When you are planning the biggest day of your life, it is such a whirlwind of emotions, right? One minute, you are dreaming about the most perfect dress or suit for yourself and the next you are planning to honor two different heritages at an amazing ceremony. If you are looking for Top Wedding Venues for a Jewish or Interfaith Ceremony in the United States, you know that the setting of your wedding is just as important as the vows you will exchange with each other. You want to have a venue that does not just “allow” for any of the following: a Chuppah or a reading that symbolizes both faiths but one that really embraces the beautiful and unique blend of cultures and traditions that make up who you are as a couple. There are so many different types of venues available throughout the United States, including historic ballrooms on the East Coast or in California with breathtaking views of the ocean; they will all serve as the perfect backdrop as you embark on a journey together and build a life together.
1. La Venta Inn | Palos Verdes, California
La Venta Inn is an outstanding venue for couples who want their dream ceremony to take place outdoors at a venue that has a gorgeous view. Because the historic Spanish villa has a large portion of the 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean, it’s the perfect place to have a beautiful outdoor ceremony when the sun is setting beneath the chuppah. In addition, they are considered experts in providing experiences that are consistent with Jewish customs and have made accommodations by providing “Kosher Style” menu options, as well as significant areas for couples to sign the Ketubah in their venue. Their hospitality staff is the most inclusive of any venue for hosting traditional, interfaith or LGBTQ+ ceremonies equally.
2. Terrace On The Park | Queens, New York
When you’re planning a large-scale Jewish wedding ceremony in New York City, there is no other place like Terrace On The Park. With an incredible rooftop space for ceremonies, and plenty of room to accommodate your guests (up to 1,000 people), Terrace On The Park has long been regarded as one of the best venues for Jewish weddings in the country. In addition to offering Glatt-Kosher food from their impressive list of caterers, they also provide private rooms to conduct a Tisch or Boozer. Their 360 degree view of the New York City skyline gives you an amazing backdrop for your celebration, no matter what type of décor you decide on.
3. Pleasantdale Château | West Orange, New Jersey
Pleasantdale Château provides a wonderful “fairytale” atmosphere with the heady feeling of being transported to the French countryside. This elegant venue is internationally known for its ability to personalize culture-based weddings. Whether you want to have a garden ceremony in a breathtaking display of foliage or have an elegant indoor celebration in the Grand Ballroom (with a vaulted ceiling that is conducive to an energetic Hora), their event specialists will work directly with couples to guarantee all religious or secular traditions are honored and celebrated appropriately.
4. The Interfaith Chapel at the University of Rochester | New York
The Interfaith Chapel supports plurality in many ways. This Interfaith chapel is a great option for couples looking for a meaningful and sacred ceremony space that is not specific to just one religious tradition. Hosts many thousands of wedding ceremonies for couples of all faiths and of all genders throughout its history. The chapel’s unique design allows natural daylight into the space, creating a spiritual, yet neutral, environment that allows for Jewish and other ritual practices from many different faiths to occur simultaneously within the same ceremony.
Choosing the Right Officiant
Although the officiant is responsible for essentially “building” relationships, he or she also brings the spiritual heart of the wedding ceremony. This is especially true when the bride and groom come from different religious traditions. In most cases, a couple is challenged to find ways to honor their respective religious heritages without compromising either of their beliefs or traditions.
Each of the venues listed above recommends selecting an officiant who specializes in “bridge-building,” which is someone who can provide information regarding the meaning and significance of the Sheva Brachot (seven blessings) to non-Jewish invited guests and, if requested, can work with other clergy of different faiths to create a co-officiated wedding ceremony that will appear to be cohesive, rather than “split.”
Conclusion
The first chapter of your new life as a family together begins with your wedding, and selecting a venue that represents your unique journey as a couple will set an appropriate tone for you. Whether you select the rolling hills of New Jersey or a modern rooftop in NY, be sure the venue you select is in keeping with your shared values. If you wish for your wedding to be a very intimate, loving, and inclusive celebration, Rabbi Ron Broden could be the right person for you to help create a beautiful ceremony. Rabbi Broden has extensive experience creating Jewish and interfaith ceremonies and is adept at creating meaningful rituals that celebrate many forms of love, so that all your friends and loved ones will feel a part of and experience the love between you.
FAQs
How do we find a venue that actually understands Jewish traditions?
During your initial visit to potential wedding sites you’ll want to do a “vibe check.” While investigating wedding venues for interfaith/Jewish ceremonies in the United States, be sure to inquire about where they typically set the chuppah as well as their ability to find a secluded area for you to sign the ketubah. An experienced wedding venue will have familiarity with both the chuppah and ketubah as well as understand the importance behind these cultural traditions without you needing to provide an explanation.
We’re an interfaith couple—how do we make sure both our families feel included?
This is one of the most prevalent concerns when it comes to cross-cultural weddings, and can also present an incredible opportunity! The ideal way to inform your guests about what will be happening is that your officiant will explain the rituals to them as they take place. For example, whether it’s the breaking of the glass or a candle ceremony, a short, warm explanation will help your guests feel included in the ceremony rather than separate from it. The focus is on creating a “bridge” between the two cultures.
Does our venue need to provide Kosher catering?
Your requirements and preferences will determine how much you require. Venues can dedicate their facilities to cooking Kosher food, while other establishments allow you to bring in your own Kosher caterer. A “strictly Kosher” meal is not required in your home, but if you like to honour tradition, some venues may provide a “Kosher-style” menu. Examples would be avoiding pork and shellfish or not mixing milk with meat; many modern couples use the “Kosher-style” option to avoid eating meat and dairy products in a Kosher manner.
Can we have a Jewish ceremony on a Saturday?
The Jewish religion prohibits being married on the Sabbath (Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset), thus sometimes couples will be married on Sunday, or will have a Saturday night wedding which begins after sunset. If there is a venue that you really like, and the venue only has Saturday afternoon as an option, an interfaith or Reform approach may provide you with more options for when your wedding can take place.
