Marriage is one of the most celebrated milestones in life, and languages around the world are filled with expressions to capture the joy, excitement, and cultural importance of this event.
In English, idioms add a touch of creativity and color when talking about marriage. Idioms are phrases that mean something different from their literal words.
For example, when someone says “tie the knot,” they are not literally tying a rope, but expressing the idea of getting married.
Learning idioms for getting married helps English learners sound more natural and expressive. They are often used in conversations, movies, literature, and even in wedding speeches.
Whether you are attending a wedding, talking about your own, or simply discussing love and commitment, knowing these idioms can enrich your vocabulary and make your communication more engaging.
Did You Know?
The idiom “tie the knot” comes from an ancient Roman tradition where couples would literally tie their hands together with a knot during the wedding ceremony to symbolize unity. That’s why today, when someone says they are going to “tie the knot,” everyone knows it means marriage!
Idioms About Marriage Itself
Tie the Knot
Meaning: To get married.
Example: After dating for five years, they finally decided to tie the knot.
Similar Idiom: Walk down the aisle.
Note: Commonly used in everyday conversations, often in informal contexts.
Walk Down the Aisle
Meaning: To get married in a traditional ceremony.
Example: She’s nervous but excited to walk down the aisle tomorrow.
Similar Idiom: Say “I do.”
Note: Used mostly in formal or romantic contexts.
Say “I Do”
Meaning: To agree to marriage during the wedding vows.
Example: When the priest asked the question, both of them happily said, “I do.”
Similar Idiom: Exchange vows.
Note: Typically used in wedding speeches or descriptions.
Exchange Vows
Meaning: To make promises to each other during a wedding.
Example: The couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends.
Similar Idiom: Say “I do.”
Note: More formal, often used in wedding reports and announcements.
Get Hitched
Meaning: To get married (informal).
Example: They got hitched in Las Vegas last weekend.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Informal, casual conversations.
Join in Holy Matrimony
Meaning: To be united in marriage in a religious ceremony.
Example: They were joined in holy matrimony at the old cathedral.
Similar Idiom: Walk down the aisle.
Note: Very formal, often used in religious or traditional settings.
Leap into Matrimony
Meaning: To marry, often quickly or boldly.
Example: They leapt into matrimony after just three months of dating.
Similar Idiom: Jump the broom.
Note: Used humorously or dramatically.
Jump the Broom
Meaning: To get married, originating from African-American wedding traditions.
Example: The couple jumped the broom to honor their heritage.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Cultural, often mentioned in traditional or historical contexts.
Idioms About Commitment and Unity
Ball and Chain
Meaning: A humorous or critical way to describe a spouse.
Example: He jokes that his wife is the ball and chain, but he loves her dearly.
Similar Idiom: Old ball and chain.
Note: Informal, sometimes negative, often used jokingly.
Hand in Marriage
Meaning: To ask for someone’s consent to marry.
Example: He asked her father for her hand in marriage.
Similar Idiom: Propose to.
Note: Formal, traditional, used in old-fashioned contexts.
Match Made in Heaven
Meaning: A perfect couple, well-suited for each other.
Example: Everyone says they are a match made in heaven.
Similar Idiom: Perfect couple.
Note: Positive, common in wedding speeches.
Two Become One
Meaning: Marriage brings two people together as one.
Example: On their wedding day, two became one.
Similar Idiom: United in marriage.
Note: Romantic, often in religious or poetic contexts.
United in Marriage
Meaning: To be joined together in wedlock.
Example: They were united in marriage before family and friends.
Similar Idiom: Joined in holy matrimony.
Note: Formal, ceremonial contexts.
Seal the Union
Meaning: To officially complete the marriage commitment.
Example: They sealed the union with a kiss.
Similar Idiom: Seal the deal.
Note: Romantic or metaphorical usage.
Give Away the Bride
Meaning: The father formally presents the bride during the ceremony.
Example: Her father proudly gave away the bride.
Similar Idiom: Walk down the aisle.
Note: Traditional, used in weddings.
Idioms About Wedding Celebrations
Tie the Bow
Meaning: Another way to say get married.
Example: They tied the bow in a small ceremony by the beach.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Informal, lighthearted.
Wedding Bells are Ringing
Meaning: Suggesting that a wedding is about to happen.
Example: With their recent engagement, wedding bells are ringing.
Similar Idiom: Hear wedding bells.
Note: Common in joyful announcements.
Hear Wedding Bells
Meaning: To sense or predict that a couple will marry soon.
Example: Whenever I see them together, I hear wedding bells.
Similar Idiom: Wedding bells are ringing.
Note: Informal, playful, often used by friends.
White Wedding
Meaning: A traditional wedding with the bride in a white dress.
Example: She has always dreamed of a white wedding.
Similar Idiom: Church wedding.
Note: Formal, cultural.
Big Day
Meaning: The wedding day.
Example: Everyone is preparing for their big day.
Similar Idiom: Special day.
Note: Casual and celebratory.
Wedding Vows
Meaning: Promises exchanged during marriage.
Example: They wrote their own wedding vows.
Similar Idiom: Exchange vows.
Note: Formal and romantic.
Blushing Bride
Meaning: A shy or radiant bride on her wedding day.
Example: The blushing bride walked gracefully down the aisle.
Similar Idiom: Radiant bride.
Note: Romantic, poetic.
Groom-to-Be
Meaning: A man engaged to be married.
Example: The groom-to-be is busy planning the reception.
Similar Idiom: Future husband.
Note: Casual and modern.
Bride-to-Be
Meaning: A woman engaged to be married.
Example: The bride-to-be is looking for her wedding dress.
Similar Idiom: Future wife.
Note: Common in daily speech.
Tie the Wedding Ribbon
Meaning: To celebrate marriage with a symbolic gesture.
Example: They tied the wedding ribbon in a traditional ceremony.
Similar Idiom: Tie the knot.
Note: Traditional and cultural.
Idioms About Starting a New Life Together
Honeymoon Phase
Meaning: The early joyful stage of marriage.
Example: They are still in their honeymoon phase.
Similar Idiom: Lovebirds stage.
Note: Informal, common in conversations.
Wedded Bliss
Meaning: The happiness of married life.
Example: They are enjoying wedded bliss in their new home.
Similar Idiom: Marital happiness.
Note: Romantic and poetic.
Settle Down
Meaning: To marry and live a stable life.
Example: He finally decided to settle down after years of traveling.
Similar Idiom: Start a family.
Note: Common in everyday speech.
Start a New Chapter
Meaning: Marriage marks the beginning of a new life.
Example: Their wedding was the start of a new chapter.
Similar Idiom: Turn the page.
Note: Poetic and inspirational.
Build a Life Together
Meaning: To create a future as a married couple.
Example: They are ready to build a life together.
Similar Idiom: Begin a journey together.
Note: Positive, formal or informal.
Till Death Do Us Part
Meaning: Marriage commitment lasting for life.
Example: They promised to love each other till death do us part.
Similar Idiom: Forever and always.
Note: Religious, traditional vow.
Hitched for Life
Meaning: Married permanently.
Example: They believe they are hitched for life.
Similar Idiom: Lifelong partners.
Note: Informal, often humorous.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- In speaking: Use idioms like tie the knot or get hitched in casual talks with friends about weddings.
- In writing: Add idioms such as wedded bliss or till death do us part in wedding cards, invitations, or romantic letters.
- In professional usage: Use formal idioms like united in marriage or exchange vows in wedding speeches, articles, or news reports.
Idioms not only enrich communication but also make your language sound more natural, friendly, and expressive.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong: He tied the knot with his shoes.
Correct: He tied the knot last summer in Paris. - Wrong: They are in their honeymoon forever.
Correct: They are still in their honeymoon phase. - Wrong: She walked in the aisle.
Correct: She walked down the aisle.
FAQs
1. What does “tie the knot” mean?
It means to get married. This idiom is widely used in both formal and informal English.
2. Can idioms about marriage be used in professional writing?
Yes, but choose formal ones like united in marriage or exchange vows instead of informal ones like ball and chain.
3. Where do marriage idioms come from?
Many come from cultural, religious, or historical traditions, such as jump the broom or till death do us part.
4. What idioms can I use in a wedding speech?
Great options include match made in heaven, two become one, and wedded bliss.
5. Are marriage idioms still used today?
Yes, they are common in daily conversations, wedding invitations, movies, and romantic writing.
Conclusion
Idioms about marriage beautifully capture the emotions, traditions, and humor tied to weddings and commitment.
From tying the knot to wedded bliss, these expressions bring life and warmth to our language. Using them correctly allows learners and speakers to connect more deeply with English culture and communication.
So whether you’re planning your big day, attending a wedding, or simply talking about love, these idioms will help you sound more natural, expressive, and fluent. Start practicing them today, and make your English as rich and colorful as a wedding celebration!
