One whose dead [relative] lies before him is exempt from the recitation of the Shema, from Prayer and from [donning] tefillin. The pallbearers, and those who replace them, and those who replace their replacements, those in front of the bier and those behind the bier: those needed [to carry] the bier are exempt [from reciting the Shema], and those not needed [to carry] the bier are obligated. Both these and these are exempt from Pray-er.

If a bridegroom wishes to perform the Shema recital [on] the first night [of his marriage], he may recite [the Shema]. Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: Not everyone who desires to acquire a reputation [for piety] may acquire [it].