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Ketubah 101: Everything You Need to Know about the Ketubah

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Alana and TJ‘s Jewish Wedding | Photo by EFEGE

Your ketubah is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a beautiful, meaningful document that represents your love, commitment, and the unique story of your marriage. But if you’re just diving into the world of Jewish wedding planning, you might be wondering: What exactly is the significance of a ketubah? Do we really need one? How do we pick the right one for us?

To answer all these questions (and many, many more!), we sat down with Adam Paskow, founder of Judaica brand Tchotchke, to get the lowdown on all things ketubah. 

Evilish Eye Ketubah

Tchotchke, best known for their playful menorahs, mezuzahs, and kiddush cups, has just launched their brand new ketubah line. Featuring whimsical designs with a nod to tradition, each piece is designed for couples who feel that Judaism is an expression of ourselves and the spaces we inhabit. Based in New York City and shipping internationally, Tchotchke’s ketubah designs are some of the coolest we’ve seen—and we see a lot!

Papercut Ketubah

Whether you’re looking for guidance on selecting a design, navigating different text options, or even choosing the best pen for signing, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for your ultimate ketubah crash course.

Ketubah 101

Alana and TJ‘s Jewish Wedding | Photo by EFEGE

What is a ketubah?

Simply put, a ketubah is a Jewish wedding contract. It was originally created to financially protect women in case of divorce or widowhood, and ensure that the wife was properly cared for throughout the marriage. For most of us these days, it’s more of a symbolic representation of a couple’s union.

Why should we get a ketubah?

The reason to get a ketubah has evolved for most of us—what was once a legal document, for many people, is now a personal artifact from the most magical and transformative day of your life. We believe that couples should have a ketubah they want to hang proudly in their home not only for sentimental reasons, but also to celebrate their Judaism, regardless of what Judaism means to them. It’s our responsibility to fill our homes with Jewish art to preserve our history, customs and culture.

Full Cup Ketubah

What does a ketubah say?

We have many options of ketubah text to choose from, as well as an option to write your own. While these days, different denominations have different requirements and allowances for ketubah text, it is essentially a contract between partners on their wedding day, stating their obligations to each other. Some denominations use text that is relatively standardized, for example, an Orthodox ketubah does not generally differ from couple to couple, whereas a secular couple may choose to write their own ketubah, treating it more like an extension of their vows.

Petals Ketubah

Can we have a ketubah for our interfaith wedding?

Absolutely. We have an interfaith text option that celebrates mutual respect, understanding and compassion for each other’s beliefs while recognizing that shared religion isn’t a necessary ingredient for a healthy, happy, fulfilling union.  

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A New Venue for London Jewish Weddings: Introducing the Natural History Museum’s New Garden Kitchen

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If you’re looking for a breathtaking venue for your Jewish wedding in London, we’ve got exciting news for you. The Natural History Museum, one of the most majestic wedding venues in the capital, has just launched a stunning new indoor-outdoor event space – the Garden Kitchen.

The Natural History Museum has long been a favourite for couples seeking a wedding with a touch of grandeur, thanks to its famous Romanesque arches, jaw-dropping exhibits, and of course the iconic Hope the blue whale. And now, with the introduction of the Garden Kitchen as a new space perfect for an indoor-outdoor Jewish wedding, you have even more ways to make your wedding day truly extraordinary.

All About the Garden Kitchen

Nestled in the museum’s beautifully transformed Evolution Garden, the Garden Kitchen offers an open-plan space with wooden beams and expansive windows that allow natural light to flood in. Available for exclusive hire after museum hours, the Garden Kitchen is the perfect venue for any summer evening celebration, from a chic reception to a full-scale wedding.

Just imagine standing under the chuppah under the gaze of Fern the Diplodocus, surrounded by flowers, plants, and the sounds of nature (yes, even in bustling South Kensington you really will feel like you’re nestled in a calm oasis away from it all). The Garden Kitchen can accommodate up to 300 guests for standing, or 100 for a seated dinner.

A Natural History Museum Wedding

The Garden Kitchen is just the beginning when it comes to the museum’s wedding offerings. With the adjoining Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens, the grand Hintze Hall (accommodating 450 for dinner and dancing), and the more intimate Earth Hall (accommodating 200 for dinner and dancing), the museum has spaces perfect for all kinds of Jewish weddings. If you’re planning a really big bash, you could even hire the whole museum: for the first time, the Natural History Museum is offering exclusive full-day hire of its entire venue!

Jewish Wedding Experts

In addition to the breathtaking spaces, another perk of getting married at the Natural History Museum is that the dedicated events team are seasoned Jewish wedding pros. They know all the ins and outs that make Jewish weddings so special, and they’ll be on hand to assist you from the planning stage right through to delivery on the day. And with kosher catering partner Dvash available to provide contemporary gourmet cuisine for couples who require kosher certification, you’ve got everything you need for the Jewish wedding of your dreams.

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Why Crystal Springs Resort Is the Perfect Spot for Your New York Metro Jewish Wedding Weekend

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Photo by Uri Arnson Wedding Photography 

If you’re dreaming of a New York-area wedding weekend that combines the charm of the countryside with all the luxury and sophistication you could ask for, we’ve got just the place for you: Crystal Springs Resort. Nestled in New Jersey’s Sussex County, just an hour from New York City, this incredible destination offers the ideal setting for a Jewish wedding weekend filled with unforgettable moments.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

The Resort offers a variety of different venues that can accommodate large parties, with spaces to suit the Jewish wedding of your dreams and accommodate each part of your special day.

Each season at Crystal Springs Resort has its own special attractions. In spring and summer, enjoy the rural landscape and relaxed pace that make a country escape enticing. If you love the bright colors of fall, get ready for a spectacular panorama as the mountains shimmer with gorgeous red and gold leaves. In winter, you and your guests can add some excitement to your stay with nearby skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing.

Photo by Tom Haas

Your Wedding Weekend, Your Way

Kick off the festivities with a welcome reception and set the tone for an amazing and unforgettable gathering, and spend a day before the wedding bonding with your nearest and dearest over rounds of golf, spa days, invigorating outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the resort’s breathtaking mountain views.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

Then, celebrate your nuptials with breathtaking sunsets and mountain views, followed by an unparalleled cocktail hour and extraordinary reception.

Photo by Anthony Ziccardi Studios

Keep the celebration going with an over-the-top after party and exceptional brunch to round out your most memorable weekend ever. At Crystal Springs Resort, your celebration is more than a wedding—it’s a weekend-long love story, shared with those who matter most.

Photo by Custom by Nicole 

A Venue as Unique as Your Vision

Crystal Springs Resort boasts four exceptional properties, each with a variety of spaces to suit your specific style, guest count, and budget. Whether you envision a grand ballroom affair or a rustic outdoor celebration, you’ll find the perfect venue here.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

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Farewell to a Bridal Icon: Find Your Dream Dress for up to 75% Off at Steven Birnbaum’s Closing Sale, December 4 – 15

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It’s the end of an era in the bridal world. After over 40 years of crafting breathtaking gowns for brides and eveningwear aficionados alike, the legendary Steven Birnbaum is closing the doors of his Chelsea, NYC, atelier. As he prepares to step into a well-earned retirement, he’s offering one final gift to the brides-to-be of the world: a farewell sale of one-of-a-kind couture pieces at an incredible 70-75% off retail prices.

For those who know Steven’s work, this is a bittersweet moment. His designs have graced countless weddings, galas, and celebrations, each piece lovingly created with the skill and artistry that comes from decades of dedication.

From his beginnings in costume design, creating pieces for theatre and dance that balanced beauty with functionality, to his celebrated collaboration with Robert Bullock in launching Birnbaum & Bullock in 1998, Steven’s commitment to elegance, ease, and craftsmanship has always been unmatched.

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An Iconic London Wedding Venue Gets Even Better: Introducing the Natural History Museum’s Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens

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Image by Matt Chung Photo 

It’s no secret that the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most breathtaking Jewish wedding venues.

The Natural History Museum has long been admired for its range of majestic indoor spaces – you might have seen stunning photos of unforgettable receptions in the Grade I listed Romanesque building’s Hintze Hall, with Hope the blue whale suspended from the ceiling – and they’ve just added a gorgeous new outdoor option to their repertoire.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

The Perfect Outdoor Venue in Central London

With this summer’s opening of the new Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens, the Natural History Museum has acquired a new indoor/outdoor venue space perfect for a drinks reception on a summer evening – or even an outdoor chuppah, right in the middle of central London.

Team STG was lucky enough to attend the opening event inaugurating the new space, and we were so impressed with how quiet and peaceful the gardens feel, despite being nestled in the heart of bustling South Kensington. Set back from the surrounding streets, with lots of greenery and trees to block out the sounds and sights of the big city, it’s truly a serene oasis – something that’s not easy to find in a central London wedding venue.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

Gardens Galore

And of course we also love that there’s so much for your guests to see and learn as they take in the spaces: the Evolution Garden is a path through 2.7 billion years of our planet’s history, told through an immersive timeline of plants, rocks of different geological periods from across the UK, and the Nature Discovery Garden features different habitats represent the rich biodiversity that can be found in the UK’s urban spaces. And to mark the opening of the gardens, a  new bronze cast of the museum’s much-loved Diplodocus Fern has been unveiled, ready for your photo ops.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

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