocated by the couple and other guests.
Each person must offer a deep bow to both the priest and god.
2.修祓の儀（Shubatsu no gi) – Bow – signifies the start of the wedding ritual
Once the party reaches the altar, the wedding can start. A shrine attendant signals the start of the ceremony with an impressive Taiko Drum role.
Then the saishu (the lead priest of the ritual) offers a bow, which is then reciprocated by the couple and other guests. While the couple and guests are bowing, a shrine attendant conducts a ritual cleansing with a paper wand.
Each person must offer a deep bow to both the priest and god.
3.祝詞奏上（Norito-sojo) – Report of the marriage to the shrine deity
The leading priest will bow again, this time to report the marriage of the bride and the groom to the kami. He will also offer a prayer for this purpose, which is spoken in classical Japanese that only priests and the kami can understand.
Through the prayer, the priest asks for the kamis’ eternal blessings on behalf of the married couple and their relatives.
During this stage, it is customary for no photos to be taken. It is quite a reverent moment, one that has great meaning to followers of shinto. (Special permission was given for this photo.)
3.祝詞奏上（Norito-sojo) – Report of the marriage to the shrine deity
3.祝詞奏上（Norito-sojo) – Report of the marriage to the shrine deity
4.鈴弊の儀（Suzu hei no gi) – Ringing the Ceremonial Bell
5.三献の儀（San ken no gi)/三三九度（san-san kudo)
4.鈴弊の儀（Suzu hei no gi) – Ringing the Ceremonial Bell
The priest’s assistant rings the ceremonial bell. It is thought that the sound of the bell brings blessings from the kami.
While the bell is rung, the couple should bow their heads reverently, to receive the blessings bestowed on them by the grace of the kami.
4.鈴弊の儀（Suzu hei no gi) – Ringing the Ceremonial Bell
The priest’s assistant rings the ceremonial bell. It is thought that the sound of the bell brings blessings from the kami.
While the bell is rung, the couple should bow their heads reverently, to receive the blessings bestowed on them by the grace of the kami.
5.三献の儀（San ken no gi)/三三九度（san-san kudo)
Following the prayer, the couple drink sake, each taking just three sips from three cups offered by the shrine maiden (miko). This is known as the san-san-kudo. This basically means, three cups, three sips, three times – and is probably similar to holy communion in the catholic church.
Food and drink offered to the kami is thought to contain divine power. By drinking the divine-powered sake from the same cup, the bond as a couple is strengthened and they are blessed by the kami.
Non-alcohol drinkers, don’t need to ingest the drink. Just touching the cup to your lips is ok.
The priest will present the first of the three cups to the groom, who will take three sips before handing it back to the priest. The priest will then have the same cup refilled before handing it to the bride. Once she takes three sips, and hands it back to the priest, a shrine maiden will fill a second cup which the priest will hand to the bride for the process to be repeated. E.g.
6.誓詞奏上（seishi sojo) - Reading the Wedding Oath
Now for the fun part!
Up until this point, the priest and maiden have lead the proceedings while the couple have been mere spectators. Now, the bride and groom take centre stage. They stand in front of the kami by themselves, and recite the wedding oath. In Japanese!
We will provide a romaji (alphabetized) script for you to practice beforehand, and you can read from this during the ceremony. You don’t need to do anything from memory.
Just note, each shrine is different: sometimes only the groom needs to read out while at others both need to read the script. At shrines we use, usually both bride AND groom read the oath together.
7.指輪交換の儀 (yubiwa koukan no gi) – Ring exchange
As with weddings the world over, there is an exchange of rings.
Just as in western wedding traditions, this is the highlight of the whole event.
Naturally, all cameras will want to be primed and ready for this point!
8.玉串拝礼（Tamagushi hairei)
It is said, that during this part of the ceremony, the couple are as close to the kami as is humanly possible. Tamagushi, an evergreen branch with a hemp line or a zigzag paper slip, represents the sincerity of those who present it to the kami.
The bride and groom offer up the branch by hand; bow twice; clap their hands twice and bow once more. This shows appreciation for the blessing of the kami.
Offering tamagushi branch requires the bride and groom to follow a certain protocol. This will be taught beforehand.
In short, however, the priest and attendant will hand you each a Tamagushi, which you need to rotate clockwise and present to the kami in prayer.
The priest and attendance will demonstrate the correct way to do this at the rehearsal before the ceremony – it is all part of the experience.
Following this, a shrine attendant performs a taiko drum role to signal the end of the proceedings.
Congratulations, you are now Husband and Wife!
After the Cermeony
Once the ceremony is completed there are typically a few more photos inside the shrine with the priest and attendants, then it is up to you! We can pop the champagne immediately or you can go and celebrate at a restaurant or whatever is your style.
Perhaps you might want to combine this with a garden photo-shoot and/or Tokyo city tour. The choice is yours!