What is a chuppah? It is the canopy a Jewish couple stands under during their wedding ceremony. Held up by four poles and open on all sides, it is one of the most recognizable parts of a Jewish wedding, and many interfaith couples include one too. This guide explains what the chuppah means, who stands under it, how it is built and how to choose one for your own ceremony.
Key takeaways
- A chuppah is a ceremonial canopy supported by four poles and open on all sides.
- It symbolizes the new home the couple will build together.
- Coverings range from a tallit (prayer shawl) to draped fabric, flowers and greenery.
- Rent My Wedding’s canopy kit includes the frame and drapes and sets up in about 15 minutes.
What is a chuppah?
The Hebrew word chuppah (also spelled huppah) means “covering.” In a Jewish wedding, the couple, usually with the rabbi or officiant, stands beneath it while the ceremony takes place. The structure itself is simple: a piece of fabric stretched across four poles, with no walls.
That simplicity is the point. A chuppah isn’t meant to be a building. It suggests one, a home in its most basic form, and it gives the ceremony a clear focal point that guests can see from every seat.
What the chuppah symbolizes
Different families and rabbis emphasize different meanings, but a few appear again and again:
- A new home. The canopy represents the home the couple is creating through their marriage.
- Openness and welcome. The four open sides are often compared to the tent of Abraham, which tradition says was open on every side to welcome guests.
- Shelter and blessing. Many see the covering as a sign of God’s sheltering presence over the couple.
- Support from loved ones. When friends or family hold the poles, it shows that a marriage needs the support of the people around it.
The Reform movement’s short explainer on why a couple stands under a canopy is a good read if you want more background.
How a chuppah is built
A chuppah can be as simple or as decorated as you like. The main choices are the poles and the covering.
Poles. Some couples ask four friends or relatives to hold the poles during the ceremony. Others use a freestanding frame, so no one has to stand still for the full service.
Covering. A tallit (prayer shawl) is a traditional choice, sometimes one that belongs to a family member. Couples also use a large piece of decorative fabric, a family heirloom or sheer drapes that let light through.
Size. The space underneath should fit the couple and the officiant comfortably, with a little room for a small table if you plan to use one for ritual items.
Indoors or outdoors. Customs differ here too. Many Ashkenazi communities hold the chuppah outdoors under the open sky, while Sephardic custom often uses a roofed chuppah, and many ceremonies today take place indoors. If yours is a religious ceremony, ask your rabbi or officiant what your tradition expects.
Who stands under it
Customs vary by community and family. The couple stands under the chuppah, usually with the rabbi or officiant. In many ceremonies the parents or close family stand nearby, just outside the canopy, and in others they join the couple underneath. Your officiant can tell you what is customary for your ceremony.
Chuppah or canopy: what is the difference?
The two look alike, and the same frame can serve as either. A canopy is a general structure that adds style and shelter, and it can frame a ceremony, a sweetheart table, a buffet or a photo booth. A chuppah is a canopy with a specific ceremonial role in a Jewish wedding. Many interfaith and non-Jewish couples also choose a canopy as their ceremony backdrop because it creates the same beautiful focal point.
Styles and decorating ideas
- Classic white. Simple white drapes look timeless indoors or out.
- Garden and greenery. Wrap the poles with trailing greenery and add flowers at the corners.
- Color. Mix two, three or four drape colors to match your palette.
- Beach or outdoor. Sheer fabric moves in the breeze and keeps the view open.
- Evening glow. For a night ceremony, uplighting at the base of the poles makes the drapes glow.
Renting a chuppah from Rent My Wedding
Rent My Wedding’s canopy and chuppah kit comes with the frame and the drapes. It is adjustable, up to 12 feet wide on each side, and the standard version comes with white drapes. You can also choose other drape colors on the all canopies and chuppahs page, rent just the frame if you have your own fabric, or rent just the drapes if you already have a frame.
Setup takes about 15 minutes, and no experience is required:
- Set up the 4 tripods.
- Attach the 4 crossbars.
- Add the drapes.
- Raise the tripods.
Everything folds up to fit in 2 boxes, which fit in the back seat of most cars. Orders are scheduled to arrive at least two days before the event, the rental period is 5 days and the price includes free shipping both ways within the continental U.S. After the wedding, pack everything in the same boxes, attach the prepaid return labels and drop them at a FedEx location within two days. Returns must be handed in at a physical FedEx location, not left in a FedEx drop box.
For more ideas on pairing a ceremony structure with lighting and décor, see the guide to chuppahs for rent, or browse the canopies and chuppahs page.
Planning your ceremony?
Tell us your date, venue and colors, and the team can help you choose a canopy and drapes.
FAQ
What comes with Rent My Wedding’s canopy kit?
The kit includes the frame and the drapes, and the price includes free shipping both ways. The standard canopy comes with white drapes, and other drape colors are available.
How long does the canopy take to set up?
About 15 minutes. You set up 4 tripods, attach 4 crossbars, add the drapes and raise the tripods. No experience is required.
Can I rent just the frame or just the drapes?
Yes. If you have your own drapes, you can rent just the frame, and if you have your own frame, you can rent just the drapes.
People Also Ask
What does a chuppah symbolize?
It symbolizes the new home the couple is building together. Its open sides are often linked to welcome and hospitality, and many see the covering as a sign of God’s presence and blessing over the marriage.
Who stands under the chuppah?
The couple stands under the chuppah, usually with the rabbi or officiant. Depending on the family’s customs, parents and close relatives may stand just outside the canopy or join the couple underneath.
What is a chuppah made of?
A chuppah is usually a piece of fabric, such as a tallit (prayer shawl), silk or decorative cloth, stretched over four poles. The poles may be held by friends and family or fixed to a freestanding frame, and many couples add flowers or greenery.
