Anniversary wishes: What to write in an anniversary card

Anniversary card

Here’s to lasting love! From still-newlyweds toasting with wine glasses they opened on their wedding day a year ago to busy parents scrambling to find an anniversary babysitter to a gray-haired couple holding hands over anniversary pancakes and coffee…that kind of enduring commitment is always something to admire and celebrate. 

When you give an anniversary card, the words you write can add so much to the joy of the occasion. You can make a toast, offer encouragement, share a memory or simply call out how special it is to have, hold and stick by each other through time.

And whether it’s a card for your own anniversary or that of family members or friends, Hallmark’s writers have message ideas for you. Our guide offers tips for everything from simple anniversary wishes to funny messages to warm tributes. Whatever you’d like to say, we hope you’ll find just the inspiration you need to get your pen rolling!

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Basic tips for what to write in an anniversary card  

An anniversary is a big day—so trying to think of the perfect message to celebrate it can feel a little daunting. But there’s no need to stress! Follow the few simple tips below and you’ll be well on your way to writing a memorable message someone will really appreciate.

  • Be yourself. Don’t trip yourself up by thinking what you write in a card needs to sound different than what you would say out loud or send in a text. Use your own natural voice. There’s no need to be overly formal or clever or poetic (unless you just happen to be a very formal, clever or poetic person). Once you’ve written something down, try reading it out loud to make sure it sounds natural and genuine.
  • Make it personal. Most anniversary cards come with a nice, preprinted message—but when you add your own handwritten message, you have the opportunity to get super-specific to your recipient and the relationship you share. If it’s your anniversary, think about what makes your story and your love unique. If you’re celebrating someone else’s anniversary, think about how you normally communicate with that person and what kind of message they might appreciate. It’s great to include details that show someone you know them.
  • Be flexible. Don’t worry too much about whether your message is too short or too long, too casual or too mushy, too serious or too silly. Everybody writes a little differently, and there are no rules. If you feel your message is perfect for the occasion, then you’re probably right!
  • Think about these themes: Not sure where to start? Lots of good “our anniversary” messages touch on love, gratitude, shared experiences and the ways a relationship has changed, deepened or strengthened over the years. “Your anniversary” messages can be about congratulating the couple, wishing them well or expressing your admiration for them and their commitment to each other.

Anniversary Wishes for Each Other  

When it’s your own anniversary, there can be a lot of pressure to get things exactly right. But what matters most is being authentic and saying how you feel—and if you need help choosing your words, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you in the categories below.

Anniversary Wishes for Your Spouse or Partner  

There’s probably no one in the world who knows you better than your spouse or partner—and no one you love more. Your anniversary is the perfect chance to think about everything you’ve shared and to tell them how much they mean.

Examples:

  • “Happy [11th], [Babe]. I love you more every year!”
  • “[Fourteen] years of marriage and mayhem! You’ve made me so happy through every single one.”
  • “Every day I’m still discovering new things about you to love.”
  • “I’m so lucky to have you and your love. Thanks for putting up with me for another year!”
  • “It’s our [fourth] wedding anniversary and our first as parents. I’m so grateful to be sharing this adventure with someone so wonderful, and I look forward to all the love, laughter and wonder ahead for us.”
  • “Yours is still my favorite face.”
  • “Our anniversary marks 365 more days you’ve made me laugh, appreciate you, learn, grow and be oh-so-glad we’re together!”
  • “I never dreamed love could be this good.”
  • “Still in this together. Love that.”
  • “You won my heart then and, Baby, you still own it.”
  • “Love you even though I sometimes have a funny way of showing it.”
  • “Happy Anniversary to my better-in-every-way half. Seriously, you’re amazing.”
  • “Marrying you was the smartest thing I ever did.”
  • “We’re out here making our dreams together just like we promised. Love being beside you, Bae.”
  • “Celebrating both when you first promised me forever and when we got to make it official.”
  • “I found a perfect match in you and every day I’m thankful.”
  • “Forever with you doesn’t seem like long enough.”
  • “Thank you for all the ways you make me feel loved.”
  • “On our anniversary, I feel so grateful—for the family we’ve made, for the good life we share and for the way you made it all possible.”
  • “I’d marry you all over again. And again. And again.”
  • “Loving you is easy. In fact, it’s usually the easiest part of our crazy, busy, wonderful life together.”
  • “I didn’t think it was possible to love you more than I already do, but every year I prove myself wrong. Happy Anniversary to the love of my life.”
  • “Feliz Aniversario, Mi Amor. Soy tan feliz de compartir la vida contigo. Te amo hoy, mañana y siempre.”

Anniversary Wishes for Your Wife  

All marriages are different, and all couples find their own unique ways of sharing life and supporting each other. So when you write a wedding anniversary message to your wife, think about the unique reasons you’re good together and the unique ways she brings you happiness.

 

Examples:

  • “[Eight] years ago today, you made me the happiest man on earth. And I still feel like I’m the luckiest.”
  • “A woman like you is hard to find. Thankfully, I called ‘dibs!’ a long time ago. Happy Anniversary, Babe.”
  • “When we got married, I knew you were the woman I wanted to spend my life with. Now I also know you’re an amazing mom, a partner I can count on through anything and the heart of this family—and I feel luckier than ever that we’re together.”
  • “I’m amazed by your strength, impressed by your smarts, warmed by your love and so happy you’re my wife.”
  • “Happy Anniversary to my wife—you’re as wonderful and beautiful as the day we got married.”
  • “The amazing family we share, the good life we have and the man I’ve become are all thanks to having a wife like you.”

Anniversary Wishes for Your Husband  

Maybe he’s the stoic sort whose love runs deep, but he doesn’t often put his feelings into words. Or maybe he’s the kind of guy who would shout his love for you from the rooftops if it weren’t for pesky things like noise ordinances. Either way, your husband deserves to know just how much you love him back.

Examples:

  • “Happy Anniversary, with all my love, to the strongest, kindest, funniest, best guy I know.”
  • “I still remember the way my heart leaped when you got down on your knee and asked me to be your wife. Of course I said yes, and I’d say it all over again. Yes to you. Yes to this life we’ve made. A thousand times YES to our love!”
  • “Husband, you’re a good man, a handsome man, a family man, a caring man…and I’m so glad you’re MY man.”
  • “I’m lucky to get to love you, Husband. Happy Anniversary to us.”
  • “My favorite person. My best friend. My lover. My husband. You’re all of these things and more, and I love you so much.”
  • “We have a lot of good days, and we have some hard days—but no matter what, you’re the man I want by my side every day.”

Anniversary Wishes for Your Boyfriend or Girlfriend  

Anniversaries aren’t just for married couples! If you and your sweetheart have a day that’s special to you—be it the day you met, the day of your first date or the day you decided to go exclusive—then that’s totally worth celebrating.

Examples:

  • “I can’t believe how far we’ve come in such a short time. Love being with you!” 
  • “We’re, like, the best together. So happy to love you.” 
  • “This was so meant-to-be…to be with each other. Happy for us!”
  • “Couples like us don’t come around every day. We’re lucky. I’m grateful!”
  • “You’re so pretty. Pretty inside and out. Pretty much everything to me! Happy Anniversary, You.” 
  • “I’m so grateful we found each other, and cheers to so many great times ahead.”
  • “I could do this forever.”
  • “I’m so glad we get to take on (and enjoy) life together.”
  • “It doesn’t feel like we’ve already been together [a year]…but it does feel so good having you to love.”
  • “Happy Anniversary to the [girlfriend] who just can’t stop making me smile.”
  • “[3 years] together means a lot of good times, a lot of great memories and a whole lot of love.”
  • “From when we first met [at that restaurant] to today, it’s been so amazing falling in love with you.”
  • “Happy First-Date Anniversary to us! You bowled me over then and you still do!”

Simple and Short Anniversary Wishes  

Sometimes it only takes a few words to say it all. If keeping it simple and getting right to the point are your style, these messages are a great place to start. 

Examples:

  • “Love us. Love celebrating that!”
  • “Happy Anniversary to the cutest couple ever. Us!”
  • “Let’s skip the mush and go get drinks!”
  • “In love with you always.”
  • “You make me so happy and loved.”
  • “We’ve become the old, boring couple. Yay us!”
  • “Our love story ain’t no small thing.”
  • “You’re always the most special person around.”
  • “Loved you then. Love you now. Love you forever.”
  • “Thanks for making me so happy.”
  • “Life is good because I’m sharing it with you.”
  • “Our love is time-tested and totally true.”
  • “Happy Anniversary to my favorite person ever.”

Funny Anniversary Wishes  

Some love stories start with a hilarious pickup line. Some couples say “I love you” by teasing each other nonstop. If laughter and humor are big parts of your relationship, then adding a funny message to your anniversary card can make it all the more memorable and appreciated.

Examples:

  • “It’s THAT time of the year again…when I ask you if I got the date right.”
  • “Oh, are we still married? That’s cool.”
  • “It feels like just a year ago we were celebrating our last anniversary.”
  • “Hooray for another year of you not realizing you’re WAY out of my league.”
  • “A year spent with you feels like only 357 days.”
  • “It’s our anniversary! As if we needed an excuse to smooch a lot.”
  • “I love you more every year. It’s honestly getting kind of excessive.”
  • “You stick with me year after year. Even when I steal your food.”
  • “Our anniversary is so special to me because it means I’ve shared another year with my favorite person AND it means an increased chance of doinking tonight.”
  • “We’ve been together now for [23] years. I’m starting to think you’re, like, INTO me.”
  • “Finding you is proof that all my time on the Internet wasn’t a waste.”
  • “I’m not saying you’re the best [wife] ever…I’m writing it down. It’s more official that way.”
  • “Today isn’t just our anniversary—it’s also a huge SCREW YOU to everyone who said we wouldn’t last.”
  • “Roses are red,/ and violets are blue./ I’m married to someone./ Oh, hey. It’s you.”
A personalized card with a cupcake stuck with lots of candles on the front with a message that reads,

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A card that reads

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Faith-based and Biblical Anniversary Wishes  

Shared faith is an important part of many relationships, and your handwritten message can be a great place to celebrate that. A faith-based message can express gratitude, address how your partner has helped you in your faith or even quote a favorite Bible verse.

Examples:

  • “So grateful that God gave me you to love.”
  • “Love is the greatest blessing.” 
  • “I thank God for you every year, every month, every week, every day.”
  • “You’re everything I’ve ever prayed for and more.”
  • “Every year, you’re more of an angel to me.”
  • “God knew I needed someone like you.”
  • “You’re my love and peace.”
  • “God made our relationship in his image, too. I’m thankful for the blessing of us.”
  • “Life is so good with your love and your faith to guide me.”

 

Bible verse ideas:

  • “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
  • “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12)
  • “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
  • “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22)
  • “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (Corinthians 13:4–7)
  • “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” (Psalm 85:10)

Loving and Supportive Anniversary Wishes  

Having an anniversary means you’ve stuck together through good times and bad. So if your special day comes during a hard time or after a difficult year, your message might acknowledge those realities—while celebrating the way that your love has helped you through everything.

Examples:

  • “It’s been a tough year, but our love is tougher. Thanks for staying so strong through it all. Here’s to us…and to a brighter year ahead.”
  • “When things aren’t always easy, loving you always is.”
  • “Sometimes it feels like we’ve seen it all: the ups, the downs, everything in between. There is no one else I’d rather have by my side through every part of life.”
  • “Without you, the highs wouldn’t seem as sweet and the lows would be harder to weather. I’m so thankful for a supportive spouse like you—especially on our anniversary.”
  • “I can’t imagine overcoming life’s challenges without your support. You’ve picked me up when I’m down and you celebrate me when I’m winning. Happy Anniversary to the [woman] who always has my back.”
  • “No matter what kind of year we have, there’s nobody I’d rather share it with than you. Thanks for staying by my side, no matter what life brings.”
  • “We’ve been through some challenging eras and yet there’s still that sparkle in your eyes. This is another reason I love you.”
  • “There will always be life changes and stressors, and there will always be our love to get us through.”
  • “We look cute on the outside, but we’re like reinforced steel on the inside. Together we’re so strong.”
  • “You have loved me through the most difficult times. And I’m so proud to say it and love you back.”
  • “You’ve seen me at my best, and you’ve seen me really struggling, but you’ve always stuck with me. And that has made all the difference.”

Wishes for Milestone Anniversaries  

Certain anniversaries—especially the 1st, 5th, 10th, 20th, 25th (silver), 30th, 40th (ruby), 50th (golden), 55th and 60th (diamond)—are considered extra momentous and important. Hitting one of these big milestones is an awesome accomplishment worth calling out in your handwritten message. You can also write about what it means to be at this stage of your relationship, as you reflect on the past and look to the future.

Examples:

  • “You and I, looking to the future with [25] years of marriage under our belts. I think we’ve got this.”
  • “A decade down, and it feels like we’re just getting started. I can’t wait to celebrate 10 more years with you.”
  • (25th) “Our relationship is a young adult! That means we still have so much ahead and so much to share.”
  • “Half a century strong. I like the way this is going.”
  • “After [40] years, we’ve been together long enough to be in the history books. We can definitely teach the kids a few things!”
  • “All these [20] years have been the best years of my life.”
  • “[30] years later, we still have something rare and beautiful—the love story we keep saying ‘I do’ to.”
  • “[5] years have flown by, but our love just keeps getting stronger.”
  • “[20] years—who knew we’d be happy this long? (Hint: It’s me. I knew.)”
  • “That’s [1] wonderful year down…and a lifetime of love to go.”
  • “In [40] years, we’ve lived some dreams, raised a family and fallen more and more in love. Can’t wait to see what we’ll do next.”
  • “The day we got married I felt like the luckiest person in the world. [30] years later, I feel luckier than ever.”
  • “After [50] years of growing and changing, we’re not the same people we were when we first walked down the aisle. But from then to now, I have loved every version of you, and I could never have become who I am without you by my side.”

Anniversary Wishes for Other Couples  

Sending a card to a couple on their anniversary is a thoughtful way of showing you remembered their big day—and adding a handwritten message will make it even more appreciated. No matter who it is you’re celebrating, we’ve got some ideas to get you started.

Simple Anniversary Wishes for Other Couples  

It’s not the number of words that counts but the caring behind them. If the card has already said it all or you’re just not in a gushy mood, it’s fine to keep your personal happy anniversary wishes short and sweet.

Examples:

  • “Wishing a perfect pair a perfectly happy day.”
  • “Here’s to another year of being great together!”
  • “Anniversary cheers!”
  • “Happy [21st] anniversary, you old lovebirds!”
  • “Hope you find time to look back on all your sweet memories together.”
  • “Always knew you two had something special.”
  • “Still vibin’ and still thrivin’ right on up to your forever. Happy Anniversary, you two!”
  • “Hope the next [10] years are even happier than your [first decade] together!”
  • “Can’t believe it’s been [three] years already. Here’s to many more!”
  • “Love and much happiness to one of our all-time favorite couples!”
  • “Warmest wishes to the wonderful two of you on your [sixth] anniversary.”
  • “Wishing you a happy ‘you two’ day!”
  • “Another year, another great reason to celebrate!”
  • “Congratulations all over again!”
  • “Siempre supe que ustedes dos tenían algo especial. ¡Feliz Aniversario!”

Anniversary Wishes for Friends  

Whether you’re friends with one half or both halves of the couple, you can make your anniversary wishes warm and meaningful by showing them you know them. Share the kind of warm compliment, oddball humor or specific memory that only a friend could. 

Examples:

  • “Sending love and good wishes to some of our very favorite people.”
  • “Warm anniversary wishes to two dear friends who mean so much.”
  • “The two of you have your own reasons to celebrate on your anniversary, and as your friend, I have so many reasons to celebrate you both.”
  • “It’s so cool that two of my favorite people are married to each other. Here’s to [two] great years…and many more!”
  • “This is what happens when marathon runners get married. You’ve built a love made to go the distance!”
  • “You two are so great to know and be around. Can you adopt me?”
  • “Thinking of you and all the good times we’ve shared. So glad you’re in our lives.”
  • “Wow! I can’t believe it’s been [three] whole years since I saw you take the floor for your first dance together as man and wife. Not even your adorable dancing-machine flower girl could steal the spotlight from the two of you.”
  • “There are lots of quotes about lasting love but few couples who seem to do it as well as you.”
  • “Happy Anniversary to the greatest people…with the garden we’re most jealous of!”
  • “So…going out to a great restaurant? Huh? Can I come?”
  • “No marriage is perfect, but if ever a couple came close, it’s you two.”
  • “Your faith in the Father and faith in each other is a beautiful thing to see.”
  • “Feliz Aniversario a una pareja maravillosa. Les deseo más momentos inolvidables y que su amor siga iluminando sus vidas.”

Anniversary Wishes for Family  

Love and appreciation are big themes for anniversary cards to family members. You might thank parents or other older relatives for the example they’ve set with their marriage. And an anniversary card is a great place to remind siblings, cousins and their significant others how good it is to call them family.

Examples:

  • “Mom and Dad, the home you’ve made and your loving commitment to each other have blessed our family in more ways than we can count.”
  • “So blessed to have grandparents like you. Thanks for showing us, year after year, what a marriage centered on faith looks like.”
  • “Thanks for being wonderful parents and for your lasting commitment to each other. In all my years, I’ve never once wondered whether you loved each other or me. It was always so clear.”
  • “[Scott], you’re one lucky guy. [Marcie], thanks for making my big brother so happy. Love to you both on your anniversary!”
  • “Happy [Ninth] Anniversary to my favorite cousin and cousin-in-law!”
  • “It’s so good to call you family, to share good times with you both and to see how happy you make each other.”
  • “Happy Anniversary, Uncle Mattias and Uncle Tomas. Each of you is so special in your own way, and together you’re just the best!”
  • “Family is so much more fun with both of you in it! Happy [Fourth] Anniversary to a son and daughter-in-law who are loved so much!”
  • “You don’t get this far without a whole lotta love, and that’s what you’ve given—to each other and to the family around you. Hope you know how much we love you, too.”
  • “I couldn’t ask for a better sister and brother-in-law (or for cuter nieces!).”
  • “Just thinking how good it is to have a couple like you in our family. God bless you both on your anniversary.”
  • “Celebrating this special day in your lives and the happiness you have together.”
  • “Papá y Mamá, ustedes son el corazón de nuestra familia, y nos llena de mucha alegría celebrar el amor tan especial que se tienen y que es digno de admirar. Felicidades por cumplir otro año juntos.”

Milestone Anniversary Wishes for Other Couples  

Milestone anniversaries are kind of a big deal, and you might consider making your personal message a little bigger than usual, too. You might even write a mini tribute to the milestone couple. 

Examples:

  • “Happy [40th] anniversary to one of the greatest couples we know! It’s a joy to have you in our lives and to celebrate with you today!”
  • “You two are truly an inspiration.”
  • “A big anniversary to celebrate a big, big love.”
  • “Wow. Look what love can do! Congratulations.”
  • “Remember, the first [30] years are the hardest.”
  • “A lasting love like yours is the world’s most beautiful thing.”
  • “Enjoy all your new [silver] stuff and have a wonderful [25th] anniversary.”
  • “Love, commitment and a whole lot of fun. Happy [50th]!”
  • “[Twenty] isn’t just a number. It’s good times and tough stuff and forever memories. It’s you and you. It’s love.”
  • “You have so much to show for your [30] years together…a beautiful family, a thriving business, all you’ve learned together…and a lasting legacy of great memories.”
  • “For better, for worse, for the long haul—congrats, you two!”
  • “[Forty-five] years of marriage! It couldn’t have been easy every day, but you two make it look that way.”
  • “[Fifty]—now there’s a number you can be proud of.”
  • “Nobody does it better than you two. Happy [Silver] Anniversary.”
  • “Love that grows through time is such an inspiring thing. Congratulations on your [45] years together.”
  • “Sharing in your happiness as you celebrate [40] years of marriage. Today is your day to be in the spotlight…to celebrate all you’ve accomplished together…and to bask in all the admiration.”
  • “[25] Years: Now THIS is how you do love. Y’all are amazing.”
  • “Having each other’s backs and taking care of one another’s souls for [10] years, that’s a beautiful faith walk.”
  • If you share a sense of humor with the couple, make up your own milestone: “This is the [whiskey] anniversary, right?”
  • “25 años de matrimonio, respeto y amistad. Ustedes sí que son un ejemplo de cómo mantener viva una promesa de amor. ¡Felices Bodas de Plata!”

Anniversary Wishes During Difficult Times  

An anniversary is a happy occasion that sometimes falls during a tough time, due to serious illness, job loss, marital problems or other challenging circumstances. Whatever the situation, it’s still appropriate to acknowledge the anniversary and send good vibes the couple’s way.

Examples:

  • “The two of you have seen challenges this year, and you’ve met each one together. Celebrating that today!”
  • “Time out from real life to celebrate you and your love.”
  • “You two mean so much to us. Thinking of you with love.”
  • “Whatever life brings, love can handle it. Have a wonderful anniversary.”
  • “With all that’s going on, here’s hoping you find some time for each other on your anniversary.”
  • “You two clearly took that ‘for better or worse’ thing to heart. Wishing you lots of ‘better’ in the year ahead.”
  • “Wishing you a moment or two to celebrate you.”
  • “I still have a good feeling about you two.”
  • “Happy Anniversary to a couple who’s wished nothing but the best, always.”
  • “When you’ve got a strong love like yours, you can make it through anything. So many who admire you are honoring you today.”
  • “Life can come at you strong. But your love is even stronger. Happy Anniversary.”
  • “Real life might challenge real love. But it can’t beat it. Your love has gotten you through so much together. Wishing you a happy anniversary.”
  • “Un matrimonio, como todos, puede pasar por momentos difíciles, y ustedes han tenido que enfrentar y superar retos, y eso solo demuestra lo fuerte que es su amor. Que Dios los siga bendiciendo con muchos años más de amor.”

 

Whether you’re celebrating your own anniversary or sharing love on another couple’s special day, we hope these anniversary message ideas help you feel like you’ve shared what’s in your heart.

 

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