Top 10 Jewish and Interfaith Wedding Officiants in NYC
- Five Star Officiants
- Dec 7, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 22
When planning a Jewish or interfaith wedding in NYC, finding the right officiant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Jewish and interfaith wedding officiants bring a deep understanding of tradition, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to blend elements from different faiths to create a truly unique ceremony.
Why Are Jewish Wedding Officiants More Expensive?
Jewish and interfaith wedding officiants often charge more than the average NYC officiant due to the depth of their involvement. They may provide premarital counseling, incorporate intricate rituals, and tailor ceremonies to include both cultural and religious traditions.
For a broader understanding of officiant pricing in NYC, read our guide on How Much Is a Wedding Officiant in New York?
Rabbis vs. Cantors: Who Can Officiate Jewish Weddings?
Both rabbis and cantors can officiate Jewish weddings, but their roles differ:
Rabbis: Typically lead congregations, oversee religious practices, and officiate weddings with a focus on Jewish law.
Cantors: Specialize in liturgical music and rituals, often officiating weddings with a musical or personalized touch.
Choosing between a rabbi and cantor depends on your preferences for tradition, style, and ceremony tone.
Meet NYC’s Best Jewish and Interfaith Wedding Officiants
Here’s our list of the top 10 Jewish and interfaith wedding officiants in NYC. Whether you’re looking for a rabbi, cantor, or an interfaith minister, these experts specialize in making your ceremony meaningful, inclusive, and unforgettable.
1. Jewish Wedding Rabbi: Andrea Frankel
⭐ 5.0 (140+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: $1400 (includes rehearsal and premarital counseling)
Rabbi Andrea Frankel is a top choice for Jewish and interfaith weddings in NYC. With years of experience officiating ceremonies, Rabbi Andrea excels at honoring Jewish traditions while celebrating the couple’s love story. She also ensures interfaith couples feel confident and supported in blending their cultures, making families from all backgrounds feel included.
What Couples Love:
Rabbi Andrea’s ability to blend humor and sincerity for a heartfelt ceremony.
Personalized blessings and stories that reflect the couple’s journey together.
“Rabbi Andrea was absolutely wonderful to work with and the finished product of our ceremony was perfect. She took the time to get to know me and my husband, tailored each part of our ceremony to include what we were comfortable with, and delivered the most amazing and personalized wedding ceremony.”
2. Cantor Laura Stein
⭐ 5.0 (92+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: Starts at $1800 (includes premarital counseling)
🛍 Special Offer: Save $50 when you book this officiant for a full ceremony and mention that you found them on FiveStarOfficiants.com!
Cantor Laura Stein brings both expertise and warmth to Jewish and interfaith ceremonies. Her beautiful voice adds a unique touch to the ritual, whether she’s singing blessings or incorporating cultural elements into the ceremony.
She also brings deep expertise in counseling, guiding couples through premarital work with a process designed to help them grow together leading up to their big day.
What Couples Love:
Her ability to adapt Jewish traditions to include other faiths or cultural customs.
A calm yet commanding presence that makes couples feel at ease on their big day.
3. Dave Goldstein Weddings
⭐ 5.0 (100+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: $850–$925
Dave Goldstein is known for his modern approach to Jewish and interfaith weddings. His ceremonies are a perfect mix of laughter, heartfelt moments, and respect for tradition. Dave personalizes each ceremony, offering creative ways to include rituals like the breaking of the glass or blessings under the chuppah.
What Couples Love:
His incredible ability to make guests laugh while staying true to tradition.
His creativity in adapting Jewish customs to suit modern couples.
“Dave made our ceremony unforgettable. He had us laughing and crying, and everyone kept talking about how incredible he was!”
4. Cantor Cathy Lawrence
⭐ 5.0 (20+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: Starts at $700
Cantor Cathy Lawrence combines 20 years of officiating experience with a deep passion for creating personal and meaningful ceremonies. Her attention to detail ensures each couple’s wedding is as smooth and heartfelt as they envision. She’s also a great option for last-minute bookings, often accommodating couples when other officiants are unavailable.
What Couples Love:
Her calming presence, which helps reduce wedding-day stress.
Her affordable pricing paired with high-quality, personalized services.
5. Cantor Reut Ben-Zeev
⭐ 5.0 (50+ reviews) 💰 Pricing: Starting at $1500
Cantor Reut Ben-Zeev creates deeply meaningful ceremonies that honor Jewish traditions while reflecting each couple’s unique story. Her clients rave about her attention to detail and warm personality.
What Couples Love:
The authenticity and heartfelt moments she brings to ceremonies.
A seamless planning process that takes stress off the couple.
6. Interfaith Minister Rev. Louis Olivieri
⭐ 5.0 (300+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: $350
Rev. Louis Olivieri is a trusted choice for interfaith couples. While not specifically focused on Jewish ceremonies, his inclusive approach and vast experience make him a popular choice for diverse weddings.
What Couples Love:
His ability to connect with all types of couples.
Affordable pricing with top-notch service.
7. Jackie Reinking – Elopement Officiant
⭐ 5.0 (300+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: $595
Specializing in elopements, Jackie Reinking creates intimate ceremonies tailored to the couple’s wishes. While she doesn’t explicitly mention Jewish weddings, she performs religious ceremonies and works well with diverse couples.
What Couples Love:
Her ability to create intimate, heartfelt ceremonies.
Flexibility and attention to detail.
Jackie partners with her husband Sascha for couples looking for the convenience of a photographer and officiant
8. Rabbi Brian Denker
⭐ 4.9 (70+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: Couples spend on average $850 (Custom quotes available)
Rabbi Brian is a favorite for couples seeking a modern yet meaningful Jewish ceremony. His approachable personality and commitment to personalization ensure that your ceremony feels uniquely yours.
What Couples Love:
His ability to adapt ceremonies to the couple’s vision.
Seamless incorporation of traditional and modern elements.
9. Rabbi Sara Shonfeld
⭐ 5.0 (120+ reviews)
💰 Pricing: Not listed
Rabbi Sara Shonfeld specializes in interfaith ceremonies, blending traditions beautifully. She’s highly rated for her professionalism and ability to craft deeply personal experiences for couples and their guests.
What Couples Love:
A perfect balance of inclusivity and tradition.
Her kind and understanding approach during planning.
📅 Found an Officiant You Love? Let’s Check Their Availability!
Tell us your top two picks, and we’ll confirm if they’re available for your wedding date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewish and Interfaith Wedding Officiants
1. Can a cantor officiate a Jewish wedding, or do I need a rabbi? Both cantors and rabbis can officiate Jewish weddings. Cantors often bring a musical element, while rabbis focus on spiritual leadership. The right choice depends on your personal preferences and the tone you want for your ceremony.
2. Can a Jewish officiant perform interfaith ceremonies? Yes, many Jewish officiants specialize in interfaith ceremonies and are skilled at blending traditions from both faiths in a way that respects everyone involved.
3. How far in advance should I book a Jewish wedding officiant? Popular Jewish officiants in NYC often book up 6–12 months in advance, especially for dates around Jewish holidays. If you’re planning a wedding in peak season, book as early as possible.
4. Can non-religious elements be included in a Jewish wedding? Absolutely! Many officiants are open to adding personal, non-religious elements to make the ceremony reflect your unique relationship. Discuss your ideas with your officiant to create a ceremony that feels right for you.
5. What’s the difference between Jewish wedding traditions and modern interfaith ceremonies? Traditional Jewish weddings typically include rituals like the breaking of the glass, the signing of the ketubah, and the blessings under the chuppah. Interfaith ceremonies often blend these with elements from other faiths or cultures, creating a meaningful experience for the couple and their guests.
6. What happens if my officiant is unavailable last minute? Most officiants have backup plans in place. Ask about this during your initial consultation to ensure you’re covered in case of an emergency.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Jewish or Interfaith Officiant
Choosing the right officiant can elevate your wedding ceremony, making it personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable. The top Jewish and interfaith officiants in NYC are here to help you honor your traditions while celebrating your unique love story.
Don’t wait—officiants book up quickly! Start your journey today by exploring these experts and creating the ceremony of your dreams. Want more tips and insights? Check out our guide to Jewish and Interfaith Wedding Officiants in NYC: Costs, Traditions, and FAQs.