Planning A Jewish-Catholic Wedding: A Guide To Merging Traditions

Planning a Jewish-Catholic wedding can be a tricky process, but with some work, it is possible to bring two faiths together into an interfaith ceremony that is meaningful and memorable. Couples have options when it comes to prayers, readings, vows and blessings, and can include ceremonies of other traditions. It is important to work closely with both families to ensure their comfort and to create a ceremony that blends their respective faiths.

The ceremony

Planning a Jewish-Catholic wedding ceremony can be a tricky but rewarding process. It is a sacred union of two people and a fusion of two families from different faiths, so it should be beautifully organised and pay homage to both religions.

The attire

When it comes to attire, there are a few things to consider for a Jewish-Catholic wedding.

For men, black tie is usually optional, but if you don't want to wear a tuxedo, a buttoned shirt with long sleeves is a good alternative. Men are also expected to wear a kippah, a small brimless hat worn by Jewish men during religious ceremonies and prayers (and sometimes as part of their daily dress). The kippah is usually gifted by the wedding couple to their guests.

For women, the dress code depends on the type of Jewish wedding. In Orthodox Jewish weddings, women are expected to wear long dresses or skirts that fall below the knee, covering their shoulders and elbows, and pantyhose or stockings. Married women should also cover their hair. Modern Orthodox Jewish weddings are more lenient when it comes to dress length and sleeve length, while Conservative Jewish weddings are still modest but less strict. Reform Jewish weddings have no specific dress code requirements.

The readings

Planning a Jewish-Catholic wedding can be tricky, but it's a wonderful opportunity to pay homage to both religions and bring two families together.

Couples have options when it comes to readings, prayers, vows and blessings, and can include ceremonies of other traditions. It's important to consult with your priest or rabbi to further customise the ceremony and ensure it blends both faiths.

Couples can choose to include a Bible reading, scripture readings from Proverbs and Corinthians, and a Ketubah signing ceremony. The priest and rabbi can each give a welcome and a blessing, and the couple can invite friends to give blessings of their choosing. The priest can say the traditional vows, while the rabbi can do the exchange of rings. The couple can also write and say their own additional vows to each other.

The Jewish 'breaking of the glass' ceremony is a popular inclusion, as is the Catholic Unity Candle ritual, where the couple lights a larger centre candle using two smaller candles to symbolise their union.

The vows

Jewish-Catholic weddings are a sacred union of couples and a fusion of families from different faiths. The ceremony should pay homage to both religions and be meticulously planned.

Couples have options when it comes to the vows, prayers, readings and blessings, and can include ceremonies of other traditions. It is recommended to consult with your priest or rabbi to further customise the ceremony.

The ceremony begins when the bride and groom are together under the Chuppah. The rabbi will welcome family and friends and say something along the lines of: "Welcome family and friends, today is a wonderful day. It is an honour and a pleasure to be here co-officiating with [name of priest]. Today, [names of couple] have chosen to marry."

After the exchange of vows in the Catholic church, there is a single blessing called the Nuptial blessing. In this blessing, the priest prays for the wedding couple and asks God for their long togetherness, joyful destiny, and blessings of children. Often the couple will light a Unity Candle as a symbol that they are becoming one in marriage.

The blessings

A Jewish-Catholic wedding is a sacred union of two people and a fusion of two families from different faiths. It is an emotional and joyful day for the couple and their families, marking the start of a new chapter of life.

The wedding ceremony should pay homage to both religions, and the couple and their families should feel comfortable to openly share their specific preferences and other elements that they wish to include in the ceremony.

The Nuptial blessing is a single blessing that occurs after the exchange of vows in the Catholic church. During this blessing, the priest prays for the wedding couple and asks God for their long togetherness, joyful destiny, and blessings of children. The couple may also light a Unity Candle, symbolising that they are becoming one in marriage.

Couples have options as to prayers, readings, vows and blessings, and the inclusion of ceremonies of other traditions. The couple should consult with their priest or rabbi to further customise the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions