The traditional Jewish marriage contract signed before a wedding is called a ketubah.
A ketubah sets out the husband’s financial and personal obligations toward his wife under traditional Jewish law. Its provisions historically included the marriage settlement and support responsibilities, especially in the event of divorce or widowhood. The document developed from earlier legal protections intended to safeguard the bride.
In many Jewish weddings, the ketubah is signed before the main ceremony and then read publicly under the wedding canopy. Contemporary ketubot may combine traditional legal language with egalitarian, ethical, or personal commitments, depending on the community and officiant. The ketubah should not be confused with a get, which is a Jewish bill of divorce. Decorative ketubot are also displayed as art, but their visual design does not replace the legal content required for the ceremony.