There is something utterly intoxicating about the idea of marrying in one of Fukuoka`s fine Shinto Shrines.

The modern world contains so much that is fake, unreal, a pretend, or just a bad copy.

To marry in the shadow of great architecture, of a place that has celebrated great deeds, that is steeped in history - could anything be more romantic?

Shinto-ism has its ancient roots in fertility rites - blessings to make the rice grow, the sake flow, and children...

Eating, drinking and making love.....

What better religious tradition* is there in which to celebrate the start of a relationship?

Of course, to be practical, if your folks are flying 8000 miles to watch you get married, they want something a bit exotic, a decent show - some pics. And if you are trying to please your Japanese partner`s family, demonstrating what a traditional boy or girl you are at heart goes down very well indeed. You`d be surprised how many Japanese people have NEVER been to a shrine wedding....

.. but my motives were simpler. If I was to marry, I wanted a blessing, a marking of the occasion, before real gods* - pagan gods. Something solemn and serious, but colourful, with just a touch of magic.... Oh - and something that didn`t dwell at unseemly length on the "thou shalt nots"....

... and if it involves drinking quite a lot of sake, well - all to the good... Marriage vows are always best said in a slight alcoholic daze....

A shrine ceremony is also, believe it or not, one of the cheapest options for a marriage blessing. A little touch of magic from around 50,000yen.....

In the remainder of this feature we show you where, how, how much, and suggest some things to consider.....

*( yes we know, we simplify here a bit...)
*( no ontological commitment implied...)®