Jewish wedding

Two stages of union

The process has two distinct parts. Kiddushin means betrothal or sanctification. This stage makes the woman prohibited to other men. A get is needed to end it. Nissuin is the marriage itself. Today these happen together. The groom gives a ring to the bride. This act creates the marriage bond. Standing under the canopy also counts as nissuin. Some say being alone in a room completes it.

Marriage contract details

Before the ceremony, the groom agrees to terms. Two witnesses sign the ketubah. This document lists his duties. He must provide food and clothing. It is a binding legal agreement. Often it is an illuminated manuscript. People frame it for their home. The text is read aloud under the canopy. Non-Orthodox couples may use bilingual versions. The reading separates the ceremony parts.

Canopy and veiling customs

The chuppah is a cloth canopy on four beams. It stands under an open sky. It represents the new home. Ashkenazi Jews place it outdoors. Sephardic weddings might use a tallit instead. The groom wraps it around both spouses. Ashkenazi custom includes badeken. The groom covers the bride's face. This reminds people of Jacob and Leah. It shows inner beauty matters most. Sephardi Jews do not veil the bride.

Ring and blessing rites

Two blessings are recited before betrothal. Wine is tasted by the couple. The ring fulfills a bride price requirement. It must have value. Plain metal is traditional. The groom places it on her finger. He speaks words of consecration. Witnesses must see this action. Seven blessings follow. They are recited by a rabbi. The couple drinks wine after. Egalitarian weddings may include ring exchange. Both partners give rings to each other.

Glass breaking and seclusion

The groom breaks a glass with his foot. This tempers joy and mourns Jerusalem. Some recite verses from Psalms. Reform couples break it together. Yichud follows the ceremony. The couple stays alone for minutes. They retreat to a private room. This completes the nissuin stage. Couples eat and relax here. It is their first meal together. Yemeni Jews used a decorated bridal chamber. They stayed there until consummation occurred.

How Jewish wedding is kept

The groom signs a ketubah with two witnesses. The couple stands under a chuppah. The groom covers the bride's face in Ashkenazi custom. She circles him three or seven times. He gives her a plain ring. Blessings are recited over wine. The groom breaks a glass. The couple spends time alone in seclusion. Parents or happy couples escort them. Guests witness the signing and blessings. The feast follows the ceremony.

When and where

It happens during the wedding day. Betrothal and marriage occur together now. Historically they were months apart. The date is set by the couple. Fasting may precede the event. The day is like a personal holiday. Seclusion happens right after vows. The feast follows immediately.

It is kept by Jewish communities worldwide. Israel hosts many ceremonies. The United Kingdom and US have large populations. Yemen had unique bridal chamber customs. Ashkenazi and Sephardic practices differ. Canopies stand outdoors or indoors. Seclusion rooms vary by venue. The custom adapts to local settings.

What Jewish wedding means

The chuppah symbolizes a new home. Breaking glass mourns the Temple. Veiling honors inner beauty. Circling represents virtues or completeness. Ring exchange fulfills legal requirements. Seclusion marks the start of married life. Wine blessings celebrate creation. Ketubah outlines mutual responsibilities. All acts connect to biblical stories. They reinforce commitment and community.

Who takes part

• The groom: Signs ketubah and gives ring
• The bride: Receives ring and walks around groom
• Witnesses: Sign the marriage contract
• Rabbi: Recites seven blessings
• Parents: Escort couple to canopy
• Guests: Witness ceremony and share feast

If you are a guest

Guests witness the ketubah signing. They hear the seven blessings. Some recite blessings themselves. They shout mazel tov at glass breaking. They join the wedding feast. They respect the seclusion period. They wear modest attire. They bring gifts or money. They celebrate the couple's union.

Then and now

Liberal communities modify circling for equality. Same-gender couples adapt rituals. Bilingual ketubahs are common. Reform couples break glass together. Some drop veiling entirely. Egalitarian weddings allow ring exchange. Modern couples personalize ceremonies. Traditional laws still guide Orthodox weddings. Changes reflect contemporary values.

On the wedding table

Symbols: The ring The veil The canopy Breaking glass and plates Wine and the shared cup

Jewish wedding dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

This date follows the moon or a local calendar and can move by a day, so check with a local source nearer the time.

Questions people ask about Jewish wedding

See also

Blessing ceremonyThe large-scale marriage rite of the Unification Church where couples are matched and blessed by their leaders.Blessing ceremony of the Unification ChurchA large-scale marriage rededication or new union ceremony that engrafts couples into a sinless lineage.Slave marriages in the United StatesThe unions formed by enslaved African Americans before and after the abolition of slavery in the US.Las arrasThirteen coins exchanged by the couple to symbolize provision and trust in a Christian marriage.

Good reading and sources

• Marriage in JudaismJewish Virtual Library, Article
• Marriage in JudaismJewish Virtual Library, Article

• Jewish wedding on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.