Chuppah pole basics and options

We’re well into wedding planning season, and couples are getting ready to raise their chuppahs. If you’re creating a chuppah canopy, you might also be coordinating on the chuppah poles or chuppah frame.

This post offers options for poles when the chuppah will be hand held. If instead of poles you want to create a free-standing chuppah, you might want to take a look at 3 chuppah frames you can buy online.

One big benefit of using a hand-held chuppah is that it’s easy to transport—much easier than the hardware and equipment required for a free-standing frame. For more than ten years I rented hand-held chuppahs to couples across the country and offered hand-held versions with poles in large part because they are easy to transport. They’re also easier to set up and take down than free-standing frames. They’re a great option venues where erecting a frame isn’t permitted, like a museum or some parks, or when the ceremony space will also be used for the reception, like a restaurant or back yard. They’re also great for small spaces like courtyards or apartment living rooms.

Basic considerations for chuppah poles

Canopy size and weight

Hand-held poles are best with small, lightweight canopies along the size and weight of a large tallit. Large canopies or heavy canopies can make the poles difficult for the chuppah bearers to hold, so they are better attached to a solid, free-standing frame.

Pole height

7-foot poles (2.2.) typically work well for chuppahs. If either member of the couple getting married is especially tall, you may want taller poles.

Protective bottom surfaces

If you’re raising the chuppah indoors or on a special surface, be sure that the bottoms of the poles are smooth or have covers, such as caps of vinyl, rubber or other similar material, so that they don’t leave scratches or marks. If using caps, make sure you get the right diameter for the poles.

2 chuppah pole options

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Birch branch poles

Birch branches make classic chuppah poles. You can find sets of four 7’ birch branches on Etsy from Annie’s Creek, a vendor that also provides free standing frames that a number of my canopy clients have used.

You’ll need to add a way to attach the canopy, such as eye screws.

Wooden dowels

Start with wooden dowels, about ⅞” or 1” in diameter. Dowels are available at many home improvement stores.

Add eye screws either in the very top surface of the poles or, if you want to add decorative finials to the top of the poles, about an inch and a half from the top. Secure the canopy to the poles by pass the ties from the canopy corners through the eye screws and knot the ties.