Please note: Livestream Simcha is a service exclusively for livestreaming & videography for weddings. For any wedding hall questions or services please call the wedding hall directly with the number provided below.
Deciding where to get married is a big choice. For American Jews, marrying in Israel can make for an incredible wedding simcha in Israel: beautiful scenery, deep Jewish resonance, and a destination wedding all in one.
But there are important practical, legal, religious and financial issues to weigh.
Facts & Statistics to Know about Marrying in Israel:
Here are some relevant data points about marriage, Jewish identity and Israel that help frame the decision.
-
Among Jews in the United States, about 44 % of those who are married say they have a spouse who is not Jewish. By contrast, in Israel only about 2 % of married Jews say their spouse is from another religion or unaffiliated. Pew Research Center
-
In Israel, the system of marriage is controlled by religious courts. For Jewish Israelis, marriages are conducted by Orthodox rabbinic authorities under the umbrella of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Civil marriage is not available domestically in the sense that many Western couples expect.
-
The number of Jewish couples who married through the Rabbinate (religious Jewish weddings in Israel) has declined in recent years. For example, in 2015 the number peaked around 39,111, and by 2019 it dropped to about 33,354 couples. Israel Democracy Institute
-
Many Israeli Jews live together without marrying: in 2020 there were 96,555 couples living together without marriage, and the share of secular couples in that category was around 10%. Israel Democracy Institute
-
Among American Jews, friendships and social circles tend to be more religiously diverse compared to Israeli Jews. For example, only about 32 % of U.S. Jews say that all or most of their close friends are Jewish, compared to 98 % of Israeli Jews. Pew Research Center
These facts don’t directly answer whether American Jews should marry in Israel, but they provide useful context about the difference in marriage culture, legal frameworks and Jewish‑identity environments in the U.S. vs Israel in 2025.
Pros of Getting Married in Israel
1. Deep symbolic and emotional resonance
For many Jewish Americans the land of Israel holds profound meaning. A wedding there can connect to heritage, faith, roots and the larger Jewish story in a way that few locations in the U.S. can replicate. If identity and symbolism matter to you, Israel offers a powerful backdrop.
2. Unique destination wedding experience
Choosing Israel as your wedding destination with a Jewish wedding videographer gives you something different: scenic landscapes, biblical, historical and spiritual ambiance, an event simcha that guests might remember as a journey and celebration.
3. Combined event and travel for guests
For couples whose families and friends are willing to travel, a wedding in Israel offers the chance for a wedding + vacation. Guests can turn the event into a trip, visit Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Galilee, etc. It becomes more than just a ceremony.
4. Potential for smaller or more intimate gathering (depending on plan)
Depending on how you structure it, you could use the “destination” nature of an Israel wedding to manage guest counts or keep things more intimate, which some couples prefer.
Things to Consider When Getting Married in Israel
1. Legal, religious and bureaucratic complications
Because Israel’s marriage system is run by religious courts, there are some complications:
-
If you or your partner’s Jewish status is not fully recognized by the Rabbinate (e.g., conversions, non‑Orthodox backgrounds) you may face difficulties.
-
If you want a non‑Orthodox ceremony or civil marriage style, the options are limited in Israel itself. Some couples marry abroad in civil ceremonies for recognition.
-
Depending on the venue, guest travel, vendor setup and logistics in a foreign country can add layers of stress and cost.
2. Travel and cost burdens on families and guests
While destination weddings have advantages, they also bring costs: flights, accommodation, time off work, travel visas (if needed), etc. Some guests may be unable or unwilling to travel, which may limit your guest list or place burdens on important people in your life.
Founder of LiveStreamSimcha – Reach out with any questions regarding livestreaming your simcha in Israel!
Akiva Tepperman is a professional Jewish videographer and livestream specialist working in Israel since 2014. His team provides high-quality live streaming and video coverage for simchas and events of all kinds, from weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs to brit milahs and corporate broadcasts.