Translation guide
In Japanese, the way you refer to a wedding ceremony depends on the style (Western, Shinto, Buddhist, or civil) and the context. The most common general term is 結婚式, but there are more specific words for traditional ceremonies.
The most common, all-purpose word for a wedding ceremony, regardless of style.
The standard word for a wedding ceremony. It can refer to any type of wedding, but often implies a Western-style ceremony with a reception.
来月、友達の結婚式があります。
I have a friend's wedding ceremony next month.
結婚式の準備は大変です。
Preparing for a wedding ceremony is tough.
A more formal or literary term for a wedding ceremony. Often used in written contexts or formal announcements.
婚礼の儀は厳かに執り行われました。
The wedding ceremony was solemnly conducted.
A traditional Japanese wedding held at a Shinto shrine, with specific rituals.
A Shinto wedding ceremony held in front of a shrine's altar. It involves rituals like san-san-kudo (sake sharing).
神社で神前式を挙げました。
We had a Shinto wedding ceremony at a shrine.
A longer, more explicit term for a Shinto wedding ceremony.
神前結婚式は伝統的な衣装で行います。
A Shinto wedding ceremony is conducted in traditional attire.
A wedding ceremony conducted according to Buddhist rites, often at a temple.
A Buddhist wedding ceremony held in front of a Buddhist altar. Less common than Shinto or Western styles.
仏前式はお寺で行われることが多いです。
Buddhist wedding ceremonies are often held at temples.
A longer term for a Buddhist wedding ceremony.
仏前結婚式では、数珠を持ちます。
At a Buddhist wedding ceremony, you hold prayer beads.
A wedding ceremony modeled after Christian or secular Western traditions, often in a chapel.
A Christian-style wedding ceremony held in a church or chapel. Very popular in Japan even among non-Christians.
教会式で結婚したい人が増えています。
More people want a church wedding ceremony.
Explicitly Christian-style wedding ceremony. Used when distinguishing from non-religious Western-style weddings.
キリスト教式の結婚式に参列しました。
I attended a Christian wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony without religious elements, often at a municipal office or a secular venue.
A civil or humanist wedding ceremony held in front of guests, without religious affiliation. Gaining popularity.
人前式は自由な形式で行えます。
A civil wedding ceremony can be done in a free format.
A civil wedding ceremony, often conducted by a city official. Less common term.
市役所で市民結婚式を挙げることもできます。
You can also have a civil wedding ceremony at the city hall.
The party or meal after the ceremony, often confused with the ceremony itself.
The wedding reception or banquet. This is separate from the ceremony and is where most guests are invited.
結婚式の後、披露宴があります。
There is a reception after the wedding ceremony.
結婚式 (ceremony) and 披露宴 (reception) are distinct events. The ceremony is often small and intimate, while the reception includes a larger group of friends and family. In casual English, 'wedding' can refer to both, but in Japanese, they are clearly separated.
結婚式は親族だけで、披露宴は友人も呼びます。
The ceremony is just for relatives, but we invite friends to the reception.
The verb 挙げる (あげる) is commonly used with 結婚式 to mean 'hold a ceremony'. It implies successfully carrying out the event.
来年春に結婚式を挙げる予定です。
We plan to hold our wedding ceremony next spring.
Full term for wedding reception.
結婚披露宴に招待されました。
I was invited to the wedding reception.