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If you’ve ever planned a Jewish wedding, know someone who’s helped plan one, or ever googled “Jewish marriage contract,”, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Ketubah.com! As their iconic name indicates, they’ve been in the industry for a LONG time and know just about everything there is to know about ketubot.
I was SO excited when I connected with Ketubah.com to learn all about the Jewish marriage contract. Who are the faces behind the company, how did they claim their iconic domain, and how did they become the go-to for beautiful & custom ketubot for clients all around the world?
As a Jewish wedding photographer, I feel so lucky to witness the most special moments during wedding ceremonies. Among these, the signing of the ketubah—the Jewish marriage contract—always stands out as a particularly meaningful one. From small, intimate ketubah signings to large raucous tisches, I’ve seen it all, and I’m always fascinated by how these beautiful documents blend artistry with tradition.
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tani Gordon, the Director of Operations at Ketubah.com, to get the inside scoop on how this industry leader is helping couples create beautiful, meaningful marriage documents that honor both tradition and personal story. What I found was a story of innovation, artistry, and deep commitment to preserving and evolving Jewish wedding traditions.
Let me tell you about what I discovered when Tani took me behind the scenes at Ketubah.com. It was so cool to see how they create these beautiful documents! Picture walking into their studio and seeing artists carefully applying gold leaf by hand while laser cutting machines nearby craft the most intricate designs. It’s this perfect blend of old-school artistry and modern tech that makes each ketubah special.
“We have artists who work in-house and they apply hand-done gold leaf and Swarovski crystals and pearls,” Tani told me as she walked me through their process. As someone who spends their weekends photographing all the little wedding details, I loved seeing how much care goes into each ketubah. Every step of the process happens right there in their studio, from the initial design to carefully packaging the final piece.
When I’m photographing ketubah signings at weddings, I always notice how these documents bring families together – everyone gathering around, watching the witnesses sign, that moment when the final letter is completed. Now I have an even deeper appreciation for the artistry that goes into creating these meaningful pieces.
Something I found really interesting about Ketubah.com’s approach is how they work with their artists. Instead of having artists create each ketubah from scratch (which would make those last-minute wedding timeline changes pretty stressful!), they’ve developed a unique collaborative process that honors the artists while making ketubot more accessible to couples.
Here’s how it works: Artists send Ketubah.com their original designs, and then the team develops a way to reproduce these pieces with incredible attention to detail. “The artist always has an approval of how we replicate it and then they sign off on it,” Tani explained. This means artists can focus purely on their creative work without having to become experts in the complex world of ketubah texts and traditions.
This approach has opened up so many possibilities for both artists and couples. As Tani shared, “Whether it’s a paper cut artist or a watercolor artist, whatever it is, we do it in-house so we replicate it.” The artists get to stick to what they do best – creating beautiful designs – while Ketubah.com’s team handles all the technical aspects like text layout, name placement, and those tricky situations like accommodating three parents or figuring out how to handle a missing Hebrew name.
“They don’t have to be experts in the text,” Tani noted about their artists. “Because their craft is the art. It’s not necessarily being the expert in the ketubah texts and the different categories and traditions.” The team has experts who handle all the textual elements, from Sephardic to Traditional, LGBTQ+ to interfaith, ensuring that every ketubah is both beautiful and traditionally appropriate.
At the heart of Ketubah.com’s work is their deep understanding of traditional Jewish marriage contracts. Their team is well-versed in Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform texts, with experts who understand the specific requirements and nuances of each denomination.
“We have people on our team who speak the rabbi’s language,” Tani explained. Their text specialists are intimately familiar with the terminology and requirements that different officiants might have, ensuring every ketubah meets proper halachic standards when required.
For Orthodox ketubot, they understand the importance of every detail – from specific textual requirements to traditions like leaving a letter to be completed during the ceremony. “Sometimes there are rabbis who are Orthodox but they’re not as particular as the strictest Orthodox texts. So we ask them, do you need this? Do you want that?”
For Conservative texts, they’re well-versed in variations including the Lieberman Clause. They also offer a range of Reform options that maintain traditional elements while incorporating contemporary values.
This expertise extends to ensuring proper layout and calligraphy standards are met. “We always respectfully ask,” Tani noted, explaining their careful process of working with rabbis and officiants. Through clear communication with clergy and careful attention to detail, they ensure each ketubah adheres to the specific requirements of a couple’s tradition and community.
Having this strong foundation in traditional texts and requirements has made Ketubah.com a trusted resource for rabbis and couples alike. Their team stays current with accepted texts and standards across denominations, making them a reliable partner in creating ketubot that honor both tradition and halakhic requirements.
One thing that really impressed me about Ketubah.com is how they’re making sure every couple can have a ketubah that truly feels like them. They’re not just stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it” – they’re actively finding ways to honor tradition while meeting couples where they are today.
Tani explained to me how they’ve modified the traditional language to apply to a non-binary individual. “We’ve commissioned an expert to do the research for us and find out what people are using that’s new,” Tani explained. They even developed new terminology for non-binary individuals in Hebrew, creating “Bet” as a combination of “Ben” (“son-of”) and “Bat” (“daughter-of”). As someone who works with all kinds of couples, I know how much it means when vendors really get it.
They bring this same thoughtful approach to handling complex family situations. Tani told me about a couple who wanted their ketubah to include all four parents – two biological and two step-parents. Their solution was beautiful: “We worked closely with the couple to craft a custom text that included all parents’ names, equally represented, in both Hebrew and English. To maintain balance and flow, we suggested rephrasing certain sections so the names were presented in a unified way, rather than dividing them into categories like ‘parents’ and ‘step-parents.'” It’s this kind of attention to detail and emotional sensitivity that sets their work apart.
When I asked Tani about what’s trending in ketubah design, I learned something fascinating – blue has been the undisputed favorite for about a decade. “For sure for the past 10 years, anything with the color blue has been in… it has not budged,” she shared. But things are starting to shift this year, with deep greens making a comeback. As someone who photographs ketubot in all sorts of lighting situations, I can tell you these rich colors photograph beautifully.
They have some seriously gorgeous pieces in their collection right now. The Monselice, Italy, 1659 Ketubah caught my eye immediately and is one of Tani’s favorites – it’s basically like hanging a piece of Jewish history on your wall. It’s based on a 17th-century Italian ketubah, and you can feel that connection to our roots in every detail.
For couples looking for something more modern, their Ahava 12 Layer Papercut Luxe Ketubah is a showstopper. Imagine 12 layers of precisely cut paper creating this amazing sense of depth – it’s the kind of piece that makes everyone stop and look closer. And then there’s the Adventure of a Lifetime II Round Ketubah, which brings in these vibrant colors that really pop in photos.
Let’s talk timeline (because we all know wedding planning is basically one big timing puzzle). Tani recommends starting your ketubah selection about 4-6 months before the wedding. “This allows enough time to choose a design, finalize the text with their officiant, and review a proof before printing,” she explained.
While they can pull off rush orders when needed – they’ve even done them in two days! – giving yourself more time means you can really enjoy the process. Having that extra time lets you involve your family and officiant in the selection process, and gives you space to really think about what text and design will mean the most to you both.
The way Ketubah.com has grown over the years is pretty remarkable. Back in 1994, before they even had their iconic domain name, Michael Shapiro started the company by literally going door-to-door with a portfolio. He saw this gap between artists who could create beautiful designs but weren’t familiar with ketubah texts, and rabbis who needed specific textual elements but couldn’t find artists to execute them properly.
Today, they’re creating over 6,000 ketubot annually with a team of ten people who are incredibly passionate about what they do. They’ve kept that personal touch from their door-to-door days while embracing new technology and evolving traditions. They’re even branching out in exciting ways – like launching HebrewNamer.com to help couples research Hebrew names, and working on a coffee table book called “The Ketubah Renaissance” about the history of ketubah art.
What really struck me through my whole conversation with Tani was how every decision at Ketubah.com comes back to serving couples better. Whether they’re developing new inclusive text options, perfecting their gold leaf technique, or finding ways to honor complex family structures, it’s all about helping couples create a ketubah that truly tells their story.
One thing that really impressed me about Ketubah.com is how they’ve streamlined what could be an overwhelming process. Right after purchasing, couples get access to their text tool – basically a smart questionnaire that helps figure out exactly what you need. “Is your wedding before or after sunset? We’ll calculate the Hebrew date for you. Do you want this letter filled in or is it your tradition to have it filled in at the ceremony?” Tani explained how these simple questions help ensure every detail is just right.
But they don’t just leave you with an online form. They offer one-on-one Zoom consultations where you can ask all those questions that keep popping up as you plan. Their team members – most of whom have been with the company for over a decade – really know their stuff. Whether you’re wondering about text options or trying to narrow down designs, they’re there to help guide you through the process.
Here’s something I didn’t know until talking with Tani – Ketubah.com can handle pretty much any language combination you can think of. While they primarily create Jewish marriage contracts in Hebrew, English, and Aramaic, they’ve created ketubot featuring everything from Spanish to Mandarin. They can translate from English into Hebrew or Spanish, and if you provide text in another language, they can incorporate that too.
They’re also experts at navigating different Jewish traditions. The Sephardic text, for instance, isn’t one-size-fits-all – it varies depending on whether your family is from Morocco, Spain, Greece, or elsewhere. They’ve been collecting and verifying these variations for years, building a library of authentic texts that honor different communities’ traditions.
And for couples looking to add their personal touch? They’re seeing more and more people incorporating their own vows or meaningful passages alongside traditional text. “Write your own text, a custom text… People are writing their vows and having them translated into Hebrew as part of how they personalize their ketubah text,” Tani shared.
While about 90% of their clients are based in the United States, Ketubah.com works with couples all over the world. They’ve shipped ketubot to Australia, England, across Europe, and South America. What’s fascinating is how they handle different cultural traditions and requirements – they’ve even created three-language ketubot featuring Hebrew, English, and Mandarin.
Their international experience means they understand the nuances of different Jewish communities worldwide. Whether it’s accommodating specific Sephardic traditions from various regions or helping interfaith couples blend cultural elements meaningfully, they’ve seen and handled it all with care and expertise.
Spending time with Tani and learning about Ketubah.com has given me a whole new appreciation for the Jewish marriage contracts that I photograph at weddings most weekends. What started as a door-to-door business has evolved into something remarkable: a place where tradition meets innovation, where ancient texts adapt to embrace modern love stories, and where every ketubah is crafted with incredible attention to detail.
What stands out most to me isn’t just their technical expertise or artistic skill – though both are impressive. It’s their deep understanding that each ketubah represents a unique love story. Whether they’re helping a non-binary couple find language that reflects their identity, working with a blended family to honor multiple parents, or collaborating with an interfaith couple to blend different traditions, they approach each ketubah as an opportunity to help couples express their commitment in a meaningful way.
As a wedding photographer, I often think about how the moments I capture will be passed down through generations, becoming part of a family’s legacy. The same is true for these Jewish marriage contracts. Long after the wedding day, they’ll hang in homes as beautiful pieces of art. But more than that, they’ll serve as lasting testaments to the promises made, the traditions honored, and the love celebrated on that special day.
It’s a beautiful reminder that while weddings evolve and traditions adapt, some things remain constant: the power of commitment, the importance of community, and the enduring beauty of Jewish tradition. Whether you’re just starting to think about your ketubah or ready to begin the selection process, I hope this glimpse behind the scenes at Ketubah.com helps you approach this meaningful choice with excitement and confidence.
If you’re thinking about ordering your ketubah from ketubah.com, here’s what I’d recommend based on my conversation with Tani:
Eliana Melmed is a Chicago-based Jewish wedding photographer who travels frequently to capture celebrations around the world. If you’re looking for someone to capture your ketubah signing and other special moments of your wedding day, you can reach out at Eliana Melmed Photography.
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Eliana Melmed is a Jewish wedding and event photographer specializing in candid imagery for celebrations in Chicago and wherever love takes you.
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