20 Love Quotes For Happy Anniversary Celebrations

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated April 20, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary as a couple or a milestone wedding anniversary, it can sometimes be difficult to find just the right words to convey your love and commitment. However, few subjects have been explored more deeply by writers, artists, and thinkers than the landscape of love. 

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Here, we’ve curated a list of 20 quotes for your anniversary card, love letter, or social media post. From funny anniversary quotes to heartfelt marriage anniversary wishes, you’ll find the perfect words to say “Happy Anniversary.” We’ll also offer some tips for writing a heartfelt message to your better half so you can express your love and devotion in a way that’s personal and meaningful, plus some ways to say “I love you” through your actions. Read on to find the perfect anniversary sentiment for your lover or to send anniversary wishes to your mom and dad.

20 famous anniversary quotes to celebrate your wedding and love

  1. "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." – Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic’s Notebook
  2. “Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches.” — William Goldman, The Princess Bride
  3. "Marriage is not just spiritual communion; it is also remembering to take out the trash." — Dr. Joyce Brothers
  4. "Grow old with me, the best is yet to be." — Robert Browning, Rabbi Ben Ezra
  5. "We loved with a love that was more than love." — Edgar Allen Poe, Annabel Lee
  6. "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." — Maya Angelou
  7. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” ― Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets
  8. “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
  9. "You are the best thing that’s ever been mine." — Taylor Swift, "Mine"
  10. "It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together, and I knew it. I knew it the first time I touched her. It was like coming home, only to no home I'd ever known. I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car, and I knew it. It was like magic." — Sleepless in Seattle
  11. “Like everything which is not the involuntary result of fleeting emotion but the creation of time and will, any marriage, happy or unhappy, is infinitely more interesting than any romance, however passionate.” — W.H. Auden, A Certain World
  12. “The concept of two people living together for 25 years without having a cross word suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep.” — A. P. Herbert
  13. “The great secret of a successful marriage is to treat all disasters as incidents and none of the incidents as disasters.” — Harold Nicolson 
  14. “I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.” — Paul Coelho, The Alchemist
  15. “Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.” — Simone Signoret
  16. “What love is, if thou wouldst be taught,
    Thy heart must teach alone—
    Two souls with but a single thought,
    Two hearts that beat as one.” — Friedrich Halm, Der Sohn der Wildnis
  17. “Once we figured out that we could not change each other, we became free to celebrate ourselves as we are.” — H. Dean Rutherford
  18. “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” ― Joan Powers
  19. “I love you not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.” — Mary Carolyn Davies, To a Friend
  20. “I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.” —Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Funny and romantic happy anniversary quotes

Whether you want to have a laugh with funny anniversary quotes or pour your heart out with romantic wedding anniversary quotes, we’ve gathered a few more favorites for you to enjoy. Add a dash of humor to your expressions of unwavering love with funny messages that perfectly capture the joy and quirks of your unique bond. Scribble one in a card for your partner, or get your favorite anniversary quotes for husband and wife duos you want to celebrate. 

  • “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle
  • “A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.“ – Henry Wadsworth
  • “The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.” —Julia Child
  • "Nobody understands me the way that you do. I wonder why? Maybe we’re really the same person, just in two very different bodies! Happy birthday, my handsome better half!" —unknown
  • “I will be forever grateful for your presence in my life. I am a much better human being because of you.” –Emma Forrest
  • “Morning breath and all, you’re still the one I want to wake up to. Happy Anniversary, my love.” —unknown
  • “A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance, and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.” - Paul Sweeney
  • "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." —Maya Angelou
  • “There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” —Martin Luther
  • "Wishing us a blissful lifetime together. Happy Anniversary!" —unknown
  • “Thank you for growing old with me. It’s a good thing I find wrinkles adorable!” —unknown
  • “I've never met someone who is so perfectly my favorite person.” –Emily Henry
  • "You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement." —F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • "I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. " —Rita Rudner

Sending anniversary quotes to family or friends

When sending anniversary wishes to family or friends, especially to your parents, consider incorporating heartfelt happy anniversary quotes that reflect the love and admiration you hold for them. Tailoring your wedding anniversary wishes to the couple's unique relationship will always make your message more personal and touching. Here are some examples of things you might say:

  • "May God continue to cover and bless you as a couple. Happy Anniversary!"
  • "Warm wishes to you on your marriage milestone. Happy Anniversary!"
  • "Best wishes to the best couple I know. Happy Anniversary!"
  • “No other couple complements each other the way that you do. Happy Anniversary to the couple who makes marriage look so easy!”
  • "You both epitomize the essence of true love, and I'm grateful for it. Happy Anniversary to the best parents."
  • "You both were destined for one another, and I am a living testament to that! Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad."
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How to write a heartfelt anniversary message

While cute wedding anniversary quotes from others can help illustrate the joys and complexity of love, it can feel extra special to receive a love note from your partner that includes elements of your unique relationship. Even if you’re not much of a writer, your partner might appreciate reading your heartfelt words in a sentimental anniversary message—and having them to look back at for years to come.

1. Draw on your shared memories

Your first date, shared life milestones, and memorable experiences can be a great source of inspiration for your anniversary wishes. Whether they’re from the past year or your wedding day, consider referencing some sweet memories of your love story in your anniversary note. Reflect on the lifetime journey you've embarked on together, and express the joy of walking alongside your partner through every chapter of your story.

2. Name the things you love about them

Hearing about the things that others love and admire about us can be an extraordinary gift. Name a few of the qualities that drew you to your partner when you met, as well as those that have helped your love blossom and grow over time. What makes you consider them the most wonderful person to be with? One of the most precious qualities may be the way you both genuinely enjoy each other's company, no matter the situation.

3. Express gratitude

Do you feel like the luckiest person to be with your partner? According to many relationship experts, showing gratitude and appreciation is considered one of the hallmarks of successful partnerships. Weave in a few lines that recognize your partner’s efforts and sacrifices within your life and relationship. When expressing gratitude to your partner on your anniversary, acknowledge how they've made every passing year an incredible chapter in your crazy journey together. You might celebrate this marriage milestone by telling them they're an amazing person who has made life sweeter, especially through life's ups and downs.

4. Share your hopes and dreams for the future

Looking ahead to the memories that have yet -to -be -created can not only be a romantic sentiment, but it can also help you strengthen the love map between you. Express your hopes for a love-filled year and the many anniversaries to come, and end with a heartfelt commitment to walking this journey together.

5. End with a promise

Concluding your message with a heartfelt promise can illustrate your commitment and dedication to maintaining and strengthening the life you’ve built together. You can also promise to let every anniversary to the person who has stood by you be a reminder of your love and perseverance. 

Other ways to say “I love you” on your anniversary

Expressing your love through words like romantic anniversary quotes can make for a beautiful sentiment, but saying “I love you” through your actions may be even more powerful and help contribute to a happy marriage. Whether you plan a fun date night or show your special someone you’re thinking of them with a small favor, a romantic gesture can speak volumes about your love and dedication. 

1. Plan something special

Planning a weekend getaway or romantic date can show your partner that you love spending time with them, as well as offer a way to bond and create shared memories. Even a cozy movie night with drinks or snacks can be enough to send the message that you cherish your quality time together.

2. Lend a hand

Helping out around the house, running an errand, or doing a small favor for your significant other can be a strong demonstration of your love. Acts of service often serve as the keystone between successful partnerships, and these habits may hold even more meaning on your anniversary. 

3. Prepare a meal

Instead of going out, you might offer to cook your partner a special anniversary meal as a labor of love. Ask your partner what they’re craving and look for a recipe online, or surprise them with their favorite dish. If your partner’s love language is quality time, you could also spend your anniversary cooking a meal together.

4. Give a gift

Does your partner like receiving gifts? If so, an anniversary gift can serve as a lasting token of your love and commitment. You might also think beyond roses and chocolates and buy something they’ve been wanting or needing, or something sentimental they can display to remind them of you, such as a framed picture or potted flower. Some couples choose to follow the traditional wedding anniversary gifts or celebrate milestone anniversaries with a large gift like a trip or a new wedding band.

5. Spend quality time together

However you celebrate your anniversary, try to prioritize spending quality time with your special person. If your schedule makes it tough to celebrate in big ways, you might set aside time for a shared walk or meal. 

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Strengthen your bond with regular couples therapy

Therapy for happy couples: Fall in love many times with the same person

One common misconception about couples therapy is that it’s intended for couples who are experiencing relationship challenges. While it can certainly be helpful in such situations, many couples choose to attend therapy as a way of preserving or improving relationship satisfaction. 

Just as you might go to the doctor for regular check-ups or attend individual therapy to maintain your mental health, couples therapy can be a place for you and your partner to discuss your needs, goals, and triumphs. Couples therapy has been found to have measurable impacts on relationship satisfaction for as many as six months after the last session, and periodic follow-up sessions may extend and even amplify these benefits.

Online therapy through Regain can offer a flexible, affordable way to attend relationship therapy at a time that’s convenient for both of you, and it can even offer added benefits like interactive couples therapy activities and daily messaging with your therapist. Online couples therapy has been found to be just as effective as in-person sessions with a therapist and may even be preferable for couples with tight schedules.

Takeaway

Anniversary quotes about love and marriage can help you express your love or provide inspiration around which to craft your own heartfelt anniversary message to your best friend. On your special day, try to say “happy anniversary, my love” in as many ways as you can. To learn more day-to-day ways to strengthen your love, trust, partnership, and tolerance, get started with a couples therapist at Regain.

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