Frequently Asked Questions
A one-minute introduction to the ketubah tradition from BimBam (formerly G-dcast), featuring a Ketubah Arts design.
Basics
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A ketubah is a traditional Jewish marriage contract that documents the agreement between spouses. It is a very old custom, dating back thousands of years in slightly different forms.
Traditional ketubot (plural of ketubah) outline the groom’s obligations to the bride, including financial support during the marriage and after, in case of death or divorce, according to Jewish religious rules (Orthodox and Conservative). The groom offers terms and the bride agrees. The contract between the bride and groom is read aloud and agreed to in the presence of witnesses and signed by two witnesses. The preparation of the agreement is often supervised by a rabbi. This agreement may be used as a civil legal contract in some jurisdictions.
Egalitarian ketubot are mutual, meaning that both partners agree to shared commitments that may be practical, financial, symbolic, or emotional. The contract between the spouses is read aloud, signed by both spouses and 2 (or more) witnesses and often, but not always, the officiant. Most Progressive texts are egalitarian, even when not labeled as such.
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The basis of all Jewish weddings is the ketubah. The act of reading it aloud, agreeing to the terms in front of witnesses, and signing the ketubah is what makes a couple married according to Jewish tradition.
If a rabbi or cantor is officiating, you will need a ketubah of some kind. Some couples use a basic form provided by their officiant and keep it with their other documents. It is not necessary to have an elaborate or large decorative ketubah.
It is traditional to read aloud the ketubah during the ceremony and display it at the reception. Because it‘s part of the wedding, many couples choose a document that reflects their style.
After the wedding, couples often frame and display their beautiful ketubah in their home for the duration of their marriage.
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You don’t have to be religious or even Jewish to have a ketubah. It is an agreement between partners and doesn’t represent an act of faith, although many couples do include statements about Jewish identity or having a Jewish home together. Many couples use it as a symbolic declaration of partnership and a lovely way to preserve the meaningful and important promises you make to each other in whatever language or style suits you.
If you are Jewish but not having a Jewish wedding, having a ketubah is a nice, low-entry way to include your heritage in the wedding. If your partner is not Jewish, often they enjoy the custom.
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The best starting point is choosing your text. To simplify the process, I recommend beginning with the TEXT GUIDE page. You can read short descriptions of the different kinds of texts (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Progressive, Interfaith and LGBTQ+) and see what texts are available in each category, or browse the entire collection.
Once you choose your text, you can choose a design or a DIY ketubah.
Practical Considerations
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All ketubot are individually prepared and made to order for specific couples. Each is proofed, customized, and produced through a process designed for accuracy and speed.
Printed ketubot are available as:
Art Ketubot: all designs are exclusive to Ketubah Arts and created from a fine-art perspective.
DIY Ketubot: professionally prepared, formatted text layouts that can be hand-decorated or used as-is.
Both are printed with archival inks on fine-art materials (see Materials page).
DIY ketubot are also available in digital formats for couples who wish to print their own.
For those comfortable formatting Hebrew and English text, text licenses are available (see individual text pages to purchase - they are listed as “Want to use this text for calligraphy or graphic design?”). Licensed texts may be provided as blank Hebrew/English pairs or as professionally prepared versions without layout formatting.
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Prices vary by format, size, and material. I prepare every order to the same standard, and I structure pricing so I earn about the same amount no matter the size or material. I choose to do this so that couples may trust my recommendations and I have no pressure to upsell. All prices are listed in USD but ship worldwide and are subject to change to keep pace with inflation. (International orders are charged a flat fee of $35 USD to account for shipping or higher local production costs).
Art Ketubot, printed
Paper: $294-$425
Mounted Paper: $319-$506
Rolled Canvas: $306-$589
Gallery Canvas: $342-$589
Framed Canvas: $363-$630
DIY / Text Only Ketubah, printed
Paper: $238-$325
Mounted Paper: $256-$382
Rolled Canvas: $249-$379
Gallery Canvas: $278-$452
DIY / Text Only Ketubah, Digital: all sizes $175
Unformatted Text: $25 blank, $75 filled inThere are add-ons and options that can increase prices, but these fees include of standard options and shipping.
Why prices vary
Material & Shipping costs: mounted paper, gallery canvas, and especially framed canvas cost more to produce and ship.
Size: larger prints use more material, require different handling, and have higher carrier fees.
Right-size guarantee
I check every order for fit and legibility. If your selection looks too small, you can size up by paying the difference. If it looks too large, you can size down and I’ll refund the difference. I don’t charge any extra fee to change sizes since I want your ketubah to be a good fit for a lifetime. -
Most orders move quickly through a very streamlined process. Minimum time with rush handling is about a week (fastest results with Rolled Canvas). Typical orders take about a month from order to delivery which is mostly time for the couple and their officiant to proofread.
Proofs:
Most orders will receive a link to a password protected proofs page within 1–3 business days with a complete set proofs to review. Custom texts or custom design elements may add extra time.
Revisions are usually ready next business day.
Rush handling ($75) guarantees proofs within two business days and same-day revisions.
Printing: Production time varies by material
Paper: 1–3 business days
Mounted Paper: 4–7 business days
Rolled Canvas: 2–4 business days (can be 1 business day with Rush Handling)
Gallery Canvas: 4–7 business days
Framed Canvas: 5–10 business days
Shipping:
Standard ground shipping within the continental U.S. usually takes about 2–5 business days (via USPS, FedEx, or UPS depending on location). Expedited shipping is available.International orders:
Canada, the U.K., and Australia orders are printed locally in those locations. Timelines are similar but may vary slightly by printing company and materials.
Other Questions
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Can I use a text from another source?
Yes! Make sure you have permission from the copyright holder and that your text is in an accessible format that will not require retyping. You can add it in the special instructions area of of the text form or send it in an email to ginny@ketubah-arts.com. (Helpful hint: don’t pay to have your names and dates added as it is included in the ketubah price).
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Is the ketubah customizable? What’s “Fill in Names & Dates” and why don’t you charge extra for it?
Yes, all ketubot from Ketubah Arts are customized with your names, wedding date, and location. This is included in the price. Some websites list this as a separate fee, often under “Fill In Names & Dates” or “Personalization.” I’ve included it by default for years, since almost everyone needs it — and most rabbis strongly prefer it.
Traditionally, ketubot were written with blanks and filled in by hand right before the ceremony. Today, most couples (and rabbis) prefer a polished, typeset version that looks complete and professional. Each ketubah I make is printed on demand with your customized details already in place — no handwriting needed.
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Can I call you?
The best and fastest way to reach me is by email. I check email frequently and usually the longest you will have to wait is a couple of hours. Email allows me to thoughtfully and completely answer your question and keep track of order details even before you place the order.
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I don't do email. Is there another way to go over the details?
This service is entirely provided by email. You will need an email address that is regularly checked to receive proofs and to communicate with me about all of the details.
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What Material would you choose?
If you're undecided, mounted paper is an easy, reliable choice: it’s sturdy, lies flat, displays easily on an easel, and is the simplest to sign. The print quality is stunning. Some people are confused by the foam mounting board that is mounted to the back of the archival paper, but most people are very happy with it.
Canvas (whether rolled or stretched) has a more textured surface. Many clients love the look, especially with floating frames. That said, it’s not for everyone. Some find signing on canvas a little trickier, especially if the background is dark or the pen isn't right.
If you're considering rolled canvas, keep in mind that it feels more like a flexible art material than traditional paper and it can surprise some people. It’s stunning when framed properly, but not the best option if you’re unsure what to expect.
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I want to use art from my ketubah in my wedding program or the invitations. Can I have my friend who is a graphic designer use it?
Not without my permission. In some instances, you can purchase a clip-art package of art from your ketubah. Please do not use art without my permission! My art work takes a huge amount of time and effort and no one likes to work for free. Using art without permission is theft.
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Can I order a custom ketubah?
Every ketubah I make is customized with your names, wedding date, and location, and in some cases, wording changes or added quotes. Signature line customization is also part of the standard service.
If you’re looking for full customization of the artwork or text beyond what’s offered on the site, I occasionally take on fully custom commissions, but most clients find what they need in my existing collection. My options are very flexible and I frequently take “off the menu” requests.
If you’re not sure whether you need a customized ketubah or a fully custom one, feel free to ask. I’m happy to walk you through the options.
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Can I use a custom ketubah text?
Yes - I welcome both small edits and fully custom texts. Many couples start with one of my standard texts and want to make a few changes to fit their needs. Others write something completely new. Either way is fine, and there’s no extra charge.
If you’re starting with a standard text but want to adjust a phrase or line, just select that standard text on the order form and include your edits in the “special instructions” box. I’ll make sure your version still works ritually and stylistically, and I’ll flag anything that might be a problem for your rabbi — especially if you’re working with an Orthodox or Conservative officiant, since they follow strict guidelines. If anything’s unclear, I’ll check with you. And don’t worry - you’ll have a chance to make changes after seeing the draft.
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Can we include a third language in our ketubah to reflect both of our cultures?
Yes — enthusiastically. I’ve created ketubot with text in English, Hebrew, and a wide range of additional languages, including Yiddish, Spanish, Mandarin, Greek, Romanian, German, and Uzbek. If you provide the translation, I’ll format and integrate it with care.
In most cases, it works beautifully. Some designs are more flexible than others when it comes to fitting three full texts, and not all fonts support every accent mark or character set. If needed, I recommend alternate fonts that will preserve readability and balance.
You’re also welcome to add multilingual elements selectively, for example, keeping the full text in English and featuring quotes or headings in Hebrew and your third language or creating a fully trilingual ketubah with everything in three languages.
If you’re considering a specific design or layout, I’m happy to talk through how it would work with your languages.
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Can we use interfaith language in our ketubah?
Absolutely. Many of my clients come from interfaith families or are in interfaith partnerships. Whether you're looking for inclusive wording, shared spiritual language, or a ketubah that acknowledges both traditions, I’m happy to help shape the text so it reflects who you are - with no extra charge. You're welcome to adapt any of my texts, and I’ll let you know if anything may raise concerns with your officiant.
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Can we use other wording in place of “bride” and “groom”?
Yes. All of my proprietary texts can be adapted to use language like “partners,” “couple,” or any other terms that feel right for you, whether that is because you are a lgbtq+ couple or because the words just don’t feel right. I regularly customize name lines, grammar, and structure to fit how people actually see themselves - not outdated categories. Just let me know your preferences when you fill out the text form.
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Can you accommodate trans or nonbinary names and identities?
Yes - with care and respect. I’ll use your names, pronouns, and honorifics exactly as you request. If the standard wording doesn’t work for you, feel free to order “off the menu.” If you want Hebrew versions that reflect your gender identity (or avoid gender altogether), I can offer flexible options, including help with transliteration and parent names. You deserve to be celebrated for who you are on your special day - not made to conform to a system that was never built for you.

