What to Include in Your Ketubah Text: A Guide for Couples

Choosing the text for your ketubah is one of the most meaningful parts of wedding planning. Your ketubah text captures the essence of your relationship, your commitments, and your shared values. Here’s a guide to help you create the perfect wording for this special document:

1. The Basics: Names and Date

Start with the essentials:

Full names of the couple.
Wedding date, often written in both the secular and Hebrew calendar.
Location of the ceremony.

These details ground the ketubah in your unique moment.

2. Traditional or Modern Wording

Decide on the tone and style:

Traditional: Reflects Jewish law, written in Hebrew or Aramaic, and includes vows and obligations.
Modern: Focuses on equality, love, and personal promises, often blending cultural and secular elements.
Interfaith or Secular: Incorporates language that reflects both partners’ beliefs or a universal tone of commitment.

3. Personal Commitments

Many couples choose to personalize their ketubah text to reflect their unique relationship. Include:

Promises to support and cherish one another.
Shared values, like building a home filled with love and laughter.
A vision for your future together.

4. Religious or Cultural Elements

For couples incorporating religious traditions, consider adding:

Biblical verses or blessings.
Symbolic phrases like “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li” (“I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine”).

5. Language Options

Ketubahs often feature multiple languages, such as:

Hebrew and English (or other native languages).
A poetic translation alongside the original text.

6. Signature Spaces

Leave room for signatures:

The couple.
Witnesses.
Rabbi or officiant, if applicable.

7. Special Touches

Enhance your ketubah text with:

A meaningful quote or line from a song, poem, or scripture.
Personal anecdotes or references to your love story.

Final Thoughts

Your ketubah text is a beautiful expression of your love and values. Take time to collaborate with your partner, officiant, or ketubah artist to ensure the wording feels deeply personal and meaningful. Whether you go traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, your ketubah will be a timeless reminder of the promises you’ve made to each other.