A ketubah (plural: ketubot) is a Jewish marriage contract. Traditionally written in Aramaic, it records the commitments a couple makes to each other, is signed by two witnesses shortly before the wedding ceremony, and is often read aloud under the chuppah. Today, many couples choose a ketubah that is also a work of art and hang it in their home for a lifetime.
Whether you grew up attending Jewish weddings or are encountering the tradition for the first time, this guide explains what a ketubah is, where it comes from, what it says, and how modern couples make it their own.
The meaning of the word "ketubah"
The word ketubah (כתובה) comes from the Hebrew root meaning "to write." Put simply, it is "the written document" of the marriage. In Jewish tradition, marriage is both a sacred bond and a set of mutual responsibilities, and the ketubah is where those responsibilities are put in writing.
A brief history of the ketubah
The ketubah is one of the oldest continuously used legal documents in the world. Its roots go back more than two thousand years, to the era of the Second Temple and the early rabbinic sages, and its standard form is discussed in the Mishnah and Talmud.
At its core, the traditional ketubah was a protective document for the bride. In a world where women had few legal rights, it set out the husband's obligations to provide for his wife, including food, clothing and marital intimacy, and it guaranteed her a financial settlement if the marriage ended through divorce or the husband's death. Rabbinic tradition saw it as a way to make divorce a serious step rather than a casual one.
Over the centuries, Jewish communities from Italy to Persia to Yemen turned the ketubah into a canvas for art, decorating it with illuminated borders, floral motifs, city views and symbols of blessing. That tradition of beauty is why so many couples today think of the ketubah as both a contract and a cherished heirloom.
What does a ketubah say?
The content depends on the text version you choose. Broadly, there are two families of text.
Traditional (Orthodox and Conservative)
The traditional ketubah is written in Aramaic, the everyday legal language of Jews in the Talmudic era. It records the Hebrew date and location of the wedding, the couple's Hebrew names and their fathers' names, the groom's obligations, and the financial terms. Conservative ketubot usually add the Lieberman clause, developed in the 1950s, in which the couple agrees to come before a rabbinic court if the marriage ends so that a Jewish divorce (a get) can be properly given.
Egalitarian and modern texts
Reform, interfaith, LGBTQ+ and secular ketubot are usually written in Hebrew and English. Instead of one-sided legal obligations, they express mutual promises: to love, honor and support one another, to build a home rooted in shared values, and to grow together. You can read a plain-language overview of every version on our ketubah text options page.
Who signs the ketubah, and when?
Traditionally, the ketubah is signed by two witnesses before the ceremony, often at a gathering called the tish or in a quiet room with family and close friends. In Orthodox practice, the witnesses must be observant Jewish men who are not related to the couple or to each other, and the couple themselves do not need to sign. In many liberal communities, the couple and the officiant sign as well, and witnesses may be chosen more broadly, depending on the officiant.
The ketubah is then often read aloud under the chuppah, sometimes in both Aramaic or Hebrew and English, so guests can hear the promises being made. For a full walkthrough, see our guide to the ketubah signing.
Is a ketubah legally binding?
A ketubah is a religious document under Jewish law. It does not replace a civil marriage license in the United States. Most couples sign both: the ketubah as part of their Jewish wedding and the state marriage license as required by law. Whether a ketubah carries any weight in civil court is a legal question that varies, so speak with a lawyer if that matters to you.
Who can have a ketubah?
Today, a ketubah is for any couple who wants one. Orthodox couples use the traditional Aramaic text. Conservative and Reform couples choose texts that reflect their movement. Interfaith couples often choose a ketubah that honors both partners' backgrounds, and same-sex couples choose inclusive, egalitarian language. Secular and humanist couples treasure the ketubah as a cultural tradition, using a text without religious references.
If you are planning an interfaith wedding, explore our interfaith ketubahs. Same-sex couples can browse LGBTQ+ ketubahs. Every design can be paired with any text.
What does a modern ketubah look like?
Modern ketubot range from classic to contemporary. Popular styles include:
- Tree of Life designs, a symbol of growth, family and continuity. See our Tree of Life ketubahs or the Burgundy Tree of Life Ketubah.
- Jerusalem skylines, connecting your home to the heart of Jewish history, like the Jerusalem Blue Skyline Ketubah. Browse more Jerusalem ketubahs.
- Watercolor florals and botanicals, soft and romantic. See watercolor ketubahs and the Twin Olive Trees Ketubah.
- Modern and minimalist designs with clean lines and generous white space. Browse modern ketubahs.
- Papercut ketubahs, with layered papercut over hand-painted watercolor for depth and texture. See papercut ketubahs.
How to get a personalized ketubah
Ordering a ketubah is easier than many couples expect. At Ketubah Atelier, the process looks like this:
- Choose a design and size. Square sizes run from 14x14 to 24x24 inches; vertical designs from 9x12 to 18x24 inches.
- Decide on framing. Order unframed, or framed in Black, White, Silver or Gold and ready to hang.
- Add your details. Names in English and Hebrew, parents' names (optional), date, city and state, and your text version. Translation and Hebrew transliteration are free.
- Approve your proof. We email a digital proof within 24 hours so you and your rabbi or officiant can review it.
- Receive your ketubah. We print on 340 gsm archival watercolor paper with pigment inks and ship flat, with free shipping within the USA.
We suggest ordering 2 to 3 months before the wedding for a relaxed timeline. Need it sooner? Email quickprintsinbox@gmail.com with your date and we will do our best. Read the full steps on our How to Order page.
Where to display your ketubah after the wedding
Many couples hang their ketubah in the living room, bedroom or entryway, where it serves as a daily reminder of their promises. Because our prints use archival paper and pigment inks, they are made to last. Hang your ketubah away from direct sunlight to keep the colors vivid for years to come.
Find your ketubah
A ketubah is one of the few wedding objects you will see every day for the rest of your life. Take your time, choose a design that feels like the two of you, and let the words reflect the marriage you are building. Browse all ketubahs, prints start at $108.90, with free personalization and a proof within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ketubah required for a Jewish wedding?
In traditional Jewish law, a ketubah is required, and the wedding should not take place without one. Many liberal Jewish weddings also include a ketubah, though the text and signing customs vary. Your rabbi or officiant can tell you what they require.
Who keeps the ketubah after the wedding?
Traditionally, the ketubah belongs to the bride, who keeps it safe. Today, most couples simply display it together in their home.
What language is a ketubah written in?
The traditional ketubah is written in Aramaic. Modern texts are usually in Hebrew and English, and custom texts can be written in the language of your choice.
Can an interfaith or same-sex couple have a ketubah?
Yes. Interfaith and LGBTQ+ texts are widely used today. Browse our interfaith and LGBTQ+ collections, or pair any design with the text you prefer.