Congratulate Someone on the Anniversary of Their Marriage • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

This letter is usually sent to close friends and associates after they have made either a private or public announcement of the event. Be careful not to overstep the bounds of decorum by using more familiar language than your relationship warrants.

How to write this congratulation letter:

  1. Start with a direct statement of congratulations, acknowledging the significance of the achievement.
  2. Mention the gift, if you are giving one.
  3. Express anticipation for future successes.

Example Letter #1

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John and I send you my warmest congratulations on this wonderful occasion. Your completion of fifteen years of marriage is a marvelous achievement, and you have both been such wonderful examples of kindness and consideration to all who know you.

Happy anniversary and may you enjoy many more years together!

PS. We have sent a gift and hope it will arrive within the next few days.

Example Letter #2

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No one is more pleased than I to wish you a happy fiftieth wedding anniversary. I have watched the two of you for many years and have been continually touched by the obvious love and respect you have for one another. You are an inspiration to me as I try to follow your example.

Although no material gift can adequately express my appreciation for the kind of parents you have been, the photo album will have to do. Please accept it with all the love and hope for the future that I have to give you.

May each of you receive all the joy and peace you can find.

Example Letter #3

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Your sister informed me that your nineteenth wedding anniversary is today. Congratulations! My husband and I have only been married for half that time, but I appreciate the kind of love and devotion required to make a happy marriage last as long as yours.

Please accept my sincerest wish for your continued happiness and life together.

Example Letter #4

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The word about town is that your marriage turns twenty years old this week. We want to congratulate you on this wonderful achievement!

These days it's the rare partnership that can last like yours has. Jane and I take strength in your example. We have sent a small anniversary gift to remind you of our admiration. We hope you enjoy it.

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 Start with a direct statement of congratulations, acknowledging the significance of the achievement.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • I saw your golden anniversary announcement in the paper last Sunday, and I wanted to congratulate you on this achievement.
  • Thanks for sending me your anniversary announcement, and congratulations!
  • Congratulations on your golden anniversary!
  • I have always seen your relationship as a model marriage because of the love, courtesy, and respect that you always show for each other.
  • You two have been very important to me and my family.
  • Congratulations on this special event in your life.
  • Please allow me to extend my best wishes to you on your anniversary.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • a joyous experience
  • a model marriage
  • admire your relationship
  • always been there for each other
  • best wishes to you on
  • brings back such happy memories
  • congratulations on
  • extend our congratulations
  • extend my best wishes
  • for better or for worse
  • for inviting me to
  • for letting me know
  • for sending me your anniversary announcement
  • grateful for your example
  • great admiration and respect
  • hard to believe
  • have nothing but admiration for
  • have been very important to me
  • help me to weather the difficulties
  • hope that I can
  • love and respect you show
  • make a marriage last
  • on your anniversary
  • please allow me to
  • saw your announcement
  • send our kindest regards
  • should write a book
  • since you walked down that aisle
  • stay together so happily so long
  • such a wonderful achievement
  • thank you for
  • the experiences you have shared
  • the good times and the bad
  • the example you have set
  • this special event
  • this wonderful milestone
  • this happy occasion
  • want to congratulate you on
  • wish you a happy anniversary
  • your loyalty toward each other
  • your forthcoming anniversary

2 Mention the gift, if you are giving one.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • A gift should arrive at your house by special mail within the week.
  • I hope you enjoy the small gift we sent.
  • To help express our love and appreciation, we are sending a gift.
  • The enclosed gift certificate is a small token of our admiration for you.
  • I hope you enjoy the gift I sent you.
  • We have sent a little something to help you celebrate the occasion.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • a small gift for a great occasion
  • a small token of our affection
  • a gift should arrive
  • are sending a gift
  • as a token of our esteem
  • couldn't resist the
  • hope this will remind you of
  • hope you enjoy the gift
  • hope you enjoy it
  • made me think of you
  • our way of saying
  • sent you a little something
  • should arrive within a few days
  • the enclosed gift certificate
  • to help celebrate the occasion
  • to add to your collection of
  • to show our admiration
  • to express our love
  • to express our appreciation
  • want you to have this

3 Express anticipation for future successes.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • I wish you all the happiness in the world.
  • May you enjoy many more happy years together.
  • Best wishes as you work toward your golden anniversary.
  • Wishing you a happy and prosperous future.
  • Best wishes for a golden future. How about another fifty?
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • a happy and prosperous future
  • all the best for
  • as you look towards your
  • best wishes for
  • for a golden future
  • for the future
  • good wishes for
  • may the future be
  • as good to you as the past
  • may the future hold
  • many more happy years
  • may you enjoy many more years together
  • just a prelude to a happy future
  • wish you every happiness
  • wish you many more happy years together
  • wish you all the happiness in the world
  • wish you continuing success
  • wish you many more