Congratulations
You and your partner have decided to get married. This page is designed to give you some advice and explanation as to what is possible, and what you should be thinking about while planning your religious ceremony. Although it can not cover every eventuality, it is intented to point out some of the things you that will need to consider.

The Law
In the United Kingdom, the civil law mirrors Jewish law, by stating that only two Jews (one of each gender), can be married in a synagogue. If a couple wish to be married in another location, then they must be married first by the civil authorities. Following recent changes in the law, it is now possible to be married in a number of different locations. This can be in any place that has been granted a license for this purpose, such as hotels, country houses, galleries, castles, museums, and zoos. Not all possible venues are licensed in this way. In such cases, it is possible to be married in a registry office, prior to having a religious ceremony at the other venue. In either case, you will both need to show proof to the civil authorities regarding your identity and that you are free to marry. You will have to satisfy the religious authorities regarding your Jewish status. You do not need to belong to a synagogue, although it usually helps if you are.

The Ceremony
The details of the ritual will need be gone through with the officiating rabbi and may reflect Ashkenasi, Sephardi, or other local customs and traditions. Some couples want to follow Jewish tradition, while others also want to be more creative and have a more personalized and unique ceremony. The groom is expected to give the bride a ring and to say to her the traditional words, "By this ring I betroth you to me according to the laws of Moses and Israel." This is usually said in Aramaic when exchanging rings. It is also customary for the 7 marriage blessings to be sung. The whole ceremony takes place under a chupah (wedding canopy). The groom smashes a glass at the end of the ritual, to loud cries of "Mazel Tov.". Two Jewish witnesses are also required to sign the ketubah (marriage document.) To see examples of different styles of Ketubot, look at http://www.jessyjudaica.com There are many other sites offering other examples. When looking at locations, it may help to think about how you will make your entrances, exits, music, lighting, noise, parking, and how the ceremony will fit in with the rest of the day's activities.

Music
As well as the Rabbi, some couples wish to have an organist, cantor, or choir. Other couples elect to have music of their own choices, played by musicians, or from a tape, or C.D. played through a suitable PA. system.

Photography
Some rabbis will not allow the ceremony to be filmed, or to have a photographer present. Others have no objection. However, a certain amount of discretion is called for, so that where permitted, it is not intrusive during the ritual. It may be wise, prior to the ceremony, to outline the course of events to any cameramen so that they can find a good vantage point and know what to expect.

What Happens Next ?

When you know the date, time and location for the religious ceremony, it would be wise to ensure that the rabbi is also available before you confirm the venue. Bookings are usually accepted by rabbis in the order in which they are received. A deposit may be payable, which will be non-refundable.


It is normal to meet with the rabbi several times, before the ceremony takes place.

You should take out insurance to cover any accident, or unforeseen loss, or misadventure on the day. Although every care will be taken, situations may arise beyond anyone's control.

If the ceremony is taking place outside of a synagogue, you must be married in a civil and legally binding ceremony, before the religious ceremony takes place.

You may be responsible for providing a Ketubah (marriage document,) but these can easily be found on the internet by typing “ketubah” or “ketuba” into a search engine. However, it is important to check with the rabbi that any text is acceptable, before you purchase the document. If you are getting married in a synagogue, it is the synagogue who usually provides this and the rabbi who will fill in the details. The rabbi will want to know your Hebrew names. There are many sources available in Israel and the USA for ketubot. You may also be responsible for providing a “Chuppah” (wedding canopy), although most synagogues have these.

Clearly, this page is designed to offer guidance for couples based in the UK. If you live abroad, or plan on having your wedding in a country other then the UK, then it may not be possible, or appropriate to follow all the suggestions and advice in every detail. There is some discretion when circumstances prevent the normal pattern from being followed.