What Happens Under the Chuppah During a Jewish Wedding?

When Jaime and Steve invited me to officiate their Jewish wedding in Toronto, they had a simple but beautiful question: What exactly happens under the chuppah?

They were excited about their big day, but didn’t grow up deeply religious. While they both felt deeply connected to Jewish values and wanted to honour their heritage, they weren’t sure what each part of the Jewish wedding ceremony meant or how it would feel in the moment.

Their curiosity and care led to one of the most heartfelt and personalized Jewish wedding celebrations I’ve had the joy to lead. Today, I want to share what unfolded beneath the chuppah that day and explain why each ritual carries such emotional and spiritual meaning.

What Is a Chuppah?

The Jewish wedding chuppah is the canopy under which a couple gets married. It represents the home you will build together. The four open sides welcome family, community, and divine presence into your new life. Whether it is made of family heirlooms, modern fabrics, or simple white cloth, it is always sacred.

When Jaime and Steve stood under their chuppah at their Jewish wedding venue in Toronto, they were surrounded by those who loved them. Their parents, siblings, and best friends stood nearby. And the moment the music began, everyone knew something sacred was about to begin.

The Parts of the Ceremony

Let’s walk through the key parts of a Jewish wedding ceremony, just as I guided Jaime and Steve through them that day.

1. The Processional

Family and wedding party members walk down the aisle, followed by the couple. This is often accompanied by emotional Jewish wedding music that reflects the couple’s taste and tone for the day. Some choose a classic melody like Erev Shel Shoshanim, while others opt for a string version of a favourite song.

2. The Circling

In many Jewish wedding customs, the bride circles the groom seven times, or the couple may circle each other. This ancient ritual symbolizes building a protective wall of love and connection around your shared future.

Jaime and Steve chose to circle each other three times and then once together. It was powerful to see that moment, a silent promise before any words were spoken.

3. Welcome and Opening Words

As your Jewish wedding officiant, I always take time to welcome guests, acknowledge the couple’s story, and share a few words about the meaning of the day. At Jaime and Steve’s wedding, I spoke about their journey from college friends to life partners, and how their Jewish values guided their choices.

4. The Kiddushin — First Blessings and Ring Exchange

We recite blessings over wine, a symbol of joy and celebration. Then, the couple exchanges rings. This moment is filled with tenderness. I guide each person to say the traditional Hebrew phrase that translates to: “With this ring, you are sanctified to me according to the laws of Moses and Israel.”

Jaime’s hands trembled a little as she placed the ring on Steve’s finger. But her smile said it all. This was not just tradition. This was truth.

5. The Ketubah — Marriage Contract

Before the ceremony, the couple signs a Jewish wedding ketubah, a document that outlines their commitments to one another. Under the chuppah, I read the ketubah out loud, reminding everyone that marriage in Judaism is not just emotional, but ethical and responsible.

6. The Sheva Brachot — Seven Blessings

These seven blessings are spoken or sung over the couple. They celebrate creation, love, and the joy of community. Sometimes they are read by the Jewish wedding cantor, sometimes by family and friends.

At Jaime and Steve’s wedding, we invited their four parents and three best friends to each read a blessing. It was moving, personal, and unforgettable.

7. The Glass Breaking

At the end of the ceremony, a glass is wrapped and broken underfoot. This act reminds us that even in joyful moments, we remember the brokenness of the world and our duty to bring healing.

As Steve broke the glass, the crowd shouted “Mazel Tov!” and erupted into laughter and applause. The couple kissed, and I stepped aside so they could walk back down the aisle — now as husband and wife.

Why These Rituals Matter

Each of these rituals is rich in meaning. None are random. None are performative. Together, they tell a story of past, present, and future. They invite couples to connect deeply with Jewish wedding traditions while making space for their own voices.

I was mentored by a great Jewish wedding Rabbi, and what I learned was this: the chuppah is a container for love. Whether your wedding is traditional or modern, quiet or full of music, big or small — the chuppah creates sacred space.

More Than One Moment

For Jaime and Steve, the rituals under the chuppah were just the beginning. Their Jewish wedding reception was full of music, hugs, and joyful dancing. Their Jewish wedding photographer captured the Jewish wedding hora perfectly — Steve lifted high on a chair, laughing, holding Jaime’s hand.

They later reached out for help planning a baby naming ceremony Jewish style for their niece. It reminded me that every milestone in Jewish life is connected. From weddings to Jewish newborn ceremonies, to adult education and celebration, we honour life at every stage.

Some couples I marry return years later for Jewish baby naming services. Others pursue adult Bar Mitzvah or adult Bat Mitzvah through online Jewish classes or Judaism classes online. The chuppah is a beginning, not an ending.

Final Thought

When you stand under the chuppah, you are standing in a sacred space built on thousands of years of tradition. But what makes it truly holy is your intention, your love, and your willingness to build something lasting.

If you are planning your wedding and wondering what your ceremony could feel like — I invite you to reach out. As a Jewish wedding cantor serving Toronto and beyond, I will walk with you, guide you, and help you create something unforgettable.

You do not need to be religious to create a ceremony that is meaningful. You only need to bring your heart.

Let’s build your chuppah — together.

Warmly,

Cantor Ben