What are the main Jewish wedding traditions and customs in the UK?

The ceremony takes place under a chuppah, a canopy that represents the home you will build together. The couple signs a ketubah, a marriage contract that sets out the groom's responsibilities to his wife. In many communities the bride walks around the groom seven times, symbolising the building of a new life. Some couples choose to circle each other instead.

The ceremony ends with the groom breaking a glass under his foot, a reminder of sorrow even in joy and of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Guests shout 'Mazel Tov!' to celebrate. Many couples also share a cup of wine and a festive meal follows, often with a sheva brachot, the seven blessings, said over wine.

Timing and dress follow community custom. Some couples fast until the ceremony, and a wedding can be scheduled around the Jewish calendar. A wedding during certain weeks of the year may not be permitted, and the week of Passover is often avoided.

For the legal side, a Jewish ceremony is only legally binding in England and Wales if it takes place in a building registered for marriages with an authorised person present. Many couples arrange a short civil ceremony at a register office first, or add one afterwards. Check GOV.UK and speak to your rabbi and the register office about what you need.