Kanazawa Wedding | Japan Elopement Photographer
There’s nothing quite like waking up in a cozy traditional Japanese house, snow quietly falling outside, and realizing—today’s the day you elope in Japan.
This sweet morning in Kanazawa started off slow and calm, filled with excitement and nerves in the best way. The bride got ready in a warm and rustic Airbnb, surrounded by soft lighting and wooden walls. She slipped into a floral robe while the makeup artist worked her magic.
The room was filled with quiet chatter and laughter as everyone pitched in—laying out the dress, steaming the veil, triple-checking the bouquet. It wasn’t rushed or over-the-top. Just real, beautiful moments with the people who mattered most.
Once her hair was done and the gown was on, she layered a black puffer coat over her dress (and boots, of course—practical and cute) to brave the chilly weather. While we were waiting for our taxi to arrive, snow started to fall again, softly and steadily, adding even more magic to the morning. The bride stood under a big umbrella, veil floating in the breeze, glowing with joy and anticipation.
Once we arrived at the venue—a traditional tea house nestled in a beautiful Japanese garden blanketed in snow—it was time. The groom waited quietly, a mix of nerves and excitement, in a softly lit room filled with the warmth of their family members. The ceremony was small, intimate, and full of love, with family seated nearby and emotions running high. The couple shared a traditional sake ritual, San-san-kudo (三三九度) before exchanging vows, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Before the reception began, we took a little time to sneak away into the garden for some portraits in the snow. The quiet stillness of the space, with its frozen pond, aged stone lanterns, and pine trees dusted in white, made it feel like a hidden world just for the two of them.
Wrapped in each other’s arms—and in a cozy blanket between shots—the couple strolled through the garden paths, stopping for kisses on the bridge and a few moments to soak in everything that had just happened.
It was the perfect pause before heading into their cozy celebration with loved ones. These quiet moments, just the two of them in nature, were a reminder of why they chose to elope in Japan—for the beauty, the intimacy, and the freedom to simply be present with each other.
As the bride and groom stepped into the warmly lit tatami room, they were welcomed with an unforgettable cultural ritual: Kagami-wari. This is a traditional Japanese ceremony where the lid of a sake barrel is broken open using a wooden mallet, symbolizing harmony, good fortune, and new beginnings. The couple stood side-by-side, holding the mallet together, their faces glowing with laughter and joy as they took part in this unique moment. Everyone around them cheered as the lid popped open, filling the space with excitement and the subtle scent of sake.
Following the Kagami-wari, sake was poured and shared among guests—marking the start of the reception and a time for connection. While the formalities were over, the real beauty of this part of the day came through in the small things: heartfelt toasts, inside jokes, and warm glances exchanged across the table.
The long banquet table was thoughtfully decorated with delicate seasonal flowers and beautifully plated Japanese dishes. It was more than just a meal—it was a space where families bonded, stories were shared, and two cultures came together to celebrate love.
The bride, wrapped in a cozy shawl over her gown, smiled through every moment. Her groom gave a short speech, speaking from the heart, as everyone leaned in to listen. The laughter, the happy tears, and the gentle clinking of sake cups made the air feel full of love and celebration.
After the reception, the couple snuck away for a quiet moment in the garden—just the two of them, surrounded by soft snow and tall pines. Their peaceful walk through Kanazawa’s winter wonderland was the sweetest way to wrap up an already unforgettable day.
