Can My Jewish Wedding Be Outdoors, At Sunset, or On a Farm?

Ben Silverberg
Nov 4
4 min read

Hi, I’m Cantor Ben — a Jewish Wedding Officiant serving the greater Toronto area and beyond. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of officiating traditional and modern Jewish wedding ceremonies in a wide variety of locations — from grand ballrooms to cozy backyards, from lakefront decks to mountaintop vistas.

But one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever led took place outdoors, at sunset, on a quiet family-owned farm just outside of Toronto.

This is the story of Lindsey and Adam. And if you’re wondering whether your Jewish wedding can take place outdoors, at sunset, or somewhere a little unconventional — the answer is absolutely yes.

Let me tell you why.

Meet Lindsey and Adam: A Modern Jewish Love Story

Lindsey and Adam are a proud Jewish couple from Toronto who wanted a Jewish wedding ceremony that reflected their love, values, and connection to nature. They asked the same questions many couples ask me:

• “Can we have a Jewish wedding at sunset?”

• “Do we have to get married in a synagogue?”

• “Is it okay if our Jewish wedding venue is a farm?”

• “Can a Jewish wedding officiant make it feel spiritual without being overly formal?”

Their questions were honest, heartfelt, and filled with a desire to honor Jewish tradition in a way that felt authentic and deeply personal.

As a Jewish wedding cantor who was mentored by a great Jewish wedding rabbi, I’ve learned how to preserve the timeless Jewish wedding rituals while also honoring the creativity and individuality of each couple. Lindsey and Adam’s ceremony was a perfect example.

Outdoor Jewish Weddings: Yes, They’re Absolutely Possible

Many people assume that traditional Jewish weddings can only take place in a synagogue, or that certain rules restrict when and where they can be held. The truth is, Jewish wedding customs are deeply rooted in meaning, but they are also adaptable — especially when guided by someone with experience, warmth, and spiritual understanding.

Lindsey and Adam chose to get married on a Saturday evening, just after Shabbat ended, as the sun began to set over the horizon. The lighting was golden. Their Jewish wedding chuppah was nestled between two trees with hanging string lights. Family and friends gathered on wooden benches, surrounded by rolling hills and the gentle sound of nature.

There was music, laughter, meaningful tears, and of course — joy.

And yes, we danced the Jewish wedding hora right there on the grass.

A Jewish Wedding That Honors the Past and Embraces the Present

The couple signed their Jewish wedding ketubah in a quiet moment before the guests arrived. It was one of the most emotional moments of the day. Then we stepped under the chuppah as the sun dipped lower, bathing everything in warmth and spirit.

We included all the Jewish wedding traditions that mattered to them:

• The seven blessings

• The breaking of the glass

• Personalized Jewish wedding vows

• Heartfelt readings from their loved ones

We also worked with a wonderful Jewish wedding photographer who captured every moment beautifully, and the Jewish wedding music was performed live on acoustic guitar with traditional melodies woven in.

From Jewish wedding decorations to the unique Jewish wedding invitations they created featuring watercolor illustrations of their venue, Lindsey and Adam poured their hearts into every detail. Their Jewish wedding attire mixed tradition and flair, and the Jewish wedding reception was filled with dancing, storytelling, and gourmet food from a local kosher caterer.

The Role of a Jewish Wedding Officiant Who Truly Listens

What made their day extra special was how personalized it felt. We spent time together beforehand getting to know each other — I don’t just show up to officiate. I show up already caring.

As a Jewish wedding officiant in Toronto, I believe my role is to guide couples through every aspect of Jewish wedding planning, making space for questions, ideas, and modern adaptations. The traditions are important. But so is making sure your wedding is a true reflection of you.

Lindsey and Adam didn’t want a ceremony that felt like a performance. They wanted connection, meaning, and joy.

And that’s what we created.

From Wedding to Baby Naming: The Circle of Jewish Life

A few months ago, I received an email from Lindsey and Adam. They had just welcomed a baby boy — and wanted me to officiate their Jewish baby naming ceremony.

Their words made me smile: “Ben, the ceremony you created for our wedding made such an impact on us, we can’t imagine anyone else leading our son’s Jewish newborn ceremony.”

We planned a beautiful Jewish baby naming celebration in their home, surrounded by family. I led the Jewish baby naming rituals, including readings, blessings, and a heartfelt explanation of their son’s Hebrew name. We incorporated their grandparents’ stories and brought generations together.

From their Jewish wedding celebrations to this Jewish baby naming ceremony, I was honored to witness the unfolding of their life journey.

If you’re reading this and wondering if you can start your own Jewish family story — yes, you can. Whether through a Jewish wedding, a baby naming ceremony, or both.

What If We Want a Jewish Wedding But Don’t Feel Traditional?

This is a question I get often. And here is my answer:

You don’t need to be “religious.” But if you care about Jewish identity, love, and family, you are already holding something sacred.

Modern Jewish weddings can still be filled with Jewish wedding rituals, meaning, and timeless values. You can learn, grow, and shape your ceremony with someone who respects your vision.

I only officiate weddings where couples sign both their Jewish wedding ketubah and the Ontario civil documents on the same day. This way, your ceremony is both spiritually and legally recognized — a beautiful union of tradition and commitment.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re planning a Jewish wedding in Toronto — outdoors, at sunset, in a vineyard, on a rooftop, or anywhere meaningful to you — I would be honored to guide you.

As a Jewish wedding cantor, I bring experience, empathy, and warmth to every ceremony. And as someone mentored by a beloved Jewish wedding rabbi, I bring the best of tradition too.

Whether it’s your Jewish wedding or your child’s Jewish baby naming ceremony, let’s make it a memory filled with love, meaning, and joy.