The Flow of a Shinto Wedding Ceremony

Here's the general flow of a Shinto wedding ceremony. This was given to me by a shrine we had considered getting married at in Washington state.

The ceremony at Shimogamo might be a little different, but it will be generally the same.


One of the important parts of the ceremony is san-san-ku-do. This is where Brian and I will take 3 sips each from three sake cups, because 9 is a sacred number. This also symbolizes our unity. At the end of the ceremony, everyone will drink sake together to unite the families and friends.





Shinzen Kekkon Shiki

Flow of Ceremony







Chakuza Procession
着座


Shubatsu no Gi Purification of food offering, things to
修祓の儀 Be used During the wedding, Groom

And Bride, and people in attendance.





Saishu Ippai no Gi One deep formal bow by all atending to

斎主一拝の儀 Open the ceremony.



Kensen no Gi Presentation of food offering

献撰の儀



Norito Soujou no Gi The priest present a Shinto prayer

祝詞奏上の儀 Expressing the meaning of the ceremony



San San Kudo The Groom and Bride sip three times there

三三九度 Ship Of “Omiki” purified sake.



Chikai no Kotoba The Groom and Bride exchange their vows

誓いの詞 In Front of the en-shrined Kamisama.



Yubiwa Koukan Exchange of rings.

指輪交換



Tamagushi Hairei no Gi Presentation of the sacred evergreen

玉串拝礼の儀 Branch to Okamisama.



Tessen no Gi Removal of food offering

撤撰の儀



Saishu Ippai no Gi One deep formal bow by all attending to close

斎主一拝の儀 The ceremony.



Taishutsu Exit procession

退出



Naorae The participants enjoy of purified sake.

直会