In recent years, and certainly enflamed with the “new normal” new terms such as micro wedding in Japan have entered the wedding industry. What once was all just “wedding” now has a multitude of prefixes to finer define the variety.
However, the name is not important, really.
Beyond the Wedding Labels
What IS, are the intentionality, the purpose of celebrating your love and not putting up the show for the sake of the show alone, satisfying the tradition, or buckling under pressure from that family member who will blame grandma’s death on you if you don’t invite 150 people to your wedding “while she’s still around so she can see you”.
Micro wedding in Japan is same as anywhere else. It is a term to denote something not overblown and out of proportion. Some define it “up to 20” some to “up to 50” people. We consider elopements anything under 25 people as 10 people on each side is just 5 with their partners and it wouldn’t be unusual to have your tribe that size even in these digital days and times.
And indeed you should consider yourself blessed to have that many close people who would follow you to the other side of the world to see you off into your new life together.
Surrounded by the People Who Matter
Such was the case for M.& N. who wanted to bring their American, Australian, and Japanese families together to celebrate. Micro wedding in Japan, destination wedding, large elopement, no one cared what it was called. Two people tied the knot that day, and their best fam was there to see them through. That was all that mattered.
Nagano Elopement Wedding Photos
Unique Elopement Idea: Exclusive Winery Elopement
Mike & Naoko Nagano Autumn Elopement
Hello there!
I'm Henry and this is my elopement planning team in Japan
I LEAD Your Elopement Experience Design & Planning team integrating Photography & Cinematic videography.
For over a decade, we’ve travelled throughout Japan, planning and documenting over 300 elopements and intimate weddings for couples from around the world.
We want to know what draws you to Japan and what excites you about getting married here. We want to know what makes you feel seen and heard so that we can create an experience around the two of you that you’ll never forget.
I LEAD Your Elopement Experience Design & Planning team integrating Photography & Cinematic videography.
For over a decade, we’ve travelled throughout Japan, planning and documenting over 300 elopements and intimate weddings for couples from around the world.
We want to know what draws you to Japan and what excites you about getting married here. We want to know what makes you feel seen and heard so that we can create an experience around the two of you that you’ll never forget.
You don’t need to have a plan to get started. Get in touch here to check availability and schedule a complimentary planning consultation. We’ll help you plan a wedding in Japan that's all about the two of you — and the adventure of a lifetime.
Photography and cinematic videography travel is included for most locations accessible by standard public transportation or commercial flights, giving you the freedom to consider many meaningful locations across Japan without worrying about separate travel arrangements.
An album design credit is included and applied toward a custom-designed wedding album. The design process is handled in-house, with thoughtful pacing and layout, and priority given to Signature and Multi-Day couples. You’re free to decide later whether you’d like to move forward with the album or explore additional options.
Coverage focused on real moments, atmosphere, and how the day feels — not staged performance or forced timelines. Our couples are real people like you and we know how to help you feel comfortable and look natural on camera without posing or pressure.
Hair & makeup, kimono support, officiant services, and cultural elements are coordinated through a trusted core team and long-standing partners, with broader coordination across styling, guest needs, and experience-related services — with services added as needed, and everything managed calmly behind the scenes.
We guide you through what’s possible in Japan, what actually works well, and what fits your priorities — including handling of all access, privacy, and permits.
We plan the day so it works even if weather, crowds, or conditions change. You don’t need to make hard calls on the day or worry about “what if” scenarios — those are handled in advance.
Aside from our published photography and cinematic videography, you’re supported throughout the day — not just photographed. The day is actively guided and coordinated on-site, with logistics, timing, and decisions handled as they arise. Behind the scenes, real-time support from our office team ensures everything stays on track, so nothing feels rushed, stressful, or left to chance.