Venice Synagogue Wedding

A Jewish wedding in the Venetian Ghetto

The Venetian Ghetto, established in 1516 in Cannaregio, was the world's first ghetto and is still the heart of Jewish life in Venice. Its five historic synagogues, the Scole, are hidden inside residential buildings: the Scola Grande Tedesca, Canton, Italiana, Levantina and Spagnola. The Jewish Community of Venice arranges weddings in them according to its own rules.

Photographing a Jewish wedding in Venice

We agree with the officiating rabbi beforehand what can be photographed and from where. Moments such as the ketubah signing, the chuppah and the breaking of the glass are then planned so we capture them without intruding.

Outside, the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, with its unusually tall houses and old wellheads, and the canals of Cannaregio are beautiful for portraits. The Jewish Museum and kosher restaurants are close by for guests.

Practical information

The Ghetto is about ten minutes' walk from the railway station, via the Ponte delle Guglie. See the Jewish wedding collection and our guide to a Jewish wedding in Venice.

A Jewish wedding day in Venice, step by step

• Kabbalat panim and tisch in a hotel or palazzo.
• Ketubah signing with witnesses and the rabbi.
• Bedeken, the veiling of the bride.
• Ceremony under the chuppah in the synagogue or a venue, ending with the breaking of the glass.
• Yichud, a few private minutes for the couple.
• Portraits in the Ghetto and Cannaregio, then the reception and the hora.

Planning around the calendar

Weddings are not held on Shabbat or on Jewish festivals, and some periods of the year, such as parts of the Omer and the Three Weeks, are traditionally avoided. The Jewish Community of Venice will advise on suitable dates. Check them before booking any other supplier.

Inside the synagogues

The Scole are hidden inside ordinary buildings, with richly carved wood, gilding and women's galleries. Light is soft and warm, from windows and lamps. Photography during the ceremony depends on the Community's and the rabbi's rules; we agree everything in advance.

Guest logistics

The Ghetto is about ten minutes on foot from the railway station and the Guglie vaporetto stop. Kosher catering can be arranged through the Community or specialist caterers.

Receptions and stays near the Ghetto

Receptions after a synagogue ceremony are often held in a palazzo or hotel nearby, such as Ca' Sagredo on the Grand Canal, or in the large halls of the Scuola Grande della Misericordia in Cannaregio. Kosher catering can be arranged with specialist caterers. Guests can stay in Cannaregio, close to the Ghetto and the railway station, or in hotels on the Grand Canal.

Photographing the ketubah and the chuppah

The ketubah, often beautifully illuminated, is one of the most precious details of the day. We photograph it before and during the signing, with the witnesses and the rabbi. Under the chuppah, we stay at agreed positions to capture the blessings, the rings and the breaking of the glass, while keeping the ceremony intimate.

Not marrying here? Photos in the Ghetto

Couples with Jewish heritage often include the Ghetto in an engagement or honeymoon session, as a meaningful connection to history. We photograph in the public campo and along the canals, respectfully, away from memorials.

Dress code and etiquette for guests

Men cover their heads with a kippah in the synagogue, and modest dress is expected for everyone. Seating may be separate for men and women, depending on the tradition of the synagogue and the Community's rules. Guests should avoid phone photos during the ceremony and follow the guidance of the rabbi and the Community, especially on photography.

Planning tips for The Synagogues of the Venetian Ghetto

• Contact the Jewish Community of Venice first — before booking any other supplier.
• Agree photography rules in advance with the officiating rabbi.
• Portraits in the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo and along the Cannaregio canal.

The Synagogues of the Venetian Ghetto: frequently asked questions