Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common way to refer to a marriage ceremony is 結婚式 (kekkonshiki), which covers Western-style weddings, traditional ceremonies, and general wedding events. There are also specific terms for traditional Shinto ceremonies (神前結婚式) and the wedding reception (披露宴).
The most common, all-purpose term for a wedding ceremony, regardless of style.
The standard word for a wedding ceremony. It can refer to both the ceremony itself and the associated celebration.
来月、友達の結婚式に出席します。
Next month, I will attend a friend's wedding.
結婚式は教会で行われました。
The wedding ceremony was held at a church.
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た。
The wedding ceremony was solemnly conducted.
A very formal, almost archaic term for a wedding ceremony, often used in historical or ceremonial contexts.
結婚の儀を終え、二人は夫婦となった。
Having completed the marriage ceremony, the two became husband and wife.
Specifically refers to a wedding conducted according to Shinto rites.
The standard term for a Shinto wedding ceremony, literally 'wedding before the gods'.
彼らは神社で神前結婚式を挙げました。
They held a Shinto wedding ceremony at a shrine.
A shorter, common abbreviation of 神前結婚式.
神前式と教会式、どちらが人気ですか？
Which is more popular, a Shinto ceremony or a church ceremony?
The party or banquet held after the ceremony, often a key part of Japanese weddings.
The formal wedding reception, typically a sit-down meal with speeches and entertainment.
披露宴はホテルで行われます。
The wedding reception will be held at a hotel.
Specifically a Christian or Western-style ceremony, often held in a chapel.
Refers to a church wedding ceremony, even if not strictly religious.
教会式の結婚式に憧れています。
I dream of having a church wedding ceremony.
Specifically a chapel wedding, often used for smaller, more intimate ceremonies.
チャペル式は少人数で行うことが多いです。
Chapel weddings are often held with a small number of guests.
結婚式 refers to the ceremony itself (vows, ring exchange), while 披露宴 is the reception party afterward. In casual conversation, 結婚式 often covers both, but in formal contexts they are distinct.
結婚式は11時から、披露宴は12時半からです。
The ceremony is from 11:00, and the reception is from 12:30.
When in doubt, 結婚式 is safe for any type of wedding ceremony. You can specify the style by adding 神前 (Shinto) or 教会 (church) before it.
A slightly more explicit term, combining 'marriage' and 'reception'.
結婚披露宴にご招待いただきありがとうございます。
Thank you for inviting me to your wedding reception.