Chuppah Before Sunset
Question
I heard that some communities have the custom of holding the chuppah before sunset. What is the reason for this, and is it necessary to enter the yichud room before sunset as well?
Answer
Shalom u'vracha
There are a few reasons for this:
A. Some communities were concerned about a custom mentioned in Shut HaRa’em (Vol. 2, Siman 35) and by Mahari Mintz, who held that it is not proper to perform kiddushin (betrothal) at night — similar to gerushin (divorce), which ideally should be done during the day (see Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer 123), based on the comparison between marriage and divorce. However, many later authorities disagreed with this view.
B. There are many who do so for a more practical reason, to reduce the number of days required for Sheva Berachot.
In any case, according to all opinions, there is no halcha that one needs to enter the yichud room before sunset.