Having a wedding in Israel is a wonderful way to celebrate a new journey with your partner. It’s a unique destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a singular story. It also provides the chance for wedding guests to visit historic sites, points of religious importance, and natural wonders that can only be found here. You have your pick of locations, from biblical sites to luxurious modern villas, in both cities and the vast wilderness of this small country. No matter where or how you decide to do it, you won’t regret having a wedding in Israel.
Legal Marriages
If you’re looking to have a legal marriage in the state of Israel, both parties must be of the same religion. The Rabbinate handles Jewish marriages and we recommend beginning the approval process at least 3 months in advance. For Christians or Muslims, you can check with a local Imam or church leader for advice. This can be a lengthy process, but don’t let it deter you from having the wedding of your dreams! The rich history, Mediterranean climate, fantastic food, and array of venues is well worth the work.
Entertaining Your Guests
There’s no shortage of interesting activities to do in Israel, whether you’re looking for a once in a lifetime 4 day bachelor party tour or 4 day bachelorette party tour. To include all of your guests, book a private group tour to see all that the country has to offer. Some of our most popular tours for groups include our tour of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Dead Sea, our Petra tour from Tel Aviv, and our highlights of Jerusalem walking tour. You can also surprise your guests with a day starting with a sunrise on the top of Masada. You’ll hike the ruins of Masada, visit the oasis of Ein Gedi, and float in the Dead Sea with our singular tour of all three. Or escape to Jordan when you’ve already come this far, with a 2 day tour of Petra and Wadi Rum. If none of the above suit your needs, we can easily create customizable tours for the happy couple or whole wedding party!
Transfers
If you’re getting married in a city like Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, you’re guaranteed to find accommodation close by. Many venues in the countryside also offer their own accommodation for wedding guests. We recommend booking a block of rooms for everyone to ensure they have a place to stay and you have enough rooms. If this isn’t the case, or guests are staying in the city, it’s common to provide them transportation. While public transport and cabs are available, they tend to be costly and time inefficient. A better option is booking transport for your guests yourselves, either from city to city or directly to the venue. A minibus is a popular way to move guests from a to b, and shuttles can be especially helpful.
Venues
Having a wedding in Israel is a big thing. Literally. Most weddings here are much larger than in other countries, and venues are generally built for bigger weddings. Often, they provide catering and decorating services for their customers. Some of the most unique venues include historic sites, national parks, and ancient churches. The Church of Cana and its wedding chapel are a perennial favorite. While you need approval from the Franciscan Pilgrims’ office, getting married here isn’t difficult. Your special day will be even more memorable when you marry in the same city as one of Jesus’ most famous miracles. For those looking to make new memories, Ein Hemed is an outdoor venue in a national park in the Judean Mountains. The stunning scenery can’t be beat, and they offer kosher catering close to both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Additionally, weddings are allowed in most national parks and beaches. History buffs can book the Tower of David, an ancient citadel in Jerusalem’s Old City. While you’ll need to bring everything in yourself, the incredible sight of ancient walls make this a fairytale location.
Weddings in Israel
Having a wedding in Israel is a great way to make your special day truly unforgettable. It also sets you up for a romantic honeymoon escape in Israel! With so much to see and do, you and your guests will make singular memories in this incredible country.
