The ketubah is signed shortly before the wedding ceremony, traditionally by two witnesses. In many modern weddings, the couple and the officiant sign as well. The signing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in a private room with close family and friends, and the ketubah is then often read aloud under the chuppah.
For many couples, the ketubah signing becomes one of the most intimate moments of the wedding day. Here is what happens, who takes part, and how to prepare so it goes smoothly.
When does the ketubah signing happen?
The signing takes place before the ceremony, typically within the hour or so before you walk to the chuppah. In traditional weddings it is part of the tish (Yiddish for "table"), a lively gathering where the groom is surrounded by friends and family, songs are sung, and words of Torah are shared. The bride, meanwhile, often receives guests in a separate room, an experience sometimes called the kabbalat panim.
In many modern and egalitarian weddings, both partners attend the signing together in a quiet room with parents, grandparents, the wedding party and the officiant. Some couples schedule it right after their first look, before photos with the wider family.
Who signs the ketubah?
The witnesses
Two witnesses are the essential signers in Jewish tradition. Their signatures confirm that the commitments in the ketubah were made. In Orthodox practice, witnesses must be observant Jewish men who are not related to the couple or to each other. In Conservative communities, requirements vary by rabbi, and many accept women as witnesses. In Reform and other liberal communities, couples often have more freedom to honor friends or relatives, and some officiants accept non-Jewish witnesses, especially at interfaith weddings. Always ask your officiant who may serve.
The couple
In Orthodox practice, the couple does not need to sign the ketubah, because the witnesses attest to the groom's commitments. In many Conservative, Reform, interfaith, LGBTQ+ and secular ceremonies, both partners sign, reflecting the mutual promises in the text.
The officiant
Rabbis and other officiants commonly sign as well, often in a space labeled for the officiant. Some designs include lines for additional signatures, so tell us in advance if you plan to include more signers.
What happens during the signing
Every officiant leads the signing a little differently, but a traditional sequence often looks like this:
- Gathering. Family and close friends gather around a table where the ketubah is laid flat.
- Review. The officiant reviews the details, such as names, date and place, to confirm everything is correct.
- Kinyan. In traditional weddings, the groom performs a kinyan, a symbolic act of acceptance, by lifting a pen, handkerchief or similar object handed to him by the rabbi in the presence of the witnesses. In egalitarian ceremonies, both partners may do this.
- Signatures. The witnesses sign, followed by the couple and officiant where that is the custom.
- Blessing and celebration. Many families share a blessing, a toast or a few words, and then everyone moves toward the ceremony, often the bedeken (veiling) in traditional weddings.
The ketubah under the chuppah
During the ceremony, the ketubah is often read aloud, traditionally between the betrothal blessings and the seven blessings (sheva brachot). It may be read in Aramaic or Hebrew, in English, or in both. In traditional practice, the ketubah is then given to the bride for safekeeping. Many couples ask a family member to keep it safe during the reception, then bring it home and hang it.
How to prepare for your ketubah signing
Approve your proof early
Your officiant will check details at the signing, so make sure they have already seen the text. At Ketubah Atelier we email a digital proof within 24 hours of your order, and we encourage you to forward it to your rabbi or officiant before you approve it.
Order with time to spare
We recommend ordering 2 to 3 months before your wedding. That leaves time for proof review, printing, framing if you choose it, and delivery. If your date is close, email quickprintsinbox@gmail.com and we will do our best to help.
Choose the right pen
Signatures should last as long as the ketubah. We recommend a Sakura Pigma Micron archival pen in black with a fine point. Its pigment ink is fade-resistant and works well on watercolor paper. A few tips:
- Practice your signature, including any Hebrew signature, on scrap paper first.
- Test the pen on a scrap of similar paper before the day.
- Bring two pens in case one goes missing.
- Let the ink dry fully before anyone moves the ketubah.
Decide: sign framed or unframed?
Signers need direct access to the paper, so the ketubah is signed before it goes behind glass. If you order a framed ketubah, simply remove the print from the frame for the signing, set it on a clean, flat surface, and return it to the frame afterward. Read our guide to framed vs. unframed ketubahs for more.
Assign a ketubah keeper
Ask a trusted friend or relative to bring the ketubah and pens to the signing, set up the table, and carry the ketubah safely to the chuppah and then home. One person in charge prevents last-minute searching.
Plan your photos
The signing is a beautiful photo moment. Let your photographer know the time and location, and choose a well-lit spot. A ketubah on a light-colored table photographs especially well.
Signing tips for interfaith and LGBTQ+ couples
Interfaith and LGBTQ+ couples often design their signing to reflect both families. You might invite a close friend from each side to serve as a witness, if your officiant agrees, or add a moment for parents to share a blessing. Our interfaith ketubahs and LGBTQ+ ketubahs can include signature lines for both partners.
Choose a ketubah worth gathering around
The signing is the moment your ketubah becomes truly yours, and it is something you will see in your home every day afterward. Explore designs like the Burgundy Tree of Life Ketubah or browse our framed ketubahs, ready to hang after the wedding. Shop all ketubahs with free personalization and a proof within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ketubah signing take?
Usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many people sign and whether there is singing, blessings or speeches. Plan it into your timeline before the ceremony.
Can the ketubah be signed after the wedding?
In Jewish tradition the ketubah is signed before the ceremony. If something unexpected happens, ask your rabbi or officiant what they recommend.
Do both partners have to sign the ketubah?
Not in Orthodox practice, where the witnesses sign. In many Conservative, Reform, interfaith and LGBTQ+ ceremonies, both partners sign. Follow your officiant's guidance.
What pen should we use to sign?
We recommend a black, fine-point Sakura Pigma Micron archival pen. Practice on scrap paper first and let the ink dry before moving the ketubah.