Jewish weddings in Canada range from Orthodox to Reform, from secular to interfaith, and from a synagogue ceremony to a barn in the countryside. Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Ottawa all have large communities, and couples choose the traditions that feel right to them with their rabbi or officiant.
Here are the traditions couples most often ask about.
The ketubah
The ketubah is the marriage contract, traditionally in Aramaic and now often with an English or French text alongside. It is signed before the ceremony by two witnesses, and many couples have a beautiful hand-lettered or printed ketubah made to frame at home. Order it a few months ahead if it is custom.
The bedeken and the chuppah
In many weddings, the bedeken (veiling) happens just before the ceremony. Then the couple marry under the chuppah, a canopy open on all sides, a symbol of the home they will build together, welcoming to all. Chuppahs can be a tallit held on four poles, a floral arch or a structure the venue provides.
The ceremony
A Jewish ceremony often includes:
- ✦Circling, where one or both partners walk around the other.
- ✦The ring exchange, often with a plain band.
- ✦The seven blessings (sheva brachot), read by the rabbi or by family and friends.
- ✦Breaking the glass, followed by everyone shouting mazel tov.
Many couples then spend a few quiet minutes alone in yichud before joining their guests.
The reception
The hora, where the couple are lifted on chairs while everyone dances in circles, is often the high point of the night. Tell your venue and photographer ahead so there is space and someone ready to capture it.
What to ask venues and vendors
- ✦Does the venue have a kosher kitchen, or can a kosher caterer use it? What supervision is needed?
- ✦Is there a chuppah, or can you bring one?
- ✦Can the ceremony be timed around Shabbat or holidays if that matters to you?
- ✦Has your officiant married interfaith couples, if you are one?
- ✦Does your DJ or band know the hora and other music your families love?
On OpenDates, businesses can tick the traditions they know well. Browse Jewish wedding businesses across Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a rabbi to have a Jewish wedding in Canada?
To be legally married you need a registered officiant and a provincial marriage licence. Many rabbis are registered, and some couples choose a cantor or another registered officiant. See who can marry you in Canada.
Which days can't we get married?
Many couples avoid Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening) and some holidays and periods of the year. Check with your rabbi before you book.
Can an interfaith couple have a chuppah?
Yes. Many interfaith couples marry under a chuppah with an officiant who blends both traditions.
Plan it in one place
Find venues and vendors free on your date with OpenDates, and keep the guest list, budget, wedding website and seating chart together in OpenDates Ever After, free for couples.
Mazel tov! Kristina
Photos from Pexels.