How to Film a Ketubah Signing: Essential Tips for Capturing This Meaningful Tradition

Filming a ketubah signing is one of the most intimate and meaningful parts of a Jewish wedding. This tradition, which takes place before the ceremony, involves the couple, their closest family members, witnesses, and the officiant. Because it typically occurs in a small, separate room away from the main ceremony guests, having the right approach as a videographer is essential. Here’s how I film ketubah signings to create an emotional and beautifully crafted wedding film.

1. Use Two Cameras for Comprehensive Coverage

A ketubah signing is a close-quarters event, meaning space is limited—especially if you're working alongside a photographer. To capture it effectively, I use two cameras:

• A stationary camera to ensure a consistent wide shot of the entire signing.

• A gimbal-mounted camera for mobility, allowing me to move seamlessly between reactions, details, and b-roll.

This setup ensures I don’t miss any of the emotions while keeping a minimal footprint in the room.

2. Proper Audio Setup is Key

Audio is just as important as video when it comes to the ketubah signing. I recommend:

• Lavalier mics on the rabbi and at least one of the couple. Since they’re close together, a single mic on one partner can usually pick up both voices, but micing both ensures the best quality.

• A handheld mic to pass around for family members who may want to say something meaningful. This makes post-production easier when incorporating heartfelt moments into the wedding film.

3. Be Mindful of Space and Angles

Because the ketubah signing happens in a small room, positioning is everything. I place my stationary camera in a corner to get a full view of the table while keeping my moving camera at an angle that allows for quick reaction shots. Avoid blocking the photographer’s view—communicating with them before the signing starts ensures you both get the best shots without interfering with each other.

4. Capture the Details

Some of the most beautiful moments in a ketubah signing come from the small details:

• The intricate artwork and text of the ketubah itself.

• The couple’s hands as they sign the document.

• Emotional exchanges between family members.

• The rabbi’s expressions as they guide the couple through the tradition.

B-roll of these elements enhances the storytelling aspect of the final film.

5. Anticipate Key Moments

Unlike the ceremony, a ketubah signing doesn’t follow a rigid format, so being prepared for spontaneous moments is crucial. Pay close attention to the rabbi’s pacing and cues—these will signal when an important exchange is about to happen, ensuring you’re ready to capture the moment.

6. Edit Thoughtfully to Weave the Story Together

In post-production, I blend footage from both cameras to create a seamless flow between wide-angle coverage and close-up reactions. I incorporate soft, natural transitions that match the solemn yet celebratory mood of the signing.

Watch a Real Ketubah Signing Film

To see these techniques in action, check out Ariel and Jason’s Ketubah Signing & Ceremony Film at Perona Farms. This beautiful venue provided the perfect setting for their wedding day, and I was honored to document such an important moment in their journey.

See the Full Wedding Film

For a highlight reel that incorporates footage from their ketubah signing into the full wedding day story, watch Ariel and Jason’s Highlight Film.

Considering Perona Farms for Your Wedding?

If you're planning a wedding at Perona Farms and want a videographer who understands the significance of Jewish traditions like the ketubah signing, I’d love to document your day.

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Ariel & Jason’s Romantic Jewish Wedding at Perona Farms

Perona Farms provided the perfect setting for Ariel & Jason’s Jewish wedding, a day filled with love, meaningful traditions, and heartfelt moments. From the Ketubah signing to their emotional vows under the Chuppah, every part of their wedding reflected their deep connection and shared values.

Their reception was just as vibrant, featuring a lively Hora dance, touching speeches from loved ones, and unforgettable moments with family and friends.

If you’re planning a Perona Farms wedding, this film offers a glimpse into the magic of this venue and how it brings a couple’s vision to life.

Watch their highlight film below:

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3 Tips for a Stunning Wedding Film

1. Choose a Venue with Natural Beauty

A venue like Perona Farms offers diverse backdrops, from rustic barns to elegant gardens. When selecting a wedding venue, consider locations that provide both indoor and outdoor settings to add variety to your film.

2. Schedule Moments of Stillness

A wedding day moves fast, but taking intentional moments to pause together can lead to some of the most meaningful footage. Whether it’s a quiet stroll or a moment of reflection, these scenes add depth to your film.

3. Work with a Videographer Who Understands Your Vision

Your wedding film should feel like you. A great videographer doesn’t just record events—they document the emotions and story of the day in a way that feels authentic.

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Let’s Talk About Your Wedding Film

If you’re getting married at Perona Farms or another stunning venue, let’s document your wedding day in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

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2 Reasons Why You Won’t Regret Hiring Two Photographers For Your Wedding

1. They add to your story and build a narrative 1 photographer can’t create alone

2. They will allow your partner’s story to shine as much as yours

For me, you and your partner’s story is a page-turner with no end in sight. The chapter that is your wedding must be vivid and full of life.

My second photographer’s role isn’t just to aid me in obtaining your imagery, but to fill in your story with as much lush content as possible. They add the pages of your wedding story that I alone may miss for the sake of another moment. They add an adjoining narrative coinciding with my own that blends into a magical gallery that will make you feel.

Where my job is to build the foundation of your narrative, they add the fortification. They’re able to get photos of your parents emotional as they watch their baby walk down the aisle while I photograph you walking to your future spouse, or you emotionally talking with your maid of honor about that moment prior while I am capturing the details most important to you.

I find there’s always one half of my couples who want their partner to have the spotlight in photography. They give up their coverage to make sure their partner shines in our imagery.

With a second photographer, we can have it all. My couples can have one of the most important days of their lives covered without issue.

As I am photographing you and your party, my second can go to your partner and theirs to capture similar moments of emotion and joy.

When I’m photographing you walking down the aisle, my second will get your partner’s reaction as they watch the love of their life head towards them in their stunning wedding outfit for the first time.

My First Jewish Wedding, And I Loved It!

Good afternoon, everyone!

How's your Monday going so far? I hope you're having a great start to your week.

This was a great wedding I shot last year. Truthfully, my first jewish wedding, and I loved it!

Just a quick reminder if you book your engagement photography with me by the end of February, you'll receive 10% off the cost! All the value I provide for just a bit less than usual.

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Take care, ya'll!