The main ketubah text options are Orthodox (traditional Aramaic), Conservative (traditional text plus the Lieberman clause), Reform, Interfaith, Same-Sex/LGBTQ+, Secular/Humanist, and custom text. Traditional texts are legal documents in Aramaic, while modern texts express mutual, egalitarian promises in Hebrew and English. The best choice depends on your officiant, your community and the tone you want.
Choosing a text can feel like the most confusing part of ordering a ketubah. This guide explains each option in plain language, so you can talk to your rabbi or officiant with confidence and choose the words that fit your marriage.
Start with your officiant
Before you fall in love with a text, ask your rabbi or officiant two questions: Do you require a specific text? and Do you want to review the ketubah before it is printed? Orthodox and Conservative rabbis often have clear requirements. Reform rabbis, cantors and other officiants are usually more flexible. At Ketubah Atelier we email a digital proof within 24 hours, so your officiant can check the wording before anything is printed.
Traditional texts
Orthodox / traditional Aramaic
This is the classic ketubah, used in its essential form for many centuries. It is written in Aramaic and reads as a legal document. In plain terms, it states that on a given Hebrew date, in a given place, the groom took the bride as his wife "according to the law of Moses and Israel." It lists his obligations to support and care for her, records the financial commitment made to her, and confirms that he accepts these obligations. Two witnesses sign it.
Good to know: The traditional text uses the couple's Hebrew names and their fathers' Hebrew names, and the date is written according to the Hebrew calendar. Because the Hebrew day begins at nightfall, a ceremony held after sunset carries the next Hebrew date. Orthodox rabbis are typically very particular about these details, so always share your proof with your rabbi.
Best for: Orthodox and traditional ceremonies.
Conservative with the Lieberman clause
The Conservative ketubah keeps the traditional Aramaic text, often with an English rendering, and adds the Lieberman clause, named for the scholar who developed it in the 1950s. The clause is an agreement that if the marriage ever ends, both partners will appear before a rabbinic court so that a Jewish divorce, called a get, can be given. Its purpose is to protect both partners, especially from the situation in which one spouse cannot remarry under Jewish law because the other refuses a get.
Best for: Couples married by a Conservative rabbi, who will often require it.
Egalitarian and modern texts
Reform
The Reform ketubah is a mutual covenant. Rather than one partner taking on obligations toward the other, both partners promise the same things: to love and cherish each other, to be honest and supportive, to create a home guided by Jewish values and open to learning and celebration, and to face life's joys and sorrows together. It is usually written in Hebrew with an English translation.
Best for: Reform and liberal ceremonies, and couples who want a heartfelt, equal text with Jewish character.
Interfaith
An interfaith ketubah celebrates a marriage that unites two backgrounds. It focuses on love, respect, and building a home that honors the heritage, values and traditions of both partners. It leaves out the traditional legal clauses that assume both partners are Jewish, and it is written in English with Hebrew. Many interfaith couples find the ketubah a meaningful way to include Jewish tradition while welcoming both families.
Best for: Couples where one partner is Jewish and the other is not. Explore our interfaith ketubahs.
Same-Sex / LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ ketubah uses inclusive, gender-neutral language, so both partners make identical promises without gendered roles. In spirit it is close to the Reform text: partnership, love, honesty, and building a Jewish home together. It is written in Hebrew and English, with Hebrew forms adjusted so that the grammar fits both partners.
Best for: Same-sex couples, nonbinary partners, and anyone who prefers gender-neutral wording. Browse our LGBTQ+ ketubahs.
Secular / Humanist
A secular ketubah keeps the form and beauty of the tradition while leaving out references to God and religious law. It speaks of love, commitment, shared values, and the family and community you will build together.
Best for: Culturally Jewish and humanist couples, and ceremonies led by a non-rabbinic officiant.
Custom text
Want to write your own vows, adapt one of our texts, or use a text your rabbi provides? Custom text is welcome. Email it to quickprintsinbox@gmail.com in English, Hebrew or both, and we will set it beautifully on your chosen design and include it in your proof for review.
Side-by-side comparison
| Text | Language | Promises | Typical officiant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthodox | Aramaic | Traditional legal obligations | Orthodox rabbi |
| Conservative | Aramaic + English | Traditional + Lieberman clause | Conservative rabbi |
| Reform | Hebrew + English | Mutual, egalitarian | Reform rabbi or cantor |
| Interfaith | English + Hebrew | Mutual, honoring two traditions | Rabbi, cantor or other officiant |
| LGBTQ+ | Hebrew + English | Mutual, gender-neutral | Rabbi, cantor or other officiant |
| Secular | Hebrew + English | Mutual, non-religious | Any officiant |
| Custom | Your choice | Your own words | Any officiant |
How to choose: four quick questions
- Who is officiating? If your rabbi requires a text, the decision is made.
- Do you want legal tradition or personal promises? Traditional texts connect you to centuries of practice; modern texts speak in your own voice.
- Do both partners share the same background? If not, an interfaith text may feel the most welcoming.
- Do you want gender-neutral language? Choose the LGBTQ+ text, or ask us about adapting another version.
The details that go with your text
Whatever text you choose, your ketubah will be personalized with your names in English and Hebrew, your wedding date, and your city and state. Traditional texts also include parents' names, and other texts may include them if you wish. Translation and Hebrew transliteration are free. If you are unsure of your Hebrew names, ask family or your rabbi, or let us transliterate your English names.
For a quick reference you can share with your partner, see our ketubah text options page.
Pairing your text with a design
Every design in our shop works with every text. A traditional Aramaic text looks stunning on the Jerusalem Blue Skyline Ketubah, while an egalitarian or LGBTQ+ text feels at home on the Twin Olive Trees Ketubah, with its two trees growing side by side. Explore Tree of Life, modern and watercolor styles to find yours.
Ready to choose?
Pick your design, select your text on the product page, and we will send a free digital proof within 24 hours for you and your officiant to review. Browse all ketubahs, starting at $108.90.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Lieberman clause?
The Lieberman clause is an addition to the Conservative ketubah, developed in the 1950s, in which both partners agree to appear before a rabbinic court if the marriage ends, so that a Jewish divorce (get) can be given. It is meant to protect both spouses.
Can we change the wording of a standard text?
Yes. You can adapt any text or send us a fully custom one. We include the final wording in your digital proof so you and your officiant can review it before printing.
Which text is best for an interfaith wedding?
Most interfaith couples choose our interfaith text, which honors both partners' backgrounds. Some prefer the Reform or Secular text. Ask your officiant, then browse interfaith ketubahs.
Does the ketubah text need Hebrew names?
Traditional texts use Hebrew names and fathers' names. Modern texts usually include Hebrew names too, alongside English. We provide Hebrew transliteration for free if you do not have Hebrew names.