"Can You Take Photos Anywhere? How Much Does It Cost? A Look into Stadium Pre-shooting for J-League Supporter Couples"
2021.08.04 published
If You Are a Fan or Supporter, You’d Want to Take Wedding Photos at the Stadium*
If you are a couple who have been supporting a specific professional baseball or J-League team together since you started dating, having your pre-wedding photos taken at the "home stadium of your favorite team" is a wonderful option.*
The ground where players actually play, which is usually only seen from the stands.
It’s a place of intense competition where professionals battle it out, and for supporters, it can even feel sacred. Being able to take wedding photos on the pitch, which is temporarily reserved for you, is incredibly precious and a source of immense happiness.
This could become an unforgettable memory both in your supporter life and as the start of your married life.
Moreover, the stadium is a place that you can visit regularly as long as the team continues to exist and you continue to support them, blending the everyday with the extraordinary.
Even as you grow older, the charm of being able to visit the location where you took your pre-wedding photos with your family and enjoy sports is unique to stadiums.
What Are the Flow and Costs for Stadium Pre-Wedding Photos?
If you want to have your pre-wedding photos taken at a stadium, the first step is to check with the facility management department or office to see if it can be used for shooting.
<For example, in the case of Gamba Osaka at Panasonic Stadium Suita>
Gamba Osaka offers the opportunity for stadium photography under the name of "stadium rental," and you can apply through a form or by phone.
The cost for a 90-minute session is 55,000 yen (tax included). You’ll need to prepare your own costumes, hair and makeup, and photographer.
With this kind of cost, while not every year, I thought I would like to have memorable photos for occasions such as our wedding anniversary (like the 10th?), when we have a child, or when Gamba Osaka wins some title, or even for my parents' golden wedding anniversary as they also love Gamba.
<Other stadiums' costs>
The photography fee for Saitama Stadium 2002, home of Urawa Reds, was 11,000 yen for 4 hours.
At Nissan Stadium, home of Yokohama F. Marinos, the cost starts from 100,000 yen.
For Ajinomoto Stadium, home of FC Tokyo, the costs vary based on which area is used inside the stadium, with artificial turf areas costing 33,000 yen for one hour.
It seems that each stadium and facility has different costs, but it’s a bit reassuring that the stadium rental costs are not overwhelmingly high.
Another option is to find a photo studio that advertises stadium pre-wedding photography and make an appointment.
However, keep in mind that stadiums have limited days and times available for exclusive rental, and whether you can use them may depend on the condition of the grass, so
it’s advisable to contact them early to arrange your schedule.
Now, let’s introduce some wedding photos taken during stadium pre-wedding shoots that I found on Instagram.*
Panasonic Stadium Suita (Suita City, Osaka)
Gamba Osaka's home, Panasonic Stadium Suita, is popularly known as "Panasta" among Gamba supporters couples. (I often see it on Twitter)
The impressive European-style design and the vibrant blue seats are stunning.
It’s also common during stadium pre-wedding shoots to wear a uniform over the wedding dress.
Beyond the field, you can also be allowed into areas like the locker rooms used by players and the room where the coach holds press conferences, which is amazing.*
I’ve seen tweets where people randomly met players before away games while shooting, so it might be one of the delights of stadium pre-wedding photography.
Noevir Stadium Kobe (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Home ground of Vissel Kobe, Noevir Stadium Kobe.
This photo was taken at the gate through which players enter.*
Ibaraki Prefectural Kashima Soccer Stadium (Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Kashima Soccer Stadium is the home stadium of Kashima Antlers.
The letters “IBARAKI KASHIMA” on the stands could create a photo that conveys deeper club and local pride.
Nissan Stadium (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Nissan Stadium is the home of Yokohama F. Marinos, often hosting international matches and concerts.
For those who have participated in live concerts of their favorite artists here, it must be a place filled with special memories.
You can likely capture spacious wedding photos that also utilize the running track.
Outside the stadium too*
Toyota Stadium (Toyoda City, Aichi Prefecture)
Toyota Stadium is the home of Nagoya Grampus. The stands have a unique 38-degree slope.
The red seats look great against traditional wedding attire!*
Paloma Mizuho Stadium (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)
Paloma Mizuho Stadium is also used as the home stadium for Nagoya Grampus. Built in 1941, it was also used during the Expo 2005.
It might be nice to bring a soccer ball as a prop that showcases the club’s colors.*
Best Denki Stadium (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Best Denki Stadium is the home ground for Avispa Fukuoka.
Taking photos alongside the stadium's emblem and logo is also a must.*
Ekimae Fudosan Stadium (Tosu City, Saga Prefecture)
Home of Sagan Tosu, Ekimae Fudosan Stadium. (Formerly known as Best Amenity Stadium)
The team colors of light blue and pink are prominently used throughout the stadium, creating a refreshing atmosphere.*
Yamaha Stadium (Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
Yamaha Stadium is home to Jubilo Iwata. Instead of the location name or stadium name, the seats are labeled with the team name "Jubilo," which is nice.
Coordinating the wedding attire in the team’s club colors like light blue would be wonderful!*
Fukuda Electronic Arena (Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture)
Fukuda Electronic Arena is the home of JEF United Ichihara Chiba.
Capturing this angle of the photo captures the goal net, the back screen, and the wide view of the stands, showcasing the overwhelming scale of the stadium.
Interested in Stadium Pre-Wedding Photography?*
For fans and supporters, being able to do a pre-wedding shoot at the stadium truly feels happy, and it brings a sense of excitement similar to that just before watching a live match.
The stadiums I introduced this time are just a small part of what’s available.
If you’re thinking, “I’m interested in stadium pre-wedding photography,” be sure to check the home page of your favorite team or club and inquire for details.
Many J-League supporters share and gather information on Twitter, so searching for “stadium pre-wedding” on Twitter is also recommended!*