Quick Answer: A jumping the broom wedding tradition is a unity ritual where the couple jumps over a decorated broom together to symbolize sweeping away the old and stepping into married life. It’s especially meaningful in African-American weddings because of its ties to the era when enslaved people were denied legal marriage, though its roots trace back further to West Africa and the British Isles. To include it, you’ll choose a broom, decide where it fits in your ceremony (usually right after the pronouncement), and plan the wording, music, and photo coverage so the moment lands the way it deserves.

Jumping the broom is one of those traditions that looks simple—two people, one broom, one jump—but carries a ton of history, emotion, and (sometimes) family expectations. We’ve filmed and photographed broom jumps in DC ballrooms, backyard ceremonies in Maryland, mountaintop elopements in Virginia, and formal church weddings where the broom moment got the biggest applause of the day. And here’s what we know after 15+ years and hundreds of ceremonies: the best broom jumps aren’t the ones with the fanciest ribbon. They’re the ones where the couple knows what it means, places it intentionally in the ceremony, and gives themselves permission to feel it.

If you’re considering a broom jumping ceremony, you’re probably juggling a few things at once. You want to honor tradition without turning your ceremony into a history lecture. You want the moment to be respectful (especially if you’re blending cultures). And you want it to look good in photos and video—because yes, it’s a split-second action, and it’s very easy for a photographer to miss if nobody plans for it.

We’re going to cover the jumping the broom history, what it means in African-American weddings today, and the practical stuff couples actually need: how to choose and decorate an African American wedding broom, where to place it in the ceremony, sample officiant scripts, modern interpretations, and photography/videography tips so you don’t end up with a blurry shot of your guests’ elbows.

Historical origins of jumping the broom (and why there’s more than one “origin story”)

If you’ve read about jumping the broom online, you’ve probably seen a dozen versions of its origin. That’s not because people are making things up for fun—though wedding blogs do love a tidy story. It’s because this tradition has multiple roots and traveled across continents, changing meaning as it went.

West African roots: symbolic sweeping and threshold crossing

Many historians connect broom symbolism to West African cultural practices where sweeping and thresholds are spiritually significant. Sweeping can represent clearing away negativity, making space for a new season, and preparing a home for community and family life. The “threshold” piece matters too: stepping (or jumping) over something can represent crossing from one life stage into another.

Is there a single, universally documented “West African broom jump ceremony” that looks exactly like what we do at modern weddings? No. And anyone who tells you that is probably trying to sell you a storyline. But the symbolic building blocks—cleansing, transition, home-making—are absolutely consistent with traditions found across parts of West Africa.

The British Isles: folk marriage customs and “irregular” unions

Jumping the broom also shows up in parts of the British Isles, especially Wales and some English communities, as a folk practice connected to “irregular” marriages—unions that weren’t formalized by church or state. In some accounts, the broom was placed at the doorway and the couple jumped over it to signify entering a shared home. If the broom was knocked over, it was considered a bad omen (which—let’s be honest—sounds like the kind of superstition that would keep stressed-out brides and grooms awake at 2 a.m.).

This matters because it helps explain how the tradition could have been present in multiple places and then adopted, adapted, and reinterpreted as people moved through the Atlantic world.

The painful American context: slavery, denied legal marriage, and community recognition

Here’s the part that makes broom jumping especially significant in African-American history.

During slavery in the United States, enslaved people were denied legal marriage rights. They could form families and unions, but those unions weren’t protected by law—and families could be separated by sale at any time. In that environment, communities created their own ways to honor commitment and recognize a couple’s bond. Jumping the broom became one of the most well-known symbols of that recognition.

That’s why, for many couples, a broom jumping ceremony isn’t “just a cute photo moment.” It’s a connection to ancestors whose love had to be witnessed by community rather than recognized by the state.

And yes—this is where the emotion hits. We’ve seen grandparents cry the second the broom is placed down, before anyone even jumps. They know what it means. Sometimes they lived close enough to segregation-era realities that the symbolism feels personal, not historical.

After emancipation: decline, stigma, and revival

After emancipation, many Black couples chose legal and church weddings—understandably. Some people associated broom jumping with the painful reminder of denied rights, and the tradition declined in many communities.

Then it came back.

The revival was influenced by cultural pride movements, scholarship, and popular media. A lot of couples in the late 20th century began reclaiming broom jumping as a celebration of resilience and continuity. Today, it’s common to see it in African-American weddings, and it’s also embraced by interracial couples, Afro-Caribbean couples, and families blending traditions.

Pro Tip: If you’re including a brief history in your ceremony, keep it to 2–4 sentences. The goal isn’t to teach a class—it’s to give your guests just enough context to feel the weight of the moment.

Cultural significance in African-American weddings (what it means now)

In modern African-American weddings, jumping the broom can carry several layers of meaning at the same time. And you get to choose what you want it to mean for you.

A symbol of resilience—and joy, not just pain

A hot take we’ll stand by: if your broom jump is only framed through trauma, it can feel heavy in a way that doesn’t match your celebration. Honoring the past matters. But your wedding is also allowed to be joyful, stylish, and full of laughter.

Many couples choose wording that acknowledges the historic context while emphasizing celebration and forward movement—“we honor those who came before us, and we step into our future together.”

Community witness and family blessing

Broom jumping is often a moment where the couple is literally supported by the room. Guests lean in. They clap. They cheer. It’s an instant energy shift.

That community witness is part of the tradition’s power. It’s not just “the couple did a thing.” It’s “the people saw it and affirmed it.”

Home, partnership, and shared responsibility

You’ll hear people say “sweeping away the old” or “welcoming the new.” But the deeper meaning many couples connect with is building a home together—emotionally, spiritually, and practically.

And yes, we’re going to say it: if you want the symbolism to feel real, talk about what “home” means to you. Is it Sunday dinners? Is it travel? Is it a safe place for your future kids? Is it a calm space after hard work weeks? That’s where this tradition stops being performative and starts being personal.

Reclamation and identity

For some couples, especially those who didn’t grow up seeing cultural traditions celebrated in formal spaces, jumping the broom is a powerful “this is ours” moment. It’s identity, pride, and continuity—especially in venues that might feel traditionally Eurocentric.

Interracial and intercultural weddings: respect vs. “Pinterest appropriation”

If you’re in an interracial relationship or blending cultures, you can absolutely include this tradition. But we’re going to be blunt: don’t treat it like an aesthetic. If it’s meaningful to one partner’s family, include it with respect, context, and care. If neither of you has a personal connection, you might want to pause and ask why you want it.

A lot of couples we work with handle this beautifully by having a family elder explain the meaning, or by including a line that names the tradition’s African-American significance.

Choosing and decorating the broom (what to buy, what to DIY, and what’s a waste of money)

Let’s talk about the actual broom. Because yes, it’s symbolic. But it’s also an object that needs to photograph well, sit flat on the ground, and not trip you.

What kind of broom works best?

You’ll generally see three options:

Traditional straw/corn brooms (often the most authentic look)
Handcrafted ceremonial brooms (made specifically for weddings)
Decorative faux brooms (pretty, but sometimes flimsy)

In our experience, handcrafted ceremonial brooms are the sweet spot—sturdy, photogenic, and easy to decorate.

Typical costs (real numbers)

Here’s what couples actually spend:

Basic straw broom: $12–$35
Mid-range ceremonial broom (pre-decorated): $65–$180
Handmade artisan broom (custom colors, keepsake quality): $200–$450
Luxury/custom heirloom broom (names, crystals, custom handle work): $500–$1,200+

And yes, you can spend $800 on a broom. We’ve seen it. Do you need to? Usually not.

Hot take: If your budget is tight, spend $40 on a simple broom and put the money into photo/video coverage instead. The broom is meaningful. But you’ll remember the moment more clearly if it’s captured well.

DIY vs. buying pre-decorated

DIY can be great if you’re crafty and calm. If you’re not, DIY can become a 1 a.m. hot-glue crisis.

Our rule: If you’re DIY-ing, finish it two weeks before the wedding. Not two days. Two weeks.

Common decoration materials

Satin ribbon (1.5"–2.5" width photographs best)
Lace wraps
Fresh or faux florals
Greenery
Beads, charms, cowrie shells (if culturally meaningful to you)
Fabric in kente-inspired colors (use thoughtfully—don’t just slap a pattern on it)

Color matching: align with your florals, not your bridesmaid dresses

Bridesmaid dress colors can change (returns, dye lots, last-minute swaps). Florals and decor are usually more consistent.

If your palette is white + greenery + gold, a broom with ivory ribbon and a small greenery bundle looks timeless. If your palette is jewel tones, go bold. Just avoid neon ribbon unless your whole wedding is neon (and if it is, we need photos).

Size, weight, and safety

Length: 36"–54" is common
Handle thickness: thicker handles are easier to grip and look better in photos
Weight: too light = it shifts when placed down; too heavy = awkward to carry

Ask someone to test-place it on the ceremony surface (grass, concrete, hardwood). On grass, it can sink and tilt. On hardwood, it can slide if it’s glossy.

Pro Tip: Add a small strip of clear grip tape (or a tiny dab of removable museum putty) on the underside of the broom head if your venue floor is slick. It keeps the broom from sliding without being visible in photos.

Who holds the broom?

Decide this early. Options we see work well:

Best man or maid of honor brings it forward
A parent/grandparent presents it (very emotional)
Officiant introduces it and signals for it
Planner/coordinator places it quietly (least distracting)

If nobody is assigned, you’ll get the classic awkward moment: everyone looking around while someone whispers “Where’s the broom?”

Ceremony placement and timing (so it feels intentional, not random)

Placement is everything. The broom jump should feel like a meaningful punctuation mark—not an interruption.

The most common placement: after the pronouncement

The classic flow:

Vows + rings
Pronouncement (“I now pronounce you…”)
Jumping the broom
Kiss
Recessional

Or:

Vows + rings
Pronouncement
Kiss
Jumping the broom
Recessional

Both work. We personally like pronouncement → broom jump → kiss because it builds anticipation and then gives you the kiss as the final “seal it” moment. But if you’re worried about lipstick smearing right before a jump (valid), do the kiss first.

Timing: it’s quick, but plan 2–4 minutes

The actual jump is 3 seconds. But the moment includes:

Officiant introduction (30–60 seconds)
Broom placement (15–30 seconds)
Couple positioning (10–20 seconds)
Jump + reaction (10 seconds)
Reset for recessional (20–40 seconds)

So yes, plan 2–4 minutes.

This matters for your Wedding Day Timeline and for musicians/DJ cues.

Where on the aisle?

Place the broom:

Centered in the aisle (obvious, looks good)
About 6–10 feet from the officiant (so you’re not crowded)
Far enough forward that guests can see, but not so far that the front row is in your photos like a wall of phones

If you’re doing it outdoors, avoid placing it on a slope. Jumping uphill in dress shoes is… not cute.

Micro-weddings and elopements

For small weddings, the broom jump can feel even more intimate. You may not have an aisle. No problem—place it near your ceremony “center,” and have your photographer frame it wide enough to show the environment.

Religious venues: ask about rules

Some churches have strict rules about what can happen at the altar. We’ve seen broom jumping allowed in the aisle but not on the chancel/altar area.

Ask early—like 2–3 months early—so you’re not negotiating with a church coordinator during rehearsal.

Pro Tip: Add the broom jump to your ceremony rehearsal plan. Even one practice run helps you figure out spacing, dress movement, and where your bouquet goes (because yes, you need a plan for your hands).

Wording and officiant script (samples you can actually use)

The officiant script is where this tradition either lands beautifully… or feels like a random prop.

We recommend keeping the script:

historically respectful
personally meaningful
under 60–90 seconds unless your ceremony is intentionally longer

Script option 1: Classic + concise (great for most ceremonies)

“Throughout history, jumping the broom has symbolized a couple’s commitment to build a life and home together. Today, [Name] and [Name] honor those who came before them and celebrate the future they’re creating. As they jump, they step into their marriage—together, as one.”

“[Name] and [Name], when you’re ready, please join hands and jump the broom.”

Script option 2: African-American historical context (without turning into a lecture)

“During a time when enslaved Africans in America were denied the legal right to marry, communities created their own ways to honor love and commitment. Jumping the broom became a powerful symbol—witnessed by family, friends, and community. Today, [Name] and [Name] reclaim that tradition with joy, gratitude, and pride.”

“May this jump mark the beginning of your shared home—built with respect, laughter, patience, and love.”

Script option 3: Spiritual/faith-forward (works for church ceremonies that allow it)

“Marriage is a covenant, and a home built in love becomes a blessing for everyone who enters it. This broom represents the threshold of a new life together. As [Name] and [Name] jump, they leave behind what no longer serves them and step forward into a home filled with grace.”

Script option 4: Short and sweet (for elopements and micro-weddings)

“[Name] and [Name], jump the broom to mark your first step into married life—together.”

Who says what: officiant vs. family member

Sometimes the most powerful version is when a parent or elder speaks. We had a wedding in Alexandria where the bride’s grandmother explained the tradition in two sentences—then the entire room stood up cheering. No officiant in the world can manufacture that kind of energy.

If you’re doing this, coach the speaker to:

keep it under a minute
speak slowly (people rush when they’re emotional)
step slightly to the side so cameras can see you

Music cue ideas

Music can turn the broom jump into a full-body moment:

Soft instrumental swell right before the jump
A quick upbeat hit immediately after (crowd goes wild)
Live drummer accent (if you’ve got one—goosebumps)

Coordinate with your DJ/band and add it to your ceremony cues. If you’re unsure how to plan audio for ceremony moments, our Ceremony Videography page breaks down what matters for clean sound.

Pro Tip: If you want your guests to actually hear the script, mic the officiant and the reader. Outdoor ceremonies + wind + no mic = your guests hear “mrrmph broom mmph love” and clap because everyone else clapped.

Modern interpretations and adaptations (keeping the meaning, making it yours)

We love tradition. We also love couples making it personal. The best modern broom jumps keep the core symbolism and adapt the details to fit the couple’s story.

Personalized brooms as heirlooms

Many couples add:

names and wedding date on the handle
family names
charms representing loved ones
a small piece of fabric from a parent’s outfit or a passed-down item

Just don’t overload it. If it weighs five pounds and looks like a Christmas tree, it’s going to be awkward to carry and weird to place.

Including kids in a blended family

If you’re blending families, you can have the kids jump too—either right after you, or with you (holding hands). It’s a clear, visual “we’re becoming one family” moment.

One caution: if kids are very young, do a gentle step-over instead of a jump. Nobody wants a toddler face-planting at the altar.

Non-binary and inclusive language

Officiant wording can be adjusted easily:

“partners” instead of “husband and wife”
“marriage” and “union” instead of gendered terms
“your home and your life together”

Destination weddings and travel

If you’re traveling, pack the broom carefully:

bubble wrap around the decorated area
a sturdy box or hard-sided case
carry-on if possible (we’ve seen brooms arrive crushed in checked luggage)

Or buy a broom locally and decorate it on-site—just don’t make that a last-minute craft project the night before your wedding.

“Step the broom” instead of jump (for accessibility)

Not every couple can or wants to jump. And you don’t have to.

Alternatives we’ve seen that still feel powerful:

step over together slowly
hold hands and walk over as the officiant speaks
wheelchair-accessible threshold moment (roll over a ribbon/cloth placed alongside the broom, or place the broom upright as a symbolic “passing through”)

The meaning doesn’t require airtime. It requires intention.

Reception broom jump (yes, it’s a thing)

Some couples do a private broom jump during portraits, or during the reception as a crowd moment. It’s not traditional, but it can work—especially if your ceremony venue has restrictions.

If you do it at the reception, announce it clearly and do it before the dance floor gets too crowded.

Photography tips for broom jump (because it happens fast)

We’ve photographed a lot of broom jumps. The difference between “iconic” and “missed it” usually comes down to planning and communication.

If you want the moment captured well, tell your photo/video team ahead of time. Put it on your shot list. Mention it again at the timeline review. We’re not mind readers, and we don’t want to guess.

For broader planning guidance, our Wedding Photography Guide is a great starting point.

The 6 shots we aim for (and you should too)

Wide shot showing the couple, broom, officiant, and guests (context matters)
Medium shot from the center aisle (faces + broom clearly visible)
Low angle near broom level (dramatic, shows feet in air)
Reaction shot of guests cheering/laughing/crying
Close-up of hands + broom detail (ribbon, names, date)
After-jump celebration (that “we did it!” look)

Camera positioning: what works best

One shooter in the center aisle, halfway back
Second shooter at a 45-degree angle near the front (left or right)
If video is involved, one locked wide shot is gold (no one can predict the exact jump timing)

If you’re working with a single photographer, ask them to prioritize a centered angle and shoot a burst sequence.

Lighting pitfalls (hello, backlight)

Outdoor ceremonies at sunset can create strong backlighting. That can look gorgeous, but it can also turn your faces into silhouettes if your photographer isn’t prepared.

We love golden hour. But we also love seeing your expressions.

Bouquet and dress management

Before you jump:

hand bouquet to maid of honor, or hold it low and steady
lift dress slightly if needed (practice in rehearsal)
keep hands linked (it looks better and helps balance)

Guest phones: the modern aisle hazard

We get it—people want to record. But a wall of phones can block your pro photos.

Ask your officiant to make a quick announcement: “Please keep phones down for this moment.” Or go full unplugged ceremony.

Hot take: An unplugged ceremony is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Your guests will be more present, and your photos will look like a wedding—not like a tech conference.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want to ban phones entirely, ask guests to keep phones down until after the broom jump. That’s usually the moment everyone tries to record.

Videography tips for broom jump (sound + motion matter)

A broom jump is cinematic by nature—motion, cheering, music swell, and a big emotional release. But it only works on video if it’s covered intentionally.

If you’re curious how we think about ceremony audio and camera placement, check out Ceremony Videography.

Capture it like an action beat

We plan for:

a wide safety angle (locked off if possible)
a close/mid angle for faces
a quick cut to guests cheering
clean audio of the officiant’s intro

If your videographer only has one camera and no plan, you might get a shaky zoom and a lot of heads.

Audio: mic the officiant, not the air

If the officiant’s script includes historical context, you want that recorded clearly. Lav mic + recorder is the usual approach. Outdoor wind needs a windscreen. Indoor echo needs mic placement.

And if you’re adding a reader (family elder), mic them too.

Slow motion: yes, but not the whole thing

Slow motion works best for:

the takeoff
the mid-air moment
the landing + laughter

But keep the intro and the crowd reaction real-time so it doesn’t feel like a sports replay.

Combining with other unity rituals (so your ceremony doesn’t run 45 minutes)

Couples love unity rituals. We love meaning. But we’ve also sat through ceremonies that felt like a talent show of symbolism.

If you’re combining rituals, choose one main and one supporting ritual. Two, max, unless you’re intentionally planning a longer cultural ceremony.

Unity ritual pairings that work well

Jumping the broom + unity candle

Candle is quiet and reflective
Broom jump is celebratory and energetic

Nice balance.

Jumping the broom + sand ceremony

Sand looks great, but it takes time and can get messy outdoors
Broom jump is quick and clean

If you do both, keep sand short.

Jumping the broom + handfasting

This can be beautiful if handled well. Handfasting is often done before vows or during vows, while broom jumping is perfect after pronouncement.

Jumping the broom + libation ceremony

Libations can honor ancestors and family elders, especially in African diasporic traditions. If you do libations, keep the explanation tight and the flow respectful.

Broom jump + unity candle + sand + wine box + rose exchange + multiple readings

That’s not a ceremony. That’s a marathon.

Your guests will love your wedding more if the ceremony feels intentional and moves.

Decision framework: pick the vibe you want

Ask yourselves:

Do we want this moment to feel spiritual, celebratory, or reflective?
Do we want guests cheering, crying, or quiet?
Are we honoring ancestors, blending families, or both?
How long do we want the ceremony to be (realistically 15–25 minutes for most couples)?

Then pick rituals that support that vibe instead of competing with it.

Comparison tables: choosing your broom + choosing ceremony placement

Table 1: Broom options compared (cost, look, practicality)

Broom Type	Typical Cost	Best For	Pros	Cons
Basic straw/corn broom	$12–$35	Budget-friendly couples, DIY decorators	Affordable, easy to find, classic look	Can shed, may slide on smooth floors, less “keepsake”
Pre-decorated ceremonial broom	$65–$180	Most weddings	Photogenic, sturdy enough, minimal effort	Limited customization, quality varies by seller
Handmade custom artisan broom	$200–$450	Couples wanting an heirloom	High quality, personalized, looks amazing in photos	Higher cost, needs lead time (2–8 weeks)
Luxury/heirloom custom broom	$500–$1,200+	Collectors/heirloom families	Museum-level detail, true keepsake	Pricey, can be over-decorated and heavy

Table 2: Ceremony placement options (and how they feel)

Placement	Timing	Vibe	Works Best If	Watch Out For
After pronouncement, before kiss	Last 2–3 minutes	Builds anticipation, then seals with kiss	You want broom jump to be the big “moment”	Coordinate bouquet handoff so you’re not juggling
After kiss, before recessional	Last 1–2 minutes	Immediate celebration, then exit	You want a quick hit and a clean exit	Guests may start clapping/standing and block photos
After vows, before pronouncement	Mid-ceremony	Symbolic unity before legal/spoken pronouncement	Cultural ceremony structure supports it	Can confuse guests (“Are they married yet?”)
Reception broom jump	During reception	Party moment, crowd hype	Ceremony venue restrictions or private ceremony	Needs clear announcement + space on floor

What NOT to do (Red Flags we’ve seen in real weddings)

We’re not here to scare you. But we are here to save you from preventable chaos.

Red Flag 1: No one is assigned to bring/place the broom

This leads to whispering, scrambling, and a dead pause in your ceremony. Assign one person. Tell them exactly when to move.

Red Flag 2: The broom is placed on uneven ground

Grass divots, slopes, cobblestones—these turn a meaningful moment into a balance test. If your ceremony is outdoors, check the ground at rehearsal time.

Red Flag 3: The officiant reads a long, inaccurate history

A five-minute speech full of “facts” that aren’t really facts can feel cringe—and disrespectful. Keep it short and true.

Red Flag 4: Over-decorated broom that snags the dress

Long pins, sharp wire, protruding crystals, dangling charms at ankle level… we’ve seen gowns catch. Use secure wraps and keep the jump area snag-free.

Red Flag 5: No photo/video plan for a split-second moment

If your vendors don’t know it’s happening, the shot can be missed. Put it on the timeline and tell your team. This is exactly why we encourage couples to share key moments with both photo and video teams well before the wedding day.

Red Flag 6: Trying a big athletic jump in tight clothes

We love enthusiasm. But if your outfit is fitted, your shoes are slippery, or your knees aren’t thrilled, keep it simple. A small jump reads beautifully on camera.

Step-by-step plan: how to include jumping the broom without stress

Here’s a simple workflow we’ve seen work over and over.

6–9 months before

Decide if broom jumping is meaningful to you and how you want to frame it (heritage, family, unity, all of the above).
If you’re in a religious venue, ask if it’s allowed and where it can happen.

3–5 months before

Choose your broom (order custom if needed—lead times can be 2–8 weeks).
Decide who will speak the intro (officiant vs. family elder).
Tell your planner/coordinator and add it to the ceremony outline.

6–8 weeks before

Finalize wording for the officiant script.
Decide placement: after pronouncement? after kiss?
Tell your photographer/videographer (and send the ceremony outline).

2–3 weeks before

Finish decorating (if DIY).
Do a quick practice at home: where do your hands go, how high do you jump, what happens with the bouquet?

Rehearsal

Practice placement and spacing in the actual ceremony spot.
Confirm who brings the broom and where it’s stored before the ceremony.

Wedding day

Keep broom accessible (not locked in a car trunk across the property).
Remind officiant + coordinator + photo/video team right before ceremony starts.

For a broader planning structure, our Wedding Day Timeline guide helps you map ceremony moments into a realistic flow.

Pro Tip: Put the broom with your ceremony items box (rings, vow books, unity items). If it’s “somewhere in the bridal suite,” it will magically disappear when you need it most.

How to store, display, and preserve the broom after the wedding (so it doesn’t live in a closet forever)

If you’re buying a keepsake broom, plan what happens after.

Display ideas we’ve seen couples love

Hang it horizontally above a mantel (use proper anchors)
Shadow box for smaller brooms or broom décor pieces (ribbons, charms)
Entryway display (symbolic threshold—honestly perfect)
Include it in anniversary photos (super cute and not overdone)

Preservation tips

Keep it out of direct sunlight (ribbons fade)
Avoid damp basements (straw and moisture are not friends)
If there are fresh florals, remove them ASAP and replace with dried elements if desired

Reception tie-ins: photo moments that pair well with the broom jump

Your broom jump is a ceremony moment, but you can echo the symbolism in your reception photography too.

Ideas:

Flat-lay detail shot with invites, rings, and broom ribbon
Couple holding the broom together during golden hour portraits (10 minutes, tops)
Family portrait with elders who value the tradition

If you’re building a shot list for the reception, our Reception Photo Checklist is a great resource—and you can add “broom keepsake detail” as a custom line item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: make it meaningful, make it yours

A jumping the broom wedding tradition can be one of the most powerful moments of your entire day—if you treat it like a real ritual and not just a photo op. Keep the history honest, keep the script tight, place it intentionally in the ceremony, and assign someone to handle the logistics. Then let the room react. That cheer you hear after the jump? That’s your community celebrating you.

If you’re building out the rest of your ceremony plans, you’ll also like our Wedding Day Timeline guide, and for coverage planning, start with Wedding Photography Guide and Ceremony Videography. (And if you’re already thinking about reception moments, our Reception Photo Checklist is a practical next click.)

And if you want a photo and video team that knows how to capture split-second traditions like the broom jump—clean audio, the right angles, and the crowd reaction that makes it real—our team at Precious Pics Pro would love to help. Learn more about our approach at preciouspicspro.com and reach out when you’re ready to talk through your date and vision.

Jumping the Broom: History, Meaning, and How to Include It in Your Ceremony