Question Regarding Civil Marriage Abroad and a Traditional Jewish Wedding in Israel
Question
Hello, My fiancé and I are planning to get married in a civil ceremony abroad (such as in Cyprus or Prague), but we would also like to have a traditional Jewish wedding in Israel through the Rabbanut. Will the fact that we will already be married civilly affect our ability to get married according to Jewish law through the Rabbanut?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
The best would be that your first wedding is a Jewish one. There is no such thing as a “civil ceremony” from the perspective of Judaism. A Jewish wedding, and only a Jewish wedding, will bring blessing and success to your marriage.
That being said, yes, it is possible for one to have a Jewish wedding ceremony even after a “civil” one, although you should keep in mind that since it is not considered as a wedding halachically, therefore you have to still live apart and can only live as a married couple until you are married according to Halacha.