Picture this: walking hand in hand with someone who knows you down to your smallest habits, who laughs at your worst jokes and shields you when life gets rough. Think of the quiet looks that say everything, the comfort of being completely yourself without apology. Now imagine that bond stretched across a lifetime. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it?
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to marry your best friend? Do you find yourself smiling at the idea of saying “I do” to the person who’s always been your anchor?
Research from psychologist and relationship coach Sam Owen suggests couples who begin as friends tend to build more durable, happier marriages. Trust, closeness, and mutual respect formed through years of friendship become the solid ground a marriage needs.
Dr. Jennifer Jacobsen, Ph.D. in Psychology, emphasizes that a friendship-based foundation matters in marriage.
Here are 17 strong reasons why marrying your best friend can be one of the wisest choices you make — from shared history to built-in trust, when you marry your best friend you’re starting a life with a teammate who already knows the playbook.
What it really means to marry your best friend
Marrying your best friend means weaving your life with someone who already understands you better than almost anyone else. It’s waking up next to someone who gets your quirks, shares your ambitions, and stays by your side through both celebrations and setbacks. Think long late-night talks, shared inside jokes, and a deep sense of safety. When you marry your best friend, you’re not only gaining a spouse — you’re gaining a lifelong co-conspirator. For many, that decision becomes the most natural and rewarding step they take.
Is marrying your best friend better than marrying a lover?
This sparks a lot of debate. Romance brings heat and excitement, and those feelings are intoxicating. Yet passion can ebb and flow. Friendship brings something different: steadiness. A relationship that started as friendship tends to have trust, mutual understanding, and shared history — qualities that help couples navigate life’s inevitable changes.
So which is “better”? It depends on what you value. If long-term companionship, aligned values, and a partner who’s also your closest friend matter most, marrying a best friend often wins out.
How common is marrying your best friend?
It’s more common than many assume. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found about half of married or cohabiting couples consider their partner their best friend — and these couples report significantly higher life satisfaction. That trend shows how modern relationships increasingly prize companionship and emotional closeness alongside romance. In short: marrying your best friend isn’t unusual — it’s a path a lot of people choose intentionally.
Is she the one you should marry?
If you’re asking this, take a breath and look inward. Ask yourself: Do you trust her deeply? Do you respect and admire her? Does she inspire you to be a better person? Are your long-term goals and values aligned? These reflections help clarify whether a best-friend relationship has the right depth for marriage. For a deeper look at signs she might be “the one,” our detailed guide covers many of the practical cues to consider.
17 good reasons to marry your best friend
You already share so much — laughter, tears, memories. Here are concrete perks of turning that friendship into marriage.
1. Like a soul twin
You’re more than friends; you’re two people who instinctively understand each other. That kindred understanding becomes the bedrock of a durable partnership.
2. Built-in best friend
No awkward getting-to-know-you phase. Your favorite person is already part of your life.
3. Unbreakable bond
You’ve already weathered storms and come out the other side. That history creates resilience.
4. Laughter is your medicine
You make each other laugh in ways no one else does. That shared humor lightens life’s load.
5. Shared dreams and goals
You’ve grown in similar directions, so planning a future feels natural and collaborative.
6. Unconditional love and support
You’ve seen each other at your best and worst — and stayed. That steadfast support is priceless.
7. Effortless compatibility
Knowing each other’s quirks reduces friction. Daily life runs more smoothly.
8. A lifetime of adventures
You’re already partners in fun; marriage simply expands the map of your adventures.
9. Honest and open communication
Friendship encourages candid talk — the backbone of a relationship that can last.
10. Values and beliefs that resonate
When your moral compass aligns, decision-making — from parenting to finances — becomes easier.
11. Comfortable silences
You don’t need to fill every moment with words. Peaceful togetherness is a luxury.
12. Inside jokes galore
Those private jokes are tiny threads that stitch your story together.
13. Unmatched chemistry
The spark may be different from early romance, but it can be just as electric — and more enduring.
Bonus: Chemistry plus friendship is a rare gift.
14. Unwavering loyalty
You’ve chosen each other through seasons of life; that loyalty creates safety.
15. Shared sense of humor
Seeing the world similarly keeps life light and joyful.
Bonus: Humor helps you both cope with stress.
16. A strong foundation for a family
Friendship-based marriages often provide a loving, stable environment for children.
Bonus: A nurturing home supports healthy family dynamics.
17. A lifetime of happiness
Waking up next to your best friend every day is a simple, profound joy.
Bonus: Daily companionship equals lasting fulfillment.
Are there any drawbacks to marrying your best friend?
It’s not all perfect. Friendship and romance overlap in ways that can blur roles — you may drift into complacency or confuse feedback meant as friendship with criticism. Excitement may feel muted compared to early-stage passion. Conflicts can hurt on two levels (romantic and platonic), and the stakes feel higher because you stand to lose both a partner and a close friend if things falter. Still, with intention, clear boundaries, and ongoing romance-building, these pitfalls can be managed and often turned into growth opportunities.
Dr. Jacobsen reminds us that marrying your best friend isn’t wrong — it’s a legitimate and often wise choice.
The future with your best buddy
Marrying your best friend blends trust, joy, and deep companionship. It’s about choosing someone who knows your past, accepts your present, and wants to build the future with you. If you can honestly picture growing old with this person, sharing everyday routines and big adventures alike, that vision is worth honoring.
A few practical tips to keep the relationship thriving: keep curiosity alive about each other, schedule regular dates (yes, even small ones), protect personal space so each of you remains an individual, and make time for new shared experiences to keep the spark alive. Celebrate the little wins and speak kindly during conflicts — friendship gives you a head start, but marriage requires ongoing effort.
