Picture holding hands with someone who knows your every quirk, laughs at your worst jokes, and stays by your side through storms and sunshine. Think of those quiet moments when a single look says everything, and the relief of being completely yourself around another person. Now imagine having that bond for the long haul — a dream come true, right?
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to marry your best friend? Do you catch yourself smiling at the idea of saying “I do” to the person who’s always been your anchor?
Pause and ask yourself: how different would life be if every day was spent with someone who truly understands you?
Research by psychologist and relationship coach Sam Owen suggests couples who begin as friends often have a firmer foundation, which helps create longer, happier marriages. Trust, closeness, and mutual respect grown out of friendship become the bedrock of a strong partnership.
Dr. Jennifer Jacobsen, Ph.D. in Psychology, says,
“A solid foundation of friendship is important in a marriage.”
Below are 17 convincing reasons to consider marrying your best friend — reasons that show how companionship, shared history, and deep trust can make marriage extraordinary.
What it really means to marry your best friend
Marrying your best friend means weaving your life together with someone who knows you better than anyone else. It’s waking up beside the person who gets your strange habits, dreams with you, and stands by you through good times and bad. Imagine laughing until you cry, having honest late-night talks, and feeling a steady sense of safety and belonging.
When you marry your best friend, you don’t just get a spouse — you gain a lifelong partner in crime. That special bond turns marriage into an ongoing adventure. For many, marrying their best friend becomes the best decision they ever made.
Is marrying your best friend better than marrying a lover?
Romance is powerful, but we shouldn’t undervalue friendship. Psychological research shows healthy, steady friendships contribute significantly to our wellbeing and longevity.
The debate between marrying your best friend versus marrying a passionate lover often comes down to priorities. A relationship that starts with intense romantic chemistry can be thrilling, but passion can ebb. A marriage rooted in friendship, however, rests on trust, understanding, and a deep emotional connection that can weather life’s ups and downs.
So which is better? It depends on what you value. If you prize steady companionship, shared values, and a deep bond, marrying your best friend might be the wiser choice.
How common is it to marry your best friend?
It’s more common than you might think. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that about half of married or cohabiting couples describe their partner as their best friend — and those couples reported significantly higher life satisfaction than others.
This trend reflects a modern shift: people increasingly value friendship and partnership in romantic relationships. Building a life with someone who’s both a lover and a best friend brings emotional and psychological benefits that many find invaluable.
Is she the one you should marry?
If you’re wondering whether she’s the one, take a breath and reflect. Look at your shared values, your trust levels, and where you see yourselves in the future. Does she make you want to be better? Do you feel comfortable, respected, and supported? These signs often point toward a lasting partnership.
If you want a deeper guide to recognizing whether she’s “the one,” there are detailed resources that explore the signs and questions to consider.
17 great reasons to marry your best friend
You already share laughter, tears, and countless memories. If you’re thinking about making it official, here are 17 advantages of marrying the person who’s already your closest friend.
1. A kindred spirit
You’re more than friends — you’re soulmates in a practical, everyday sense. You’ve been through ups and downs, and that shared history gives your future together a sturdy base.
Bonus: Deep mutual understanding is a powerful foundation for a lifetime together.
2. Your built-in best friend
No awkward meet-and-greets needed. Your partner is already your favorite person, so you skip the small talk and go straight to the real stuff.
Bonus: You can be completely authentic right away.
3. A bond that weathers storms
You’ve faced challenges and come out the other side together. That proven resilience is a fortress you can build a life inside.
Bonus: Shared struggles strengthen your connection.
4. Laughter as medicine
You get each other’s jokes, finish one another’s sentences, and know how to lift each other’s mood. A relationship filled with humor makes for happier days.
Bonus: Laughter keeps you close and resilient.
5. Shared dreams and goals
You’ve grown alongside each other and often want the same things. Having a partner who supports and pursues shared ambitions makes planning a future clearer and more exciting.
Bonus: A shared vision reinforces your teamwork.
6. Unconditional support
You’ve seen each other at your best and worst and stuck around. That unwavering support is the kind that nurtures personal growth and mutual trust.
Bonus: Constant encouragement fuels both partners’ growth.
7. Natural compatibility
Knowing each other’s likes, dislikes, and rhythms reduces friction. You don’t have to play a role — you’re free to be yourself.
Bonus: Easier harmony saves energy and stress.
8. A lifetime of adventures
From spontaneous weekend trips to trying new hobbies, you’re used to exploring life together. Imagine continuing that curiosity as life partners.
Bonus: Shared experiences become treasured memories.
9. Honest, open communication
Friendship breeds transparency. When you can talk about anything without fear, your relationship grows more secure and fulfilling.
Bonus: Clear communication deepens your bond.
10. Aligned values and beliefs
Sharing core beliefs gives your relationship direction and makes decisions — including parenting and lifestyle choices — easier to navigate together.
Bonus: A shared moral compass unites your choices.
11. Comfortable silence
You don’t need to fill every quiet moment; being together in silence feels natural and calm. Those peaceful rhythms are rare and precious.
Bonus: Quiet companionship is a true comfort.
12. Inside jokes for days
The private memories and jokes you’ve built create a unique, private world that’s only yours — a constant source of joy.
Bonus: Shared humor strengthens intimacy.
13. Genuine chemistry
You have that electric connection that keeps things exciting. That spark, combined with friendship, is something many couples treasure.
Bonus: Chemistry keeps your partnership lively.
14. Deep loyalty
You’ve proven you’ll stand by each other through thick and thin. Knowing your partner’s loyalty is unwavering brings security and peace of mind.
Bonus: Reliable support creates emotional safety.
15. A matching sense of humor
Seeing the world through the same playful lens makes daily life lighter and helps you manage stress together.
Bonus: Shared laughter is one of the best stress relievers.
16. A solid base for family life
If you want children, a friendship-first marriage often provides a stable and loving home. That foundation can make parenting more cooperative and joyful.
Bonus: A loving partnership nurtures a warm family environment.
17. A life built on happiness
Ultimately, marrying your best friend often means choosing a life of companionship, joy, and steady love. Waking up next to your closest ally every day — that’s a rare gift.
Bonus: Lasting joy and fulfillment are priceless.
Are there downsides to marrying your best friend?
While the idea is lovely, it’s wise to consider possible challenges. When roles overlap, lines between friend and romantic partner can blur, which sometimes leads to complacency. Familiarity might dull the initial intensity of romance, so actively keeping the spark alive is important. Conflicts can also feel more acute because they affect both your romantic life and your primary friendship. Lastly, the idea of losing both a spouse and a best friend in a breakup can be daunting.
Still, with honest communication and effort, these issues can become opportunities for deeper growth.
Dr. Jacobsen sums it up:
“The bottom line is that you shouldn’t feel that it’s wrong to marry someone you consider a best friend.”
A future with your best friend
Marrying your best friend blends trust, companionship, and understanding into a life that’s both comforting and adventurous. It’s about shared laughter, steady support, and the willingness to grow together.
So look at your partner and ask: can I picture a lifetime of friendship and love with this person? If the answer is yes, take the leap. Embrace the beautiful, imperfect chaos, nurture your connection, and watch your relationship flourish in ways you didn’t expect. Here’s to a love built on friendship and meant to last.
