Elope in Kyoto.
Stay for the journey
Japan elopement & destination wedding packages for two
Most couples fly in for the ceremony. The ones who stay — exploring temples the morning before, sharing tea the day after — tell us the whole trip became the wedding.
We make that possible.
Authentic Shinto & Buddhist ceremonies · Shrines & temples of historic distinction · Fine-quality Kimono · Bilingual full support
More than a ceremony
A reason to travel
Kyoto has been the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan for over a thousand years. When you choose to hold your ceremony here, you are not booking a venue — you are stepping into a living tradition that very few outsiders are ever granted access to.
BASE KYOTO holds permissions at shrines and temples of genuine historic and spiritual distinction. The Kimono worn on your wedding day are carefully selected for quality and authenticity. Nothing here is arranged for convenience. Everything is arranged for meaning.
- Exclusive access to private venues
Hidden temple halls, secluded shrine gardens, and historic stages not listed anywhere else. - Ceremony + Kyoto, as one experience
Add tea ceremony, Kyogen, Zen meditation, or a private garden tour — before or after your wedding day. - Fully bilingual, end-to-end
From inquiry to ceremony day, our team handles everything — in your language.
“Even though it was raining, we felt like the sun was shining just for us. The day was organized perfectly.”
The couple also wrote: “The hair and makeup were stunning! Even during our evening together, the makeup still looked perfect.” — Their ceremony took place on a rainy Kyoto day. They said it was the most beautiful they had ever seen the city.
— A couple who eloped in Kyoto
Choose your sacred setting
Every ceremony is performed with authentic ritual precision. We do not create “tourism versions” of Japanese traditions — every detail reflects the genuine spirit of the culture.
Shinto Wedding
神前式 — Shinzen-shiki
Exchange vows at a UNESCO World Heritage shrine or an intimate local shrine away from the crowds. The most requested ceremony style for destination weddings in Kyoto.
Heritage shrines Kimono dressing Shinto
Buddhist Wedding
仏前式 — Butsuzen-shiki
A serene ceremony held inside a private temple hall. For couples drawn to Zen aesthetics, candlelight, and a profound stillness rarely found in public spaces.
Private temple Zen atmosphere Intimate setting
Unique Concept Weddings
人前式 — Garden · Tea House · Machiya・Noh Theatre
A ceremony among sculpted pines in a historic garden. An intimate exchange in a centuries-old Machiya tea house. A sacred moment in a private garden garden. If it exists within Kyoto’s living heritage, we can make it yours.
Garden wedding Tea house Noh theatre
Your ceremony is one day
Your trip is the story
Most couples who come to Kyoto for their elopement stay for three to five days. We can help you shape the entire visit — from a sake tasting the evening you arrive, to a private tea ceremony the morning after your ceremony.
“We help you make the whole journey the wedding.”
Below is an example of how a 3-day Kyoto elopement journey might look. Every itinerary is built to your interests and timeline.
Day 1
Optional add-on
Arrive & explore Kyoto
Wander through Historic District(Gion), visit a favourite shrine, or simply settle into the ancient city at your own pace. No schedule — just Kyoto, on your terms.
Optional add-on
Legal marriage registration in Japan
For couples who wish to make it official on Japanese soil — we accompany you to the local municipal office to submit your marriage registration (Kon-in todoke). Available on Day 1 or any day that suits your schedule.
See details below →
Day 2
Your wedding day
Dressed in a carefully selected, fine-quality Kimono, you exchange vows at a shrine or temple of historic distinction. Our team is with you from the first pin to the last bow.
Day 3
Optional add-on
Explore as newlyweds
Tea ceremony, wagashi making, Kyogen performance, Zen meditation, or a private garden tour — all available as optional additions to your stay.
Deepen your time
in Kyoto
These experiences are available as optional additions — on a separate day before or after your ceremony, or woven into your wedding day itself. Each one is arranged exclusively by BASE KYOTO and led by masters who have devoted their lives to their craft. They are not tourist activities. They are genuine encounters with living tradition.
Tea Ceremony — 茶道
A private session in a historic tea house, guided by a practitioner of the classical tradition. Each movement carries centuries of meaning — a profound ritual for a couple beginning their life together.
Wagashi Making — 和菓子
Craft traditional Japanese confections by hand alongside a master confectioner. The artistry of wagashi — edible expressions of the seasons — is a quietly unforgettable experience.
Kyogen Performance — 狂言
A private viewing of Kyogen, Japan’s 650-year-old classical comedy — intimate, accessible, and entirely unlike anything else. An experience rarely offered to visitors outside of formal theater houses.
Zen Meditation — 坐禅
Sit in stillness at a venerable Zen temple, guided through the practice of Zazen by a resident monk. A rare invitation into the contemplative heart of Japanese spiritual life.
Private Garden Tour — 庭園
A guided walk through one of Kyoto’s most celebrated historic gardens, led by a specialist who can illuminate the principles of beauty, balance, and intention that have shaped these landscapes for centuries.
Tailor-Made Kyoto Tour
A private itinerary built entirely around your interests — artisans’ workshops, hidden shrines, cultural districts, or a curated combination. Your guide is a local with deep knowledge of the city few visitors ever reach.
A ceremony of distinction,
transparently priced
Our ceremonies are held at shrines and temples of genuine historic and spiritual distinction — not venues selected for convenience. The Kimono worn on your wedding day are carefully selected for quality and authenticity, sourced from establishments that have served Kyoto’s traditions for generations. Because our ceremonies do not include dining, pricing does not change with guest numbers. What you see below is your starting point — a tailored quote follows within 3 business days of your inquiry.
Ceremony — Elopement or Guests Welcome
JPY550,000～
starting from · same price for 2 or more
- Shinto, Buddhist, or concept ceremony
- Venue of historic distinction
- Fine-quality Kimono, expertly fitted
- Hair & makeup by skilled artists
- Bilingual support, end-to-end
- Photography session
- Ceremony rehearsal on the day
The Path to Your Special Day
We make the planning process transparent and secure, even from overseas.
Share your vision. We’ll provide a tailored plan and initial quote.
The contract is officially activated upon receipt of the deposit, securing your venue and date.
We finalize your Kimono selection, professional styling, and ceremony flow via online consultations.
Once all details are confirmed, the remaining balance must be paid in full prior to the wedding day.
Our dedicated team handles everything on-site. Simply arrive and enjoy.
@Kyoto Weddings/京都結婚日和
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can we have a private ceremony for just the two of us?
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Absolutely. We cater to both intimate elopements (just the couple) and larger celebrations with guests. Your personalized plan will be tailored to accommodate your preferred guest count.
- Do we need to be legally married already to have a ceremony in Kyoto?
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No. Our Shinto, Buddhist, and concept ceremonies are meaningful cultural rituals performed with full authenticity — they are not conditional on prior legal registration. Many couples choose to handle legal paperwork at home and travel to Kyoto for the ceremony that truly matters to them.
- Can we legally register our marriage in Japan?
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Yes — as an optional addition, we can accompany you to the local municipal office (区役所 / 市役所) to submit your marriage registration (kon’in todoke), making your union legally valid under Japanese law.
Required documents vary depending on your nationality. We will confirm exactly what you need once you get in touch — please feel free to ask during your consultation.
- How far in advance should we book?
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Ideally, we recommend at least 2 months in advance. However, depending on the venue, last-minute arrangements may be possible. Please contact us to discuss your timeline.
- Do we need to practice the ceremony rituals beforehand?
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No need to worry. We provide an on-site rehearsal just before the ceremony, and our bilingual staff will guide you through every gesture. We ensure you feel calm and confident.
- What happens if it rains?
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Most of our historical venues are designed with beautiful indoor spaces and covered corridors, meaning the ceremony and photography are rarely affected by the weather. In fact, the soft light and glistening greenery of a rainy day often create a uniquely poetic and serene atmosphere for your photos.
- What is the payment schedule?
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An initial deposit is required via PayPal to activate the contract. The final balance, based on your confirmed personalized plan, must be settled via PayPal before the wedding date.
Begin your inquiry
Your Kyoto story
starts here
Tell us your vision — ceremony style, travel dates, and any experiences you’d like to include. We’ll respond within 3 business days with a tailored plan and initial quote.