Performing a Wedding
Question
Must a rabbi perform a Jewish wedding? I know people become ordained ministers online so that they can perform Christian weddings for their friends and loved ones. Could someone who is not ordained a rabbi in the Jewish faith perform a wedding as long as all of the other conventions of a Jewish wedding are observed, such as standing under the chuppah, reciting the Sheva Brachot, signing a ketubah, etc.?
Answers
If the marriage is done according to Jewish Law no Rabbi need be present. There must be two ‘kosher’ shomer-Shabbat witnesses who witness the marriage. There are other Halachic requirements that are necessary. Therefore, it is a ‘very good idea’ to have a Rabbi who is knowledgeable in these Halachot officiate or be present. But the marriage is valid in any event if done according the Halacha.
There’s an article about the wedding ceremony on our web site you may find interesting http://www.ohr.org.il/judaism/
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team