Marriage

Marriage customs vary widely from community to community, though several aspects do remain constant throughout. The union will traditionally take place underneath a chuppah, a cloth canopy that symbolizes the new couples' house. It is viewed as a central part of someones life, as a woman without a man is seen as incomplete, though the reverse is also true.

As far a the acutal rites of the marriage go, they are based heavily upon property transfer laws of antiquity. During the ceremony, the wife recieves an object of value (usually a ring) from the husband, referred to as the ketubah, or 'marriage contract'. They are then joined in the nissuin ritual under the chuppah.

Betrothal in the Jewish community can be symbolized in a number of ways. The most common is by the exchange of an object of value (usually a ring), though this method is seen in other religons (specifically, Judaism's offshoot, Christianity). Another method is via a written contract, though this form has fallen into disuse amongst all but the most adherently orthodox of sects. Traditionally, betrothal is overseen by a third party, usually a Rabbi, though this aspect is more prevalent in making the betrothal 'official', rather than at the actual moment. Additionally, 'Shadchan' (matchmakers) can be employed to find suitable partners, though these are more suggestions as nothing forces the two to act upon the Matchmakers recommendations.

by Alex Jeffrey

Facts from: http://www.encyclopaediajudaica.com