How to Include Your Ketubah in the Wedding Ceremony
You've spent time choosing the perfect ketubah -- the art that makes your heart sing, the text that captures your values, the whole package. So it makes sense that you'd want this beautiful document to have a real presence on your wedding day, not just get signed in a back room and tucked away.
The great news is that there are so many ways to weave your ketubah into your ceremony, reception, and photos. Whether you're having a traditional Jewish wedding or a more personalized celebration, your ketubah deserves a moment in the spotlight. Here's everything you need to know about making it happen.
The Ketubah Signing: Where It All Begins
In traditional Jewish weddings, the ketubah signing happens before the ceremony itself. This is called the tisch (Yiddish for "table") or the chatimah (Hebrew for "signing"), and it's one of the most intimate, meaningful moments of your wedding day.
The Traditional Tisch
In Ashkenazi tradition, the groom sits at a table surrounded by male family and friends, and the rabbi oversees the signing of the ketubah. The witnesses -- who must be Jewish adults not related to the couple by blood or marriage in Orthodox practice -- sign first, followed by the groom. The mood is joyful, often punctuated by singing, l'chaims, and a bit of good-natured heckling.
In many Conservative and Orthodox weddings, the bride has her own gathering (sometimes called a kabbalat panim) where she receives guests on a throne-like chair, looking radiant and greeting loved ones before the ceremony.
The Modern Ketubah Signing
Many couples today -- especially those having Reform, egalitarian, or interfaith weddings -- prefer a joint ketubah signing where both partners are present. This version is typically a smaller, more intimate gathering: the couple, their immediate families, the officiant, and the witnesses all gather in a private room.
The officiant reads through the ketubah text (often in both the original language and English translation), the witnesses sign, and then both partners sign. It's a quiet, grounding moment before the excitement of the ceremony -- a chance to pause, look at each other, and really absorb what's about to happen.
Tip: Many couples say the ketubah signing was their favorite part of the whole wedding day. It's personal, it's calm, and it's just about the two of you (plus a few people who love you most). Don't rush it.
Displaying Your Ketubah During the Ceremony
Once the ketubah is signed, many couples choose to display it prominently during the ceremony itself. This is entirely optional -- there's no halachic requirement to display it -- but it adds a gorgeous visual element and reminds everyone present of the commitment being made.
On an Easel
The most popular option by far. Place your ketubah on a beautiful easel near the chuppah (wedding canopy) so guests can see it throughout the ceremony. Choose an easel that complements your decor -- wood for rustic weddings, gold or acrylic for something more glam. Position it at an angle where it catches the light without creating a glare for photos.
Held by the Officiant
Some rabbis will hold or display the ketubah at specific moments during the ceremony, particularly during the reading. This works well for more intimate ceremonies where guests are close enough to see the document up close.
Incorporated into the Chuppah Design
Creative couples have found ways to make the ketubah part of the chuppah itself -- suspended from the top, woven into the fabric, or displayed on a stand that's integrated into the canopy structure. This makes a stunning visual statement and literally places your ketubah at the center of your ceremony.
At the End of the Aisle
Another lovely option: place the ketubah on an easel at the end of the aisle, near where guests enter. This lets everyone admire it as they take their seats and builds anticipation for the ceremony.
Reading Your Ketubah Aloud
In traditional Jewish ceremonies, the ketubah is read aloud between the first and second sets of sheva brachot (seven blessings). The reading serves as a formal declaration that the legal document has been properly executed. Traditionally, it's read in the original Aramaic.
Traditional Reading
In Orthodox and many Conservative ceremonies, the rabbi or a designated honoree reads the ketubah in Aramaic. This can be a meaningful honor to bestow on a knowledgeable family member or mentor. The reader holds the ketubah and chants or reads the text, after which it's formally presented to the bride (who is its legal owner under traditional Jewish law).
English Translation
Many couples choose to have the ketubah read in English (or a combination of the original language and English) so that all guests can understand the words. This is especially meaningful when your ketubah text includes personal vows or values-based language. Reform and interfaith couples often opt for an English reading as a way to include everyone in the moment.
Reading by the Couple
Some couples read portions of the ketubah to each other as part of their vows. This is a beautiful way to personalize the ceremony and make the ketubah text feel truly alive. If your ketubah includes modern egalitarian text or personal promises, reading them aloud adds incredible emotional weight.
Abridged Reading
If your ketubah text is lengthy (especially traditional Aramaic texts), your officiant might read a condensed version or highlight key passages rather than reading the entire document. This keeps the ceremony flowing while still honoring the ketubah's role.
Denomination-Specific Practices
How the ketubah is incorporated into the ceremony varies quite a bit depending on your denomination and your officiant's style. Here's a general guide -- but always defer to your rabbi or officiant for specifics.
Orthodox Ceremonies
The ketubah signing at the tisch is a significant event with its own rituals, including the kinyan (a symbolic act of acquisition, usually involving lifting a handkerchief). The ketubah is read in full Aramaic during the ceremony, between the erusin (betrothal) and nisuin (marriage) blessings. The Orthodox ketubah text follows strict halachic requirements, and your rabbi will ensure everything is done properly.
Conservative Ceremonies
Conservative ceremonies generally follow the traditional structure, including an Aramaic reading of the ketubah during the ceremony. The Conservative Lieberman ketubah includes the Lieberman clause for protection of both spouses. Many Conservative rabbis also offer an English reading or summary to help guests follow along.
Reform and Egalitarian Ceremonies
Reform ceremonies offer the most flexibility. The ketubah might be read in full, summarized, or referenced briefly. Some Reform rabbis incorporate the ketubah reading into the vows or use it as a springboard for a brief teaching moment about Jewish marriage. The text itself is often in English or bilingual, making it accessible to all guests. Our Reform and egalitarian collection offers texts that are perfect for reading aloud.
Interfaith Ceremonies
For interfaith couples, the ketubah can be a powerful way to honor Jewish tradition while making everyone feel included. Many interfaith officiants read the ketubah in English, emphasizing the universal themes of love, commitment, and partnership. The signing ceremony can be a beautiful bridge between different traditions -- a quiet, intimate moment that sets the tone for the celebration.
Secular and Humanist Ceremonies
Even without a rabbi, a secular ketubah can play a central role. A friend, family member, or officiant can read the text aloud, and the signing can happen during or before the ceremony. Some secular couples make the ketubah signing the emotional centerpiece of the ceremony itself.
Incorporating the Ketubah into Your Vows
One of the most meaningful ways to feature your ketubah is to weave its language into your spoken vows. This works particularly well when you've chosen a ketubah text with personal or poetic language.
Quote directly. Pull a favorite line or passage from your ketubah and read it to your partner during your vows. "As our ketubah says..." is a natural, beautiful transition.
Echo the themes. Even if you don't quote the ketubah directly, you can write vows that reflect its core promises. If your ketubah talks about building a home together, your vows might describe what "home" means to you as a couple.
Use it as a framework. Some couples structure their entire vow exchange around the ketubah, with the officiant reading a section, then each partner responding with personal words related to that section.
Displaying Your Ketubah at the Reception
The ceremony isn't the only time your ketubah can shine. Many couples display their ketubah at the reception, and it often becomes a conversation starter -- guests love to admire the artwork and read the text.
Guest Book Table
Place your ketubah on an easel next to your guest book. Guests naturally congregate here during cocktail hour, and your ketubah adds a meaningful focal point. It's a great way to share this piece of your wedding story with everyone, especially guests who weren't part of the signing.
Sweetheart Table or Head Table
Display the ketubah near where you'll be sitting during the reception. This keeps it close to you and visible throughout the evening. Some couples lean it against a floral arrangement or prop it on a small easel right on the table.
Dedicated Display Area
Create a small "love story" display that includes your ketubah alongside engagement photos, family wedding photos, or other meaningful items. This works especially well at venues with entrance halls, mantels, or display shelves.
A Word of Caution
Your ketubah is a signed legal and/or religious document -- and it's also a piece of art you'll want to hang in your home forever. Be mindful of placement: avoid direct sunlight, food and drink splashes, and heavy foot traffic areas. If you're nervous about damage, consider having a high-quality print made for display and keeping the original in a safe place. (You can always order a beautiful print to display and save the signed original.)
Photography Tips for Your Ketubah
Your photographer should absolutely capture your ketubah -- both during the signing and on display. Here are tips to make sure those shots turn out beautifully.
The Signing Moment
Lighting matters. The signing room is often dimly lit. Ask your photographer about bringing supplemental lighting or choosing a room with good natural light. Candlelight is romantic but makes for challenging photos of detailed text.
Capture the details. Ask for close-up shots of the ketubah itself -- the artwork, the text, the signatures. These detail shots are some of the most cherished wedding photos couples receive.
Get the reactions. The moment after signing, when the couple looks at each other with this mix of joy and "we're really doing this" -- that's gold. Make sure your photographer knows to capture it.
The Ceremony Display
Angle and glare. If your ketubah is on an easel, ask your photographer to check the angle beforehand. Glass or glossy finishes can create glare, so positioning matters.
Context shots. A photo of the ketubah with the chuppah in the background, or with guests visible behind it, tells a richer story than a flat detail shot alone.
Post-Ceremony
Flat lay. After the ceremony, lay the ketubah on a clean surface and photograph it from above with rings, flowers, or other meaningful items arranged around it. This classic shot is perfect for your album.
Couple portrait. Hold your ketubah together for a portrait shot. This looks gorgeous and captures both the art and the joy on your faces.
Creative Ideas for Featuring Your Ketubah
Beyond the traditional options, couples have come up with some truly wonderful ways to make their ketubah a star of the day:
Processional display. Have a family member carry the ketubah down the aisle during the processional, presenting it at the chuppah.
Unity ritual. After signing, seal the ketubah together -- perhaps with a wax seal or by closing a special portfolio together. This creates a lovely symbolic moment.
Reception entrance. Place the ketubah at the entrance to the reception venue so it's the first thing guests see when they walk in.
Anniversary tradition. Start a tradition of reading your ketubah aloud to each other on every anniversary. Mention this during the ceremony to invite guests into the idea.
Illumination. Use a small spotlight or uplighting to illuminate your ketubah during the reception. This draws attention to it and makes the colors and details pop.
Practical Planning Checklist
To make sure your ketubah gets the attention it deserves on your wedding day, here's a quick planning list:
Order early. Give yourself plenty of time for your ketubah to arrive, be reviewed, and be ready. Even with express shipping, you don't want this to be a last-minute stress. That said, if time is tight, Ketubah Tov offers express shipping to make sure you're covered.
Confirm text with your officiant. Before ordering, verify with your rabbi or officiant that the text meets their requirements. This is especially important for Orthodox and Conservative ceremonies where specific language is required.
Plan the signing room. Coordinate with your venue about where the ketubah signing will happen. You need a table, good lighting, chairs for the couple and witnesses, and enough space for your photographer.
Bring a good pen. This sounds minor, but a quality pen makes a difference for signatures on a document you'll display for decades. A fine-point archival ink pen is ideal.
Assign an easel. If you're displaying the ketubah during the ceremony or reception, make sure someone is responsible for setting up the easel and placing the ketubah. Add it to your day-of coordinator's checklist.
Plan for transport. After the wedding, your ketubah needs to get home safely. Bring a portfolio or protective sleeve, and designate a trusted person to handle it at the end of the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it required to read the ketubah during the ceremony?
In Orthodox and most Conservative ceremonies, reading the ketubah aloud is a traditional part of the wedding service. In Reform, interfaith, and secular ceremonies, it's optional but popular. Your officiant can advise on what's customary for your type of ceremony.
Can a non-Jewish guest read the ketubah aloud?
This depends on your denomination and officiant. In Orthodox ceremonies, the reader should be Jewish. In Reform, interfaith, and secular ceremonies, there's generally more flexibility. It can be a lovely honor for a close friend or family member, regardless of their background. Check with your officiant to be sure.
What if our ketubah is in Aramaic and our guests don't understand it?
Very common! Many couples have the Aramaic read for tradition, followed by an English summary or translation. Some ketubahs include both Aramaic and English on the document itself, making it easy for the officiant to switch between languages. Your officiant has likely handled this many times before.
Should we frame the ketubah before the wedding?
Either way is fine. Some couples do frame it beforehand so it's ready to display at the wedding -- that works as long as the ketubah can still be signed on the day. Leave the glass out, or use a frame that opens easily, so everyone signs directly on the artwork and the glass goes in afterward. Other couples sign it unframed and choose a frame at their own pace once the wedding is behind them. Many make it a first-home project together, which is a sweet tradition in itself.
Can we display a copy and keep the original safe?
Absolutely. If your reception venue is outdoors, near food stations, or otherwise risky for a signed document, displaying a high-quality print is a smart move. Keep the signed original somewhere safe and frame it later for your home.
Make Your Ketubah the Star It Deserves to Be
Your ketubah is one of the most meaningful elements of your Jewish wedding -- a legal document, a piece of art, and a declaration of your love all in one. It deserves more than a quick signature in a side room (though that quiet signing moment is pretty special too).
Whether you display it on an easel under the chuppah, read it aloud as part of your vows, or give it a place of honor at your reception, your ketubah should reflect how important this commitment is to you. And the best part? It all starts with choosing a design you love.
Browse our full ketubah collection to find the perfect piece for your ceremony. Ketubahs start at $99, personalization is always free, and we offer express shipping. Pick your art, pick your text, and we handle the rest.