Do I Really Need a Ketubah for My Jewish Wedding in Ontario?

When Ashley and Brad invited me into their home in Toronto to discuss their upcoming Jewish wedding, the excitement was already bubbling. They had chosen a beautiful Jewish wedding venue by the lake, picked their flowers, and even designed their Jewish wedding chuppah.

But as we sat down at their kitchen table with mugs of tea in hand, Ashley leaned in and asked something I’ve heard many times from couples who want meaning but also clarity:

“Do we really need a Ketubah? Is it just symbolic or actually required in Ontario?”

It’s an important question. And as a Jewish wedding officiant who was mentored by a great Jewish wedding Rabbi, but who is a Cantor, not a Rabbi, I always answer with both tradition and transparency.

Let’s explore what the Ketubah truly represents, whether it’s legally required in Ontario, and why I only officiate weddings that include both a Ketubah and a civil marriage license signed on the same day.

What Is a Ketubah?

The Jewish wedding Ketubah is a Jewish wedding contract. One of the oldest surviving legal documents in any culture, the Ketubah dates back over 2,000 years.

Traditionally, it outlined the husband’s obligations to his wife — financial protection, care, and respect — at a time when women had few legal rights. In today’s modern Jewish world, the Ketubah has evolved into something far more personal and poetic.

It is now a spiritual agreement — a sacred vow written and signed before the ceremony begins, often in a quiet, emotional moment surrounded by close family. It reflects not just ancient obligations, but present-day values: love, respect, partnership, and shared purpose.

Is a Ketubah Legally Required in Ontario?

No. In Ontario, the legal requirement for marriage is to complete and sign a civil marriage license issued by the province. This is the document that makes a couple legally married in the eyes of the law.

But just because something isn’t legally required doesn’t mean it isn’t deeply meaningful.

Here’s the truth: While you can get married in Ontario without a Ketubah, you cannot be married by me without one.

My Personal Standard as Your Jewish Wedding Cantor

Every couple deserves a ceremony that is honest, intentional, and rooted in shared values. That’s why I have one clear rule:

I only officiate Jewish weddings where both the Ketubah and the Ontario civil marriage license are signed on the same day.

This is not about formality. It’s about integrity. When a couple invites me to be part of their most sacred day, I hold space for both their Jewish identity and their legal commitment. These two documents — the Ketubah and the civil license — are not in competition. They complement one another.

Together, they reflect both who you are as a couple in your hearts and how your union is recognized in your community and country.

Ashley and Brad’s Story

Ashley and Brad weren’t sure at first. They loved the idea of tradition but worried the Jewish wedding Ketubah might feel too “old school.”

So I asked them, “What kind of home do you want to build together?”

They said, “One filled with kindness, Jewish values, music, and shared laughter.”

I replied, “Then let’s put that into your Ketubah.”

We worked together to create a custom Ketubah that reflected their hearts. We included their personal Jewish wedding vows, not just historical phrases. We made it modern, meaningful, and uniquely theirs.

On their wedding day, we gathered in a quiet room at their Jewish wedding venue with their parents and two witnesses. They signed their Jewish wedding Ketubah with shaking hands and full hearts. Moments later, they signed their Ontario marriage license — affirming that their commitment was both spiritual and legal, Jewish and civic.

It was complete. And it was unforgettable.

Why This Matters

In a world where weddings can feel rushed or transactional, the act of signing a Ketubah and marriage license together brings couples back to intention.

It says:

We are choosing to honor both our past and our future.

We are grounding our love in Jewish wisdom and civic responsibility.

We are beginning this life together with truth and clarity.

Whether you are planning a modern Jewish wedding, a traditional Jewish wedding, or something in between, this combination of Jewish wedding rituals and legal marriage is what makes the day complete.

Beyond the Wedding: Building a Jewish Life

Months after their ceremony, Ashley and Brad reached out again. They were expecting a baby. This time, they asked me to officiate their Jewish baby naming ceremony in Toronto.

Once again, we crafted something beautiful and intentional. Their daughter’s Jewish baby naming celebration included music, blessings, a meaningful Jewish baby naming invitation, and prayers spoken from the heart.

Just like their wedding, the Jewish newborn ceremony was built on a foundation of identity, joy, and purpose. It’s the kind of full-circle moment that reminds me why I do what I do.

Final Thoughts

So, do you need a Ketubah?

Legally in Ontario? No.But spiritually? Emotionally?If you want your ceremony to reflect your Jewish values, your mutual respect, and your long-term vision — then absolutely yes.

If you are planning a Jewish wedding in Toronto, looking for a trusted Jewish wedding officiant, or simply want to understand how to blend Jewish wedding traditions with modern meaning, I would be honored to walk with you.

Let’s craft a ceremony that is joyful, grounded, and true to who you are — with a Ketubah and a civil license signed together, just as it should be.