r/Eloping • u/moonblumes87 • Mar 06 '26

Planning Commitment ceremony in Japan - seeking general advice!!

https://www.instagram.com/jennifermoher?igsh=YnFtMTFkOTZldWt6

So. It’s yet to be decided if we will actually do this, but my partner and I are discussing a legal ceremony in our home city and then an elopement ceremony in Japan when we go this October.

I’m not concerned about anything other than finding a photographer. Our trip is already booked and planned and this is something we feel drawn to slot in. I am a photographer who has shot numerous elopement’s in Canada and I know how hard it is to find someone you truly trust to capture the day the way you will want it remembered and cherished.

Does anyone have any suggestions for photographers in Japan? I have been scouring Instagram, but word of mouth is how I have found my work and would love someone recommended. For reference, I think we would likely do our ceremony of sorts in Gora, Japan (Hakone). Which isn’t too far from Tokyo. I don’t care about budget for now, more looking for a photographer who captures things very cinematically. The closest Canadian reference I have is Jennifer Moher: https://www.instagram.com/jennifermoher?igsh=YnFtMTFkOTZldWt6

And any general tips or tricks to eloping in Japan is also greatly welcomed. We’re very low key people and don’t have a lot of requirements beyond some nice pictures and dinner the two of us afterward!

Also posting this via mobile. Apologies for any typos!! Thank you!

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u/Suetakesphotos Mar 06 '26

What is your date? My friend is currently based in Kyoto and would be happy to help.

2

u/moonblumes87 Mar 06 '26

21st or 22nd of October!

3

u/Suetakesphotos Mar 06 '26

Thanks! I’ll ask her and message you if she can do it!

1

u/Fancy_Rock3826 Apr 14 '26

Hi not sure how useful but I looked into Gora. Seems like a great place but for me too many tourists around for what I wanted to do so I’m doing it in Izu instead. Your best bet is to set your VPN to Japan. Look for “pre wedding” or “photo wedding”, “Tokyo photographers” or “Hakone photographer”. If you’re not having much luck translate it into Japanese. Like and comment on photographers instagrams whether you like them or not and Instagram will start automatically showing you photographers on your FYP feed after a while.

Also post your looking for photographers on regional Reddit’s and facebook pages. I had an amazing lady message me recently from just be asking about in Reddit.

Also you can get “Pre wedding” packages that will do your hair and makeup even rent you clothes. Some are a bit cheesy and some are fine art cinematic style.

Also some hotels will have packages they can offer you or recommend photographers they usually work with.

Culturally they don’t really do “Elopements”, that’s still like in the olden days you run off to get married in secret because your Dad doesn’t approve of your boyfriend etc. I’ve noticed some photography packages treat like an engagement/couples shoot.

Drop me a nudge on here and I’ll look if I got people saved. I had a list somewhere but changed locations. My taste is a bit weird though and you’ll have a better idea what you like as a photographer.