Idioms for getting married turn the abstract idea of love and commitment into vivid, relatable expressions rooted in everyday life. By drawing on familiar imagery, they capture the emotional weight of marriage with clarity and charm. Some common metaphors include “tie the knot,” “take the plunge,” and “walk down the aisle.”
Best Idioms for Getting Married
1. To Pop the Question
Meaning: To ask someone to marry you.
In a Sentence:
He popped the question during a romantic sunset dinner.
Everyone was thrilled when he finally popped the question.
Other Ways to Say: Propose, Ask for their hand, Drop to one knee
2. To Get Engaged
Meaning: To formally agree to marry someone.
In a Sentence:
They got engaged after five years of dating.
She’s excited to get engaged before the year ends.
Other Ways to Say: Be promised, Enter a betrothal, Make it official
3. To Be Asked for One’s Hand
Meaning: A traditional way of asking someone (often a parent) for permission to marry.
In a Sentence:
He asked her father for her hand in marriage.
It was touching when he was asked for her hand.
Other Ways to Say: Seek blessing, Request marriage approval, Ask for permission
4. To Be Head Over Heels
Meaning: To be deeply in love.
In a Sentence:
She’s head over heels for him and ready to say yes.
They were head over heels before the proposal even came.
Other Ways to Say: Madly in love, Infatuated, Completely taken
5. To Fall in Love
Meaning: To develop strong romantic feelings for someone.
In a Sentence:
They fell in love during their college years.
It didn’t take long for them to fall in love.
Other Ways to Say: Catch feelings, Become smitten, Grow close
6. To Sweep Someone Off Their Feet
Meaning: To impress someone so much that they fall in love quickly.
In a Sentence:
He swept her off her feet with grand romantic gestures.
She was swept off her feet by his charm.
Other Ways to Say: Enchant, Dazzle, Win over
7. To Be Smitten
Meaning: To be deeply affected by love or admiration.
In a Sentence:
She’s completely smitten with her fiancé.
He looked smitten from the first date.
Other Ways to Say: Lovestruck, Enamored, Taken with
8. To Have Stars in Your Eyes
Meaning: To be filled with love or romantic dreams.
In a Sentence:
They had stars in their eyes as they planned the wedding.
She walked into the room with stars in her eyes.
Other Ways to Say: Dreamy-eyed, Infatuated, In love
9. To Carry a Torch For
Meaning: To be secretly or continuously in love with someone.
In a Sentence:
He’s carried a torch for her since high school.
She carried a torch for him, even after he moved away.
Other Ways to Say: Hold affection, Long for, Have feelings for
10. To Be Betrothed
Meaning: To be formally engaged to be married.
In a Sentence:
They were betrothed by family arrangement.
She proudly introduced her betrothed to everyone.
Other Ways to Say: Engaged, Promised, Spoken for
11. To Walk Down the Aisle
Meaning: To get married in a formal ceremony.
In a Sentence:
She can’t wait to walk down the aisle in her dream dress.
They finally walked down the aisle after years together.
Other Ways to Say: Get married, Say “I do”, Join in matrimony
12. To Tie the Knot
Meaning: To get married.
In a Sentence:
They’re planning to tie the knot next spring.
After a long courtship, they tied the knot in Bali.
Other Ways to Say: Get hitched, Marry, Say vows
13. To Get Hitched
Meaning: Informal way of saying to get married.
In a Sentence:
They got hitched in a small mountain chapel.
She never thought she’d get hitched so young.
Other Ways to Say: Tie the knot, Walk down the aisle, Say “I do”
14. To Take the Plunge
Meaning: To make a big commitment like marriage.
In a Sentence:
He finally took the plunge and proposed last night.
They’re nervous but ready to take the plunge together.
Other Ways to Say: Commit, Make the leap, Enter marriage
15. To Jump the Broom
Meaning: A traditional phrase meaning to get married (especially in African-American culture).
In a Sentence:
They honored tradition and jumped the broom during their ceremony.
Jumping the broom was a meaningful part of their wedding.
Other Ways to Say: Unite in matrimony, Celebrate heritage, Marry traditionally
Related Post: 50 Idioms for Home Finding Your Sanctuary
16. To Say “I Do”
Meaning: To agree to marry during the wedding vows.
In a Sentence:
They both smiled as they said, “I do.”
The moment she said “I do,” everyone cheered.
Other Ways to Say: Take the vow, Commit, Exchange promises
17. To Be United in Holy Matrimony
Meaning: A formal way to say two people are married in a religious or sacred setting.
In a Sentence:
They were united in holy matrimony at the old cathedral.
The priest declared them united in holy matrimony.
Other Ways to Say: Married in faith, Joined in a sacred bond, Wedded in spirit
18. To Exchange Vows
Meaning: To say marriage promises during the ceremony.
In a Sentence:
They exchanged vows under a canopy of lights.
Her hands trembled slightly as they exchanged vows.
Other Ways to Say: Make promises, Say “I do”, and Share commitments
19. To Seal the Deal
Meaning: To finalize an important decision like marriage.
In a Sentence:
They sealed the deal with a kiss at the altar.
He proposed with a ring to seal the deal.
Other Ways to Say: Finalize the commitment, Confirm love, Make it official
20. A Match Made in Heaven
Meaning: A couple that seems perfectly suited for each other.
In a Sentence:
Everyone says they’re a match made in heaven.
Their love story truly feels like a match made in heaven.
Other Ways to Say: Perfect pair, Ideal couple, Soulmates
21. To Join Hands
Meaning: To come together in union, often symbolizing partnership in marriage.
In a Sentence:
They joined hands as the officiant blessed their marriage.
In that moment, joining hands marked the beginning of forever.
Other Ways to Say: Unite, Partner up, Come together
22. To Become Man and Wife
Meaning: A formal phrase describing the moment a couple is declared married.
In a Sentence:
They became man and wife under the old oak tree.
After exchanging vows, they were pronounced man and wife.
Other Ways to Say: Be wed, Unite in marriage, Be declared married
23. To Sign on the Dotted Line
Meaning: To officially agree to marriage, often referencing signing a marriage license.
In a Sentence:
They signed on the dotted line and made it official.
She smiled as they signed on the dotted line together.
Other Ways to Say: Make it legal, Finalize marriage, Complete the commitment
24. To Be Joined in Wedlock
Meaning: A formal way of saying two people are legally married.
In a Sentence:
They were joined in wedlock on a breezy June morning.
It was a beautiful ceremony where they were joined in wedlock.
Other Ways to Say: United in marriage, Bound together, Become spouses
25. To Begin a New Chapter
Meaning: To start a new phase in life, such as marriage.
In a Sentence:
Marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter for them.
They began a new chapter with rings and a promise.
Other Ways to Say: Start fresh, Turn the page, Embark on a journey
26. To Put a Ring On It
Meaning: To propose or get engaged (popularized by pop culture).
In a Sentence:
He finally put a ring on it during their beach vacation.
She knew it was serious when he put a ring on it.
Other Ways to Say: Propose, Get engaged, Make it official
27. To Make It Official
Meaning: To formalize a relationship through engagement or marriage.
In a Sentence:
They made it official with a courthouse ceremony.
They were together for years before making it official.
Other Ways to Say: Seal the deal, Tie the knot, Confirm the bond
28. To Take Each Other’s Hand
Meaning: To commit to life together, symbolizing unity.
In a Sentence:
They took each other’s hand and never let go.
In front of everyone, they took each other’s hand and vowed love.
Other Ways to Say: Unite, Join together, Walk hand in hand
29. To Share a Last Name
Meaning: To marry and adopt the same family name.
In a Sentence:
She was excited to share a last name with her husband.
After marriage, they proudly shared a last name.
Other Ways to Say: Become a family, Take a partner’s name, Form a union
30. To Seal Their Fate
Meaning: To commit fully to a shared future through marriage.
In a Sentence:
They sealed their fate with a kiss at the altar.
Marriage was how they chose to seal their fate together.
Other Ways to Say: Commit for life, Finalize destiny, Join paths
31. To Be Two Halves of a Whole
Meaning: To describe a couple as perfectly complementary and meant for each other.
In a Sentence:
They were two halves of a whole, completing each other in every way.
You could tell they were two halves of a whole from the start.
Other Ways to Say: Perfect match, Soulmates, Meant to be
32. To Be Joined at the Hip
Meaning: To be extremely close or inseparable, especially after marriage.
In a Sentence:
Since the wedding, they’ve been joined at the hip.
They’re always together—like they’re joined at the hip.
Other Ways to Say: Inseparable, Constant companions, Always together
33. To Live Happily Ever After
Meaning: To describe the ideal ending of a marriage filled with lifelong happiness.
In a Sentence:
They said “I do” and hoped to live happily ever after.
It was a fairytale wedding with dreams of happily ever after.
Other Ways to Say: Have a blissful marriage, Forever happy, Storybook ending
34. To Be Part of the Furniture
Meaning: To be so comfortable and established in a relationship that one becomes part of the everyday life.
In a Sentence:
After years of marriage, he felt like part of the furniture.
They were so close, she was part of the furniture at family events.
Other Ways to Say: Long-standing, Deeply rooted, Familiar presence
35. To Build a Life Together
Meaning: To commit to growing, sharing, and creating a future as a couple.
In a Sentence:
They dreamed of building a life together from the very beginning.
Marriage was just the start of building a life together.
Other Ways to Say: Start a home, Create a future, Share a journey
Related Post: 50 Idioms for Happiness and Smiling Moments
36. To Grow Old Together
Meaning: To stay committed to each other for a lifetime.
In a Sentence:
They vowed to grow old together through all of life’s seasons.
Their goal was simple—to grow old together, hand in hand.
Other Ways to Say: Stay forever, Age side by side, Life-long partners
37. To Stick by Someone Through Thick and Thin
Meaning: To remain loyal and loving no matter the circumstances.
In a Sentence:
Marriage meant sticking by each other through thick and thin.
They stuck by each other through thick and thin, through joy and hardship.
Other Ways to Say: Stay loyal, Be there always, Never leave
38. To Share Your Life With Someone
Meaning: To fully commit to living alongside another person in love and partnership.
In a Sentence:
She was ready to share her life with him forever.
They shared their lives, dreams, and hearts after the wedding.
Other Ways to Say: Build a life together, Be life partners, Walk together
39. To Be Each Other’s Rock
Meaning: To offer support, strength, and stability in the marriage.
In a Sentence:
They were each other’s rock during every storm.
Through life’s ups and downs, they stayed each other’s rock.
Other Ways to Say: Be a support system, Stand strong together, Be dependable
40. To Be in Sync
Meaning: To be in harmony emotionally, mentally, and practically as a couple.
In a Sentence:
From the first date, they were in sync.
They planned their wedding together because they were completely in sync.
Other Ways to Say: Aligned, On the same page, In harmony
41. To Make a Commitment
Meaning: To officially and emotionally dedicate yourself to someone in marriage.
In a Sentence:
Marriage is more than love—it’s choosing to make a commitment.
They made a commitment to stand by each other forever.
Other Ways to Say: Promise for life, Take a vow, Dedicate yourself
42. For Better or Worse
Meaning: To stay together through all life’s highs and lows.
In a Sentence:
They vowed to love each other for better or worse.
For better or worse, they faced everything side by side.
Other Ways to Say: Through thick and thin, No matter what, Till the end
43. To Be Bound by Love
Meaning: To be deeply connected and committed through love.
In a Sentence:
They were bound by love stronger than any paper contract.
Being bound by love made their marriage unshakable.
Other Ways to Say: Tied by heart, Linked in soul, Emotionally connected
44. To Pledge Your Love
Meaning: To make a sincere promise of love and loyalty.
In a Sentence:
They pledged their love in front of friends and family.
She pledged her love with every word in her vows.
Other Ways to Say: Swear devotion, Vow affection, Declare love
45. To Commit for Life
Meaning: To make a lifelong promise to be faithful and loving.
In a Sentence:
They committed to life, choosing each other every day.
Marriage meant to commit for life—no turning back.
Other Ways to Say: Lifelong promise, Forever together, Eternal bond
46. To Have a Ball
Meaning: To enjoy the wedding and celebration immensely.
In a Sentence:
They had a ball dancing all night at the reception.
Everyone had a ball at their fun-filled wedding party.
Other Ways to Say: Have a blast, Enjoy the moment, Party hard
47. To Pop the Champagne
Meaning: To celebrate the wedding or engagement with joy.
In a Sentence:
As soon as she said yes, they popped the champagne.
They popped the champagne to toast the big day.
Other Ways to Say: Celebrate, Toast the moment, Raise a glass
48. To Raise a Glass
Meaning: To make a toast in honor of a couple’s marriage.
In a Sentence:
They raised a glass to the happy couple’s future.
Everyone raised a glass during the wedding speech.
Other Ways to Say: Toast, Cheer, Salute love
49. To Be Over the Moon
Meaning: To feel extreme joy and happiness after getting married.
In a Sentence:
She was over the moon after becoming his wife.
They were over the moon celebrating their honeymoon.
Other Ways to Say: Ecstatic, On cloud nine, Full of joy
50. To Celebrate in Style
Meaning: To mark the marriage with a luxurious or grand celebration.
In a Sentence:
They celebrated in style with a rooftop reception and fireworks.
Their elegant wedding is truly celebrated in style.
Other Ways to Say: Go all out, Make it special, Party in Luxury
Exercise to Practice – Idioms for Getting Married
- After dating for three years, he finally decided to __________ during their beach vacation.
- She was completely __________ for him from the moment they met.
- They’re planning to __________ next spring in Italy.
- Everyone cheered as she began to __________ in her beautiful gown.
- Marriage is a big decision, but they’re ready to __________ and face it together.
- Their wedding felt magical—everyone agreed they were a __________.
- As soon as she said “yes,” they were __________ with joy.
- At the reception, friends and family stood to __________ to the happy couple.
- He knew she was the one when she __________ with her kindness and laughter.
- After the honeymoon, they returned home excited to __________ in their new apartment.
Answer
- pop the question
- head over heels
- tie the knot
- walk down the aisle
- take the plunge
- match made in heaven
- over the moon
- raise a glass
- swept him off his feet
- build a life together
Conclusion
In closing, idioms for getting married offer more than colorful phrases—they reflect how deeply we feel, dream, and commit in love. Through vivid, familiar language, they make the experience of marriage feel both personal and universal. These expressions capture the heart of a lifelong bond in ways that plain words simply cannot.
Danny Weber is a language enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for unpacking the beauty of idioms and metaphors. Through years of research and creative exploration, Danny helps readers understand the deeper meanings behind familiar phrases—making figurative language feel accessible, engaging, and alive. Whether he’s decoding classic sayings or crafting new twists on old expressions, Danny’s work invites you to see language with fresh eyes.
