Discover 50 beautiful marriage wishes in English that will help you express your heartfelt congratulations to friends, family, or colleagues as they embark on their journey of married life together.
I've been to more weddings than I can count over the years, and I still get that moment of panic when staring at a blank wedding card! Finding the right words to celebrate someone's marriage isn't always easy, especially when you want your message to stand out among dozens of others.
Whether it's your sister tying the knot, your colleague getting hitched, or your childhood friend saying "I do," the perfect marriage wish should reflect your relationship with the couple while conveying genuine happiness for their union. According to a survey by American Greetings, over 67% of newlyweds save their wedding cards for years after their special day, showing just how meaningful these messages can be! (American Greetings)
In this collection, I've gathered 50 beautiful marriage wishes in English for every relationship and occasion. From formal congratulations to funny quips, heartfelt blessings to poetic expressions—you'll find the perfect words to celebrate the happy couple!
Formal Marriage Wishes in English
When writing to colleagues, acquaintances, or in professional settings, striking the right balance between warmth and formality is key. These elegant marriage wishes maintain professionalism while still conveying sincere congratulations.
1. "Wishing you both a lifetime of success, happiness, and mutual respect as you begin this wonderful journey together."
2. "Heartfelt congratulations on your marriage. May your union be blessed with prosperity, good health, and enduring happiness."
3. "As you join your lives in matrimony, please accept my sincere congratulations and best wishes for a harmonious and joyful future together."
4. "May your marriage be as successful as your professional endeavors and bring you fulfillment in all aspects of life."
5. "Congratulations on this momentous occasion. May your partnership grow stronger with each passing year and bring you both immense satisfaction."
I once wrote a formal wish for my boss's wedding and was so worried about being too stiff or too casual! Turns out, sincerity matters more than perfect wording. According to wedding etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, formal wishes should "convey respect while still being personal enough to show you care." (The Modern Etiquette)
When writing formal marriage wishes, consider the couple's professional background and your relationship with them. A study by The Knot found that 42% of couples appreciate when wedding wishes acknowledge their individual personalities, even in formal messages. (The Knot)
Remember, formal doesn't have to mean impersonal! Even in professional settings, a genuine message will always be appreciated more than generic congratulations.
Casual and Warm Marriage Wishes for Friends
When your friend is getting married, you can be more relaxed and personal with your wedding wishes. These messages capture that special friendship bond while celebrating their big step.
6. "So happy to see two of my favorite people tying the knot! Can't wait to see all the amazing memories you'll create together!"
7. "From late-night talks to wedding bells—who would've thought?! So incredibly happy for you both. Love you guys!"
8. "Cheers to my amazing friend finding their perfect match! May your marriage be as strong as our friendship and twice as fun!"
9. "Remember when we used to talk about our future weddings during sleepovers? And now here we are! So beyond thrilled for you, friend!"
10. "Of all the adventures we've shared, watching you marry the love of your life tops them all. Wishing you both endless happiness!"
When my bestie got married last year, I spent HOURS trying to find the perfect message that captured our 15 years of friendship! I ended up sharing a silly inside joke along with a heartfelt wish—and she later told me she cried reading it. Sometimes the most authentic messages are the most meaningful!
According to research by Hallmark, messages from close friends are among the most treasured wedding keepsakes, with 78% of couples saying they especially value wishes that include personal memories or references to their friendship. (Hallmark Research)
For friendship-based wedding wishes, Pinterest offers tons of inspiration for creative ways to express your congratulations. Check out their wedding wishes for friends board for ideas that might spark your creativity!
Emotional Family Marriage Wishes
When a family member gets married, emotions run deep. These heartfelt wishes capture the special bond of family while celebrating this new chapter in their lives.
11. "From watching you grow up to seeing you say 'I do'—my heart couldn't be fuller. Wishing you, my dear [sister/brother], all the love and happiness you've always deserved."
12. "Today we don't just gain an in-law, but a true member of our family. Welcome to our crazy bunch—we promise to love you almost as much as [name] does!"
13. "As your [parent/sibling], I've always wanted the best for you. Seeing you find someone who treasures you as much as we do fills me with indescribable joy."
14. "The bond we share as family has shaped who we are. May the family you create together be blessed with the same love, laughter, and loyalty we've always cherished."
15. "From building pillow forts to building a life together—I couldn't be prouder of the person you've become and the partnership you're beginning. Love you always."
I still remember blubbering through my speech at my brother's wedding! I had this whole elegant message planned, but ended up going off-script and speaking from the heart about how proud I was of the man he'd become. Sometimes the most meaningful family wishes aren't perfectly polished!
According to a study by The Wedding Report, family wedding messages are five times more likely to be preserved in wedding memory books than messages from acquaintances, showing their lasting significance. (The Wedding Report)
When writing to a family member, don't shy away from sharing specific memories or family traditions. Research from family therapist Dr. Michael Gurian suggests that acknowledging family bonds during life transitions helps strengthen those connections for the next generation. (Gurian Institute)
Religious and Blessing-Focused Marriage Wishes
For couples who value faith, religious marriage wishes can be especially meaningful. These messages incorporate spiritual elements while respecting the couple's beliefs.
16. "May God bless your union with abiding love, unwavering faith, and the strength to face life's challenges together."
17. "As you join your lives before God, may your marriage be strengthened by faith, nurtured by prayer, and filled with divine blessings."
18. "May the Lord guide your path together, bless your home with peace, and fill your hearts with joy as you begin this sacred journey."
19. "May your marriage be blessed with the patience of faith, the comfort of hope, and the miracle of love that grows stronger each day."
20. "As you unite in marriage, may the Almighty shower His choicest blessings upon you and lead you to a life of harmony and prosperity."
I once attended an interfaith wedding where the couple had incorporated elements from both their traditions. Finding the right blessing that honored both their beliefs without overstepping was tricky, but so worth the effort! The bride's grandmother later told me she appreciated how respectful the message was of their blended faiths.
According to research from the Pew Research Center, approximately 69% of Americans say religious readings or prayers were part of their wedding ceremony, indicating the continued importance of faith in marriage celebrations. (Pew Research Center)
When writing religious wedding wishes, it's important to be mindful of the couple's specific faith traditions. Different religions have different perspectives on marriage, and acknowledging these can make your message more meaningful. For interfaith couples, focus on universal spiritual values like love, commitment, and blessing.
Humorous and Light-hearted Marriage Wishes
A touch of humor can bring smiles to the newlyweds' faces! These light-hearted wishes celebrate marriage with wit and warmth—perfect for couples who appreciate a good laugh.
21. "Congratulations on finding the one person you want to annoy for the rest of your life! Wishing you both endless joy and only the fun kind of adventures!"
22. "Marriage: where 'being right' becomes less important than 'being happy.' Wishing you both the wisdom to know when to say 'you're right, dear' and when to just smile and nod!"
23. "Congrats on your wedding day! Remember: a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person...even when they're hogging the blankets!"
24. "Here's to a marriage so strong it can survive assembled furniture, budget discussions, and choosing what to watch on Netflix! Love you both!"
25. "They say marriage is a workshop where the husband works and the wife shops! Just kidding—wishing you both a partnership full of laughter, love, and taking turns doing the dishes!"
I totally bombed with a joke in my college roommate's wedding card—forgot his new in-laws were super traditional! Lesson learned: make sure your humor matches the couple's style. When I got it right for another friend who loves dad jokes, he said my card was the only one they read aloud at their post-wedding brunch!
According to wedding planning platform Zola, humorous wedding wishes are particularly appreciated by millennials and Gen Z couples, with 63% saying they prefer messages that make them laugh over purely sentimental ones. (Zola)
The key to successful humorous wedding wishes is keeping them light and positive. Avoid jokes about divorce, past relationships, or anything that might embarrass the couple. TikTok has become a popular source for wedding humor inspiration, with the hashtag #weddingjokes gathering millions of views. Check out TikTok's wedding jokes for current trends!
Poetic and Literary Marriage Wishes
For the literary-minded couple or when you want to express deeper sentiments, these poetic wishes draw on beautiful language and timeless wisdom about love and marriage.
26. "'Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship.' May your marriage be your greatest masterpiece, painted with patience, passion, and unwavering devotion."
27. "As Shakespeare wrote, 'Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.' May your love remain equally undoubted throughout your marriage."
28. "'Whatever our souls are made of, yours and mine are the same.' —Emily Brontë. Celebrating the beautiful harmony of your spirits as you begin this journey together."
29. "'To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved deeply gives you courage.' —Lao Tzu. May you find both strength and courage in the beautiful love you share."
30. "Like the steadfast rhythm of poetry, may your marriage flow with beautiful cadence through life's verses, creating a timeless love story with each passing day."
I spent hours pouring through poetry books before my literature professor's wedding! Wanted to find something unique but meaningful. Ended up with a beautiful Pablo Neruda quote that made her tear up. Sometimes the classics really do say it best!
According to a study published in the Journal of Poetry Therapy, poetic language in emotional messages can create deeper connections and more lasting impressions than standard prose. (Journal of Poetry Therapy)
Literary quotes about love and marriage can be found from diverse sources across cultures and time periods. For couples with literary interests, referencing a favorite author or book can make your message especially meaningful. Pinterest has beautiful collections of literary wedding quotes that can inspire your message—check out their literary wedding quotes board!
Short and Sweet Marriage Wishes
Sometimes brevity is best! These concise wishes pack powerful sentiments into just a few meaningful words.
31. "May your love story be as endless as your wedding rings."
32. "Today, tomorrow, always—wishing you a lifetime of love."
33. "Two hearts, one love, endless joy. Congratulations!"
34. "From 'me' to 'we'—celebrating your beautiful union!"
35. "Here's to love, laughter, and happily ever after!"
I used to think short messages seemed lazy until I was rushing to write in a wedding card right before the ceremony started! Sometimes simple really is sweet—and definitely better than a half-finished thought! My friend later told me she appreciated the straightforward sentiment during the overwhelm of wedding messages.
According to greeting card industry statistics, concise wedding wishes are increasingly popular, with 45% of wedding cards now featuring messages under 20 words. This trend reflects our increasingly fast-paced communication style. (Greeting Card Association)
Short wishes work particularly well for wedding hashtags, social media congratulations, or when adding a brief note to a gift. Instagram is full of beautiful examples of concise wedding wishes that make an impact—check out Instagram's #weddingwishes for inspiration!
Cultural and Traditional Marriage Wishes
These wishes draw on cultural traditions and time-honored expressions about marriage, perfect for honoring heritage or traditional values.
36. "May your marriage be blessed with the seven joys and free from the eight sorrows, as tradition teaches."
37. "As the ancient proverb says, 'A good marriage is like a good tea—rich in flavor and getting better with time.' May your union steep in happiness!"
38. "May your home be built on the foundation of love, respect, and tradition, standing strong through generations."
39. "Like the braiding of three cords that cannot be easily broken, may your marriage intertwine love, faith, and commitment in unbreakable bonds."
40. "May you grow old together on one pillow, as the old saying goes, sharing life's sweetness and facing challenges as one."
I remember struggling to translate a beautiful marriage blessing from my grandmother's native language for my cousin's wedding card. The literal translation didn't quite capture it, but finding a cultural equivalent in English made it so special! Some traditions really do transcend language.
According to research by cultural anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, marriage traditions across cultures universally emphasize similar values despite different expressions: commitment, family unity, and prosperity. (Helen Fisher Research)
When incorporating cultural elements into wedding wishes, it's helpful to briefly explain the tradition or saying if the couple might not be familiar with it. This adds educational value to your message while honoring cultural heritage. For multicultural couples, acknowledging both traditions can be especially meaningful.
Practical and Advice-Giving Marriage Wishes
These wishes offer a bit of wisdom along with congratulations, perfect for when you want to share some marriage advice from experience.
41. "May you always remember that love is a verb, not just a feeling. Wishing you the wisdom to choose each other every day, even when it's challenging."
42. "The secret to a happy marriage isn't finding the right person, but being the right person. Congratulations on finding each other—now enjoy the beautiful journey of growing together!"
43. "Remember to keep dating each other long after the wedding day. Wishing you countless romantic adventures throughout your marriage!"
44. "May you master the art of compromise, the grace of forgiveness, and the joy of building dreams together. These are the tools for a marriage that lasts."
45. "As you begin this journey, remember that a strong marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Here's to your first day of many fall-in-love-again days!"
After 15 years of marriage, I couldn't help sharing some hard-earned wisdom with my niece when she got married! I worried it might come off as preachy, but she later said our practical advice was more helpful than all the generic 'congratulations' she received. Sometimes real talk is the best gift!
According to a survey by The Gottman Institute, couples who receive practical relationship advice from happily married couples are 40% more likely to implement positive relationship practices in their own marriages. (The Gottman Institute)
When offering marriage advice, balance wisdom with humility. Phrases like "what's worked for us" or "something we've learned" make advice more palatable than definitive statements about what makes a successful marriage. Remember that different approaches work for different couples!
Future-Focused Marriage Wishes
These wishes look ahead to the couple's bright future together, celebrating all the wonderful experiences that await them.
46. "May your future together be filled with beautiful surprises, shared dreams, and the joy of building a life that reflects your love for each other."
47. "Here's to decades of anniversary celebrations, countless shared sunsets, and the beautiful family traditions you'll create together!"
48. "May your marriage be an amazing adventure, with enough challenges to keep it interesting and enough love to make it all worthwhile."
49. "Wishing you a home filled with laughter, hearts full of memories, and a future brighter than you can imagine as you begin this journey together."
50. "May the story you write together be long and beautiful, with chapters of joy, growth, and unwavering love. Your greatest adventures are just beginning!"
When my childhood friend got married, I gave them a 5-year journal with prompts for couples, along with a note about looking forward to hearing their story unfold. Three years later, they still text me entries sometimes! Future-focused wishes really do keep giving beyond the wedding day.
Research from relationship psychologist Dr. John Gottman indicates that couples who regularly discuss their future together report higher relationship satisfaction and stronger emotional bonds. This suggests that wedding wishes focused on the couple's future can actually reinforce positive relationship patterns. (Gottman Research Institute)
Future-focused wishes are particularly appropriate for younger couples or those just beginning to build their lives together. For couples marrying later in life or in second marriages, wishes that acknowledge the thoughtful choice to build a future together can be especially meaningful.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect words to celebrate a couple's marriage is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you've opted for formal elegance, casual warmth, spiritual blessings, or humorous quips, the most important ingredient in any wedding wish is sincerity.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding wishes! The best message is one that reflects your unique relationship with the couple while honoring their special day. According to wedding experts at The Knot, personalized messages are remembered long after generic congratulations are forgotten. (The Knot)
I've seen firsthand how a thoughtful message can bring tears to a bride's eyes or make a groom laugh out loud during that precious time when they're reading their cards together. Your words truly become part of their wedding memories!
So take a moment to consider the couple, your relationship with them, and what would truly resonate. Then write from the heart—whether that's poetic or practical, funny or formal. After all, celebrating love is what weddings are all about, and your sincere good wishes are the perfect gift to mark this beautiful beginning!
What's your favorite way to wish a couple well on their wedding day? Do you have a go-to message or do you customize for each couple? Share your thoughts in the comments below!