Available Ketubah Texts

Descriptions of the different Ketubah Text Options

   It is very important that you check with your officiating clergy before selecting a text. There are many variations even in standard texts so you want to be sure there are no unanticipated surprises on your wedding day regarding your ketubah. We are happy to provide your officiant with a copy of the text for the ketubah that you have chosen. Just provide an email address or fax number and we'll send it over for review. This important step is worth your peace of mind.

Orthodox Ketubah Text (aka Traditional Aramaic Ketubah Text)

   This text originated during the Babylonian exile and delineates the husband's obligations toward his wife. It was designed to protect the woman's status and property in marriage and in the event of divorce or the husband's death or desertion. This text carries legal clout in contemporary courts of law as a contractual agreement. If you will be using this text, select the ketubah design first and then have your rabbi approve that artist's Aramaic text. There are some variations in spellings and you will want to be sure it fulfills your rabbi's requirements.

   The English text that accompanies an Orthodox text is not a direct translation. The English vows will vary from artist to artist so read each one to be sure that you like the wording and that your rabbi approves.

Conservative with Lieberman Clause Ketubah Text

   This text is the same as the Orthodox text with the addition of a paragraph called the Lieberman Clause. This is a legally binding agreement stating that, in the event of a civil divorce, the couple agrees to abide by the decision of the Rabbinic Assembly concerning the Jewish divorce (Gett) and most Conservative clergy require that this clause be in the ketubah. The purpose is to prevent the Gett from becoming a bargaining tool against the spouse, which would prevent the woman, in particular, from remarrying.

   The English text that accompanies an Orthodox text is not a direct translation. The English vows will vary from artist to artist so read each one to be sure that you like the wording and that your rabbi approves.

Reform Ketubah Text - (aka Egalitarian Ketubah Text)

   These vows vary from artist to artist so you should read the text that accompanies each ketubah that you are considering. They are often beautifully written expressions of love, devotion and commitment. The Hebrew is usually a direct translation of the English. Be sure your officiant approves your text choice!

Interfaith Ketubah Text

   Interfaith texts are widely available and wording varies from artist to artist. In some instances there is a complete Hebrew translation of the text. In most cases, there is a Hebrew heading containing the Hebrew date, the place of the marriage and your names, followed by the vows in English. Though most officiants will allow you free reign to choose what you like, some have specific wording that they will approve. So please check first before ordering!

Commitment Vows Ketubah Text

   Commitment vows are written to be suitable for same gender unions and are generally universally appropriate for any marriage ceremony. The wording varies from artist to artist so be sure to read each one that accompanies the artwork that you are interested in.

Anniversary Ketubah Text

   Already-married couples can add meaning to their anniversary celebration with a beautiful ketubah commemorating their years together. Many of our artists offer thoughtful texts which reflect on this event. This is a GREAT gift to present to each other or to anyone you know that is having an anniversary.

Secular Humanistic Ketubah Text

   The Association of Humanistic Rabbis and Leadership Conference of Secular and Humanistic Jews offers two texts and they are available in the artwork of several artists. One is all English and the other has a Hebrew translation. Other artists may offer a secular style text that is labeled as Humanist and is not associated with the above mentioned organization.

Sephardic Ketubah Text

   Rabbis of Sephardic communities, originally from Spain and the Mediterranean, often require a special ketubah text. Each community has their own preferred wording so you should show the rabbi the texts that some artists offer as standard to see if one is acceptable. Otherwise, a custom text can be ordered on most ketubot.

Write Your Own Ketubah Text/ Custom Text

   If you fell in love with a ketubah design but prefer to use wording that is not offered by the artist, most ketubot can accommodate a custom text.

   For lithograph prints, this involves hand-calligraphy. The price of a hand-written custom text depends on the particular artist and the number of words in your text. This option can add a few hundred dollars to the cost of your ketubah.

   For giclee prints, a custom text can usually be accomplished with computer calligraphic lettering. They look terrific and adding your own text is generally significantly less expensive than hand-calligraphy.

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