Modern Orthodox Jewish Weddings

Mazel tov! You’re engaged! Now comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part: planning your wedding. If you and your partner come from different Jewish backgrounds or are figuring out what kind of ceremony best represents your values, you might be wondering: What’s the difference between an Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish wedding?

As a wedding photographer who has captured so many beautiful Jewish weddings, I’ve seen firsthand how these different traditions come to life. Whether you want a strictly traditional Orthodox ceremony, a meaningful balance of tradition and modernity in a Conservative wedding, or the personal, flexible approach of a Reform wedding, understanding the differences can help you plan a day that truly reflects your love story.

So, let’s break it down and find the right fit for you!

The Heart of a Jewish Wedding

Before we dive into the different traditions, let’s talk about what makes a Jewish wedding… well, Jewish!

No matter the denomination, Jewish weddings usually include:

• The Ketubah – The marriage contract outlining the couple’s commitments.
• The Chuppah – A wedding canopy symbolizing the couple’s new home.
• The Ring Exchange – The groom gives the bride a ring (and in some traditions, the bride gives one back).
• The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) – Recited over wine, these blessings celebrate love, joy, and the creation of a new household.
• Breaking the Glass – A reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, ending the ceremony with a hearty “Mazel tov!”

While these elements remain consistent, how they are performed varies between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform weddings.

Orthodox Weddings: Rooted in Tradition

If you’re having an Orthodox wedding, tradition is everything. Orthodox Jewish weddings are deeply connected to Halacha (Jewish law), which dictates how the ceremony is performed.

What Makes an Orthodox Wedding Unique?

1. It’s Not About the Venue

Contrary to what some might think, Orthodox weddings don’t have to be in a synagogue. Many couples opt for banquet halls, hotels, or even outdoor spaces—so long as the wedding follows Orthodox practices.

2. The Ketubah Signing (Where’s the Bride?)

Traditionally, the ketubah is signed by two witnesses before the ceremony at the groom’s tisch, while the bride is elsewhere. However, modern Orthodox couples are increasingly choosing to have the ketubah signed under the chuppah so that the bride can be part of the process.

3. The Sheva Brachot Are an Honor to Give

Unlike in some secular weddings where the couple recites vows to each other, the Sheva Brachot are not said by the couple themselves. Instead, different honored guests—often rabbis, family members, or close friends—recite these blessings.

5. Not Necessarily Officiated by a Rabbi

This surprises a lot of people, but an Orthodox wedding does not require a rabbi to officiate! As long as the ceremony follows Orthodox laws and customs, the wedding is valid.

6. The Hora? Of Course!

The reception is where things get wild. Expect high-energy dancing, a lively hora, and a truly joyous atmosphere as the couple is hoisted into the air on chairs, dancing in circles with their favorite people and sitting and laughing as friends and family do silly dances and share inside jokes with them during the shtick.

Conservative Weddings: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

If you’re looking for a wedding that honors Jewish tradition but allows for a little more flexibility, a Conservative ceremony might be your sweet spot. Conservative Judaism upholds Jewish law but allows for modern interpretations.

What Makes a Conservative Wedding Unique?

1. Mixed Seating Is Common

Unlike Orthodox weddings, men and women typically sit together during the ceremony and reception.

2. Ketubah Signing: Traditional, but Flexible

In many Conservative weddings, the ketubah signing still happens before the ceremony with both the bride and groom present, but some couples are embracing the trend of signing it under the chuppah!

3. The Bride’s Role Is More Involved in the Ceremony

The bride may take a more active role in speaking during the ceremony. Some Conservative weddings also include a mutual ring exchange, unlike in Orthodox ceremonies, where only the groom traditionally gives the ring.

4. Hebrew + English for Accessibility

Conservative weddings often use a mix of Hebrew and English, ensuring that all guests, regardless of their level of Jewish education, understand the prayers and blessings.

5. Music and Dancing? Absolutely!

Live music, a rocking hora, and lots of energy are still key elements of the celebration. Conservative weddings tend to be vibrant and joyful, with mixed dancing from the first song, until the last!

Reform Weddings: Personalized and Inclusive

If you’re looking for a ceremony that embraces Jewish heritage while allowing for personal touches and inclusivity, a Reform wedding might be the perfect fit. Reform Judaism emphasizes individual choice and modern interpretations of Jewish rituals.

What Makes a Reform Wedding Unique?

1. Equal Partnership in the Ceremony

In Reform weddings, both partners typically participate equally in the ceremony. The bride may say vows, exchange rings, and play an active role in every part of the ceremony.

2. A Ceremony That Reflects the Couple’s Values

Many Reform couples work with their rabbi to personalize their ceremony. Some include readings from poetry or literature, while others adapt the traditional blessings to make them more egalitarian.

3. The Venue? Anywhere Goes!

Reform weddings are the most flexible when it comes to location. Koshrut is not a concern here! From synagogues to beaches, gardens, and even art galleries, couples choose venues that reflect their personalities.

4. Breaking the Glass Together

While in traditional ceremonies, the groom is the one to break the glass, in Reform weddings, some couples choose to smash the glass together as a symbol of equality.

Which Jewish Wedding Is Right for You?

Choosing between an Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform wedding isn’t about “right” or “wrong”it’s about what resonates with you as a couple.

• If you want a deeply traditional experience rooted in Jewish law, Orthodox may be the way to go.
• If you’re looking for a balance between tradition and modernity, Conservative is a great middle ground.
• If you value inclusivity, flexibility, and personalization, Reform might be the best fit.

No matter which path you take, your wedding should be a beautiful, meaningful reflection of your love, your faith, and your future together.

Mazel tov on your engagement, and happy wedding planning!

A Jewish wedding is a day filled with beautiful traditions, heartfelt moments, and joyous celebrations. Capturing every aspect of this special occasion requires a well-structured timeline to ensure no moment is missed. Below is a detailed wedding photography timeline that helps keep everything organized while allowing time for the couple to be present with the people that matter the most.

Wedding Photography Timeline

11:30 – 12:15 | Bride’s Details & Final Touches

• Main Photographer Photographs Bride’s Details
  Make sure to have all your bridal details together in one spot (i.e. all three rings, shoes, invitation suite, jewelry, perfume, veil, etc.). These details set the tone for the day and are an important part of telling your wedding story.
• Associate Photographer Captures Final Touches of Hair & Makeup
  The final moments of hair and makeup application are perfect for capturing the bride’s anticipation and excitement as the day officially begins!

---

12:15 – 1:00 | Bride & Groom Prep

• Main Photographer Photographs the Bride Getting Into Her Dress
  This is when it starts getting REAL. The emotions, the nerves, the excitement—it all comes together as the bride steps into her wedding gown.
• Associate Photographer Captures Groom Getting Ready
  Tying ties, buttoning jackets, and adjusting cufflinks—this is a great opportunity to capture candid and refined portraits of the groom and his groomsmen.

---

1:00 – 1:15 | Bridal & Groom Solo Portraits

• Main Photographer Captures the Bride’s Solo Portraits
  These timeless images showcase the bride in all her beauty before she walks down the aisle.
• Associate Photographer Captures the Groom’s Solo Portraits
  Strong and dapper, these portraits highlight the groom’s excitement and confidence before seeing his bride.

---

1:15 – 1:30 | Walk to the First Look

• A quiet moment before the couple sees each other for the first time. This short walk allows anticipation to build, making the first look even more special.

---

1:30 – 1:45 | First Look

• One of my favorite moments of the day!! Such a beautiful and intimate moment, filled with such emotion as the couple sees each other for the first time.

---

1:45 – 2:15 | Couple Portraits

• Romantic, joyful, and full of love—these portraits capture the couple’s excitement and happiness before the ceremony begins.

---

2:15 – 2:30 | Bride with Bridesmaids

• These shots capture the bride with her closest friends and family, celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

---

2:30 – 2:45 | Full Bridal Party Portraits

• Lively, elegant, and full of energy—this is where the entire bridal party comes together for fun and classic group shots.

---

2:45 – 3:00 | Groom with Groomsmen

• These portraits highlight the friendship and joy of the groom with his best friends and family members.

---

3:00 – 3:30 | Family Formals

• Capturing family members in various groupings ensures everyone gets their moment in front of the camera. These images will be cherished for generations to come.

---

3:30 – 4:00 | Couple’s Break & Venue Details

• Bride & Groom Hide, Rest & Retouch
  A much-needed moment of calm before the ceremony.
• Main Photographer & Associate Capture Ceremony and Reception Decor
  The chuppah, floral arrangements, table settings, and personalized details deserve their moment in the spotlight too!

---

4:00 – 5:00 | Tisch & Bedeken

• The Tisch (groom’s gathering) and Bedeken (veiling ceremony) are essential parts of a Jewish wedding. These emotional and meaningful traditions set the spiritual tone for the ceremony.

---

5:00 – 5:45 | Wedding Ceremony

• The moment we’ve all been waiting for! The chuppah, vows, blessings, and the breaking of the glass—it all comes together in this sacred moment.

---

5:45 – 6:05 | Yichud Room

• The couple’s first private moments together as husband and wife. A truly special time to capture love, joy, and excitement.

---

6:15 – 6:30 | Grand Entrance

• The energy is high, and the celebration officially begins as the couple makes their way into the reception!

---

6:30 – 8:00 | Reception & Dancing

• From the hora to heartfelt speeches, every moment is filled with emotion, love, and joy. Our goal is to capture all of the laughter, excitement, and energy as the celebration unfolds.

---

8:00 – 8:10 | Sunset Portraits

• Golden hour is the perfect time for intimate husband-and-wife portraits. With the sun setting behind them, these images have a soft, romantic glow.

---

8:10 – 10pm | Reception & Final Moments

• Dancing, cake cutting, and celebrating into the night—our team stays until we’ve captured every incredible moment of the evening.

---

A well-planned timeline ensures that no special moment is missed and that the couple can truly enjoy their day without feeling rushed. Every Jewish wedding is unique, and this schedule can be adjusted to fit specific traditions and preferences. The key is to leave enough room for spontaneity and joy while still keeping the day structured and smooth.

At Yael Pachino Photography, we specialize in capturing the beauty and traditions of Jewish weddings, ensuring that every memory is preserved with love and artistry. If you’re planning your wedding, we’d love to be part of your day! Reach out to us to discuss your vision and how we can make it come to life through stunning photography.

Mazel tov and happy planning!

Jewish weddings are rich in tradition, symbolism, and culture, making them incredibly meaningful for couples, families and the entire community as a whole.

Whether you’re attending a Jewish wedding, planning your own, or just interested in the unique customs involved, this article will explain everything you need to know about Jewish wedding traditions and their significance!

1. Chuppah

The chuppah is a canopy under which the couple stands during their wedding ceremony. Symbolizing the home the couple will build together, it’s a beautiful representation of shelter, protection, and love.

The chuppah is often held up by four poles and can be decorated with flowers or fabric. The open sides of the chuppah are meant to represent the couple’s willingness to welcome friends and family into their new home.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The chuppah is a central aspect of Jewish wedding ceremonies, and the design can vary greatly depending on personal style and preference.

While some couples opt for simple wooden structures, others go all-out with elaborate designs featuring fabric, flowers, or even greenery. A unique chuppah helps add a personal touch to the ceremony and sets the tone for the wedding! Your florist and Event Planner can help bring your Chuppah vision to life!

2. Ketubah

A ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract. It’s an important document outlining the couple’s obligations to each other. Traditionally, it’s signed by two witnesses and is often beautifully decorated.

After the wedding, the ketubah is typically displayed in the couple’s home as a reminder of their commitment.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The ketubah is not just a legal document; it’s also a deeply emotional part of the wedding ceremony. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the husband toward the wife, ensuring that she will be supported and cared for.

While the ketubah is traditionally written in Aramaic, many modern couples today choose to have it in English, Hebrew or both Hebrew and English, especially in Reform weddings.

3. Sheva Brachot

The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) are recited during the wedding ceremony and at the end of the Reception right after everyone recites the prayers of Grace after Meals.

These seven blessings are also recited at the subsequent seven days of celebrations, typically at a dinner. These blessings express gratitude for the creation of the world, joy in the couple’s union, and the hope for a future filled with love and peace.

The Seven blessings are traditionally said in Hebrew, but many couples choose to have both the Hebrew blessings and English versions of the blessings under the Chuppah. Having both is a beautiful way to include tradition with a modern twist to make sure everyone can appreciate the special blessings.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

These blessings include words of praise for God’s creation, the gift of marriage, and the celebration of love and life. In many Jewish wedding traditions, these blessings are recited in Hebrew, and family members and friends take turns reciting them at the wedding celebration.

These blessings are repeated during the week-long festivities that follow the wedding, known as Sheva Brachot dinners.

4. Kabbalat Panim

Before the wedding ceremony, the kabbalat panim is the reception where the bride and groom are greeted by family and friends. Traditionally, the bride and groom are separated, and each receives guests in their respective areas.
Common in Orthodox and Conservative weddings, though not a standard practice in Reform weddings.

The kabbalat panim is a time of joyful celebration before the wedding ceremony begins.

While the groom and bride traditionally celebrate separately, the mingling and excitement build anticipation for the ceremony. This tradition allows both families and friends to enjoy the occasion together before the formalities begin.

5. Tisch

The tisch is a traditional pre-wedding gathering where the groom, family, and friends celebrate together before the ceremony.

It’s often lively and includes singing and dancing, especially with the groom’s male relatives and friends. The groom is usually seated at the head of the table, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement.

The tisch sets the stage for the festivities to come and allows the groom to relax and enjoy the support of his loved ones.
Common in Orthodox and Conservative weddings, but not typically observed by Reform Jews.

The tisch is a key part of the Orthodox and Conservative Jewish wedding experience. The groom’s close friends and family gather around, singing and sharing moments of joy before the ceremony.

It’s a time for the groom to relax and focus on the joy of the occasion before the formalities of the wedding.

It is a cherished tradition for the groom to share words of Jewish wisdom. As he speaks, his family and friends joyfully interrupt with songs and dance, infusing the moment with lively celebration and communal spirit.

6. Bedekin

The bedekin is the veiling ceremony that takes place just before the couple’s wedding ceremony. The groom places a veil over the bride’s face, symbolizing modesty and the groom’s acceptance of the bride’s inner beauty.

During an Orthodox and Conservative wedding, this usually takes place right after the Tisch. The groom walks or dances his way to the bride with the whole community with him, once he is in front of the bride, he goes to her and puts the veil over her head to cover her face.
Commonly practiced by Orthodox and Conservative Jews, though some Reform weddings may include it based on personal preference.

The bedekin is a beautiful and symbolic ritual, highlighting the groom’s commitment to his bride.

It’s a moment of intimacy before the ceremony begins, and it is a very traditional part of Orthodox and Conservative Jewish weddings. It is also a time for the families to come together and celebrate the union. In Reform weddings, the veil may be less emphasized, and couples may choose to focus on other elements of the ceremony.

7. Ring Exchange

During the ceremony, the couple exchanges rings as a sign of their commitment to one another. In Jewish tradition, the groom typically places the ring on the bride’s index finger and recites a blessing.

The ring is traditional a gold band. A simple, unbroken circle shape represents a marriage without conflict or distraction. 
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The ring exchange is one of the most important moments in the Jewish wedding ceremony.

In Orthodox traditions, the ring is given without any markings or gemstones, representing the couple’s pure and eternal bond.

While this is the most common custom, Reform Jews may opt for a ring that has more personalization, such as engraving or the inclusion of gemstones.

8. Breaking the Glass

At the end of the wedding ceremony, the groom (and sometimes along side the bride) breaks a glass, typically wrapped in a cloth, with his foot.

This act has multiple interpretations, including the reminder of the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem and the hope that the couple’s marriage will be filled with both joy and sorrow, as life is full of contrasts.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

Breaking the glass is one of the most iconic traditions at Jewish weddings.

The sound of the glass shattering symbolizes the breaking of the couple’s past life as they begin their new life together. In some traditions, guests shout “Mazel Tov!” immediately after the glass is broken, signaling the celebration of the couple’s future.

9. Yichud

After the ceremony, the couple spends a few moments in private, called yichud. This tradition allows the couple to be alone together for the first time as newlyweds, reflecting on the commitment they’ve just made. It also symbolizes their new status as a married couple.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The yichud period is a moment of quiet reflection and intimacy after the chaos of the wedding ceremony. The couple is in a secluded room where they can enjoy their first moments as husband and wife.

This practice is observed in both traditional and more modern Jewish weddings, providing a peaceful pause in the celebration.

In both Orthodox and Conservative traditions, the Rabbi will inspect the Yichud room beforehand to ensure it is properly secluded and free of any other guests.

Once the bride and groom enter and settle into the room, the door is closed behind them, and two witnesses stand guard outside to ensure their privacy, maintaining the sacredness of this intimate moment.

10. Chatan and Kallah

In Jewish weddings, the groom is referred to as the chatan and the bride is called the kallah.

These terms reflect the couple’s roles in the wedding ceremony and signify the joyous occasion.
Common across all branches: Orthodox and Conservative

The terms chatan (groom) and kallah (bride) are used throughout the wedding ceremony to refer to the couple. These words are a sign of respect and are used when referring to the individuals being united in marriage.

While they are commonly used across all Jewish traditions, you may also hear these terms in other aspects of Jewish life, such as during blessings or prayers.

Jewish weddings are beautiful, deeply rooted in tradition, and filled with meaningful rituals that symbolize love, commitment, and faith.

Understanding these terms will help you better appreciate the beauty and significance of a Jewish wedding and the many layers of meaning that come with this joyous celebration.

Whether you’re planning the wedding, attending your first Jewish wedding, or something in between, knowing the meanings behind these terms can deepen your connection to the experience.

Jewish weddings are a celebration of love, life, faith and tradition and each term, custom, and ritual plays a vital role in honoring that legacy.