A Gentle Elopement in Tokyo – From the Norwegian Embassy to Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower

boztsutomu
Jun 26
3 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Pre-wedding session at Zojoji, a historical temple in Tokyo

A Quiet Celebration, Just the Two of Them

When Alexander & Camilla, a couple from Norway, decided to get married, they knew they didn’t want a traditional ceremony with a big guest list. Instead, they chose an intimate, meaningful elopement wedding in Tokyo – just the two of them, quietly starting their new chapter together.

The groom has been living in Japan for two years for work. Now, with their engagement turning into a new life journey, the bride has also made the move to Tokyo.

To mark this beginning, they decided to have a civil wedding at the Norwegian Embassy, their home country’s symbolic place in Japan.

A Very Norwegian Beginning – With Munch (Sort of)

Elopement wedding ceremony at Norway embassy in Tokyo

When we arrived at the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo, the very first thing they wanted to photograph wasn’t themselves – it was the famous Munch’s “The Scream” displayed by the entrance.

You might know Norway for its salmon, fjords, or Viking history, but did you know Edvard Munch, the artist behind “The Scream,” was also Norwegian? The couple pointed that out with pride – and curiosity.

Interestingly, the version of the artwork displayed at the embassy doesn’t include the screaming figure. Just the background. “Maybe it means you’re supposed to do the scream yourself,” they joked. So of course, we did. A perfect way to start the day!

A Wedding Ceremony in Nordic Style

The Norwegian Embassy building reflects the quiet elegance of Nordic architecture – minimalist design, natural wood and stone materials, and soft natural light from the courtyard.

The ceremony took place in a small, serene meeting space on the semi-basement floor, where the couple exchanged vows in a 10-minute civil ceremony.

It was calm, heartfelt, and exactly what they were looking for.

A Tokyo Backdrop to Remember

After the ceremony, the couple asked us, “Can we take some photos with a truly Japanese backdrop?”

We suggested a few classic spots: Asakusa, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Midtown, and Shinjuku Gyoen. But what caught their hearts was a little-known gem: Shiba Park.

Why Shiba Park? Because in one single place, you can have 400 years of Japanese history with Zojoji Temple, and the iconic Tokyo Tower rising in the background. It’s where tradition and modern Tokyo coexist in one breathtaking scene.

A New Journey, in More Ways Than One

There was one more beautiful detail: the bride was six months pregnant. After the wedding, she would return to Norway for the birth, and later, the couple would start their new life together in Tokyo – not just the two of them, but as a family of three.

Helping International Couples Capture Their Tokyo Elopement

At bozphoto & styles, we’ve been photographing couples from around the world for over 16 years. Whether it’s a small elopement wedding, a surprise proposal, or a pre-wedding shoot, we know how to create an experience that reflects both your love and the beauty of Japan.

Because we know Tokyo inside out, we can recommend the perfect locations depending on the season, handle permits, and give advice on how to make everything run smoothly.

Want help planning your own elopement wedding in Japan? Reach out and let’s make your dream day simple, beautiful, and unforgettable.