What’s the Difference Between a Rabbi and a Cantor — and Which One Should Officiate My Wedding?

When Sara and Benji first reached out to me from their home in midtown Toronto, they were planning a beautiful Jewish wedding but found themselves unsure about a question many couples quietly wonder:

“Is it okay if a Cantor — not a Rabbi — officiates our wedding?”

They had already decided they wanted a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony filled with meaningful blessings, music, and rituals. But they weren’t part of a synagogue and didn’t have an ongoing relationship with a Rabbi. When they came across my site and read about my work as a Jewish wedding officiant, they felt a sense of connection and possibility.

Still, they had a few concerns. Was it kosher for a Cantor to marry them? Would their wedding be legally recognized? Would their ceremony feel authentically Jewish?

The answer to all three questions: absolutely yes.

Let me explain why.

What’s the Traditional Role of a Rabbi in a Jewish Wedding?

A Jewish Wedding Rabbi is a spiritual leader trained in halacha (Jewish law), Jewish education, and community leadership. Rabbis often officiate lifecycle events like weddings, baby namings, and funerals. Many Rabbis are affiliated with synagogues and are seen as the authority on matters of Jewish law and tradition.

For some couples, especially those who grew up with strong synagogue ties or specific denominational needs, a Rabbi might feel like the natural choice to officiate their Jewish wedding ceremony.

What About a Cantor?

As a Jewish Wedding Cantor, I serve as both a spiritual leader and a musical guide, blending deep tradition with emotional connection and personal storytelling. Cantors are formally trained in Jewish liturgy and melody, and many — like myself — have officiated hundreds of weddings, baby namings, and other Jewish rituals.

But here’s what often surprises couples:

A Cantor is just as valid and recognized as a Rabbi when it comes to officiating your Jewish wedding — both spiritually and legally.

The Legality Question — Let’s Clear It Up

Let’s get to the heart of what many couples wonder but may not ask directly.

“Will my wedding still be legal if a Cantor officiates?”

The answer is yes — when your officiant is both a recognized Jewish clergy member and holds an official Ontario marriage license.

I am proud to share that I am fully licensed by the Province of Ontario to conduct legal civil marriages. This means that when I marry a couple, I am not only guiding them through a sacred Jewish wedding ceremony, I am also ensuring that all civil documentation is properly completed and submitted.

And here is a deeply important note for couples considering working with me:

I will only officiate Jewish weddings where the couple signs both their Jewish Ketubah and Ontario civil marriage documents on the same day.

This ensures that your wedding is both spiritually sacred and legally binding, with no ambiguity or delay between the two.

Whether your ceremony is held under a chuppah in a downtown Jewish wedding venue, a backyard in Forest Hill, or a winery in Niagara, the marriage will be 100 percent legally recognized in Ontario and beyond.

Why Sara and Benji Chose a Cantor

Sara and Benji knew they wanted more than a cookie-cutter wedding. They wanted someone who would listen deeply, understand their values, and help them create a ceremony that reflected who they truly are.I learned what they love about each other, how they met and gong engaged, why they are choosing to marry one another and I weaved that into their wedding ceremony.

We spent time together on Zoom and in person, mapping out each detail of their Jewish wedding rituals — from the Ketubah signing to the Jewish wedding vows to the emotional reading of the Sheva Brachot and the joyous moment of breaking the glass.

Their ceremony was infused with Jewish wedding music, heartfelt words, warm storytelling, and a feeling of deep connection to their families and heritage.

And yes — it was also fully legal, fully spiritual, and fully unforgettable.

Should You Choose a Rabbi or a Cantor?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. But here are a few things to consider when choosing your Jewish wedding officiant:

Choose a Rabbi if:

• You have an existing connection with a Rabbi you trust and admire

• You belong to a synagogue and want your Rabbi to officiate

Choose a Cantor if:

• You want a personalized ceremony that tells your love story

• You value music, warmth, and emotional connection

• You want someone who blends Jewish tradition with modern understanding• You need someone who is both a Jewish spiritual leader and a licensed civil officiant in Ontario

Both paths are valid. The most important thing is that you feel seen, heard, and guided with care.

Beyond the Wedding — A Journey with Your Officiant

A beautiful part of working with couples like Sara and Benji is continuing the relationship long after the wedding.

Not long ago, they reached out to me again with joyous news — they were welcoming their first child and wanted me to lead a Jewish baby naming ceremony in their home.

It was an honor to bring together family, melody, and tradition to welcome their daughter with a moving Jewish newborn ceremony rooted in love and heritage.

Whether it’s a Jewish baby naming celebration, a Jewish naming ceremony invitation, or a music-filled Jewish baby naming reception, I guide each family with the same care and presence I bring to weddings.

Final Thought: It’s Your Story

Your Jewish wedding is not a performance. It’s the beginning of your marriage. Every word, every ritual, every blessing should reflect you.

Whether you are planning a Modern Jewish Wedding with a contemporary vibe or a Traditional Jewish Wedding steeped in custom, the right officiant can help make it sacred, legal, and deeply meaningful.

If you are looking for someone who:

• Honors tradition while celebrating your individuality

• Guides you through each step of the ceremony

• Brings warmth, storytelling, and music to every moment

• Is fully authorized by the Province of Ontario to marry couples legally• Believes that your love deserves intention and care

Then let’s talk.

I am Cantor Ben — not a Rabbi — but a deeply experienced Jewish Wedding Cantor mentored by one of the great Jewish wedding Rabbis in Toronto.

And I would be honored to help you create a Jewish wedding ceremony that is authentic, legal, and unforgettable.