Not Every Love Story Starts With a Meet Cute

Arranged marriages sometimes feel cold and calculated and more like an act of obedience than one of love. History proves otherwise, as many arranged marriages became beautiful love stories that continue to sweep us off our feet. Here are 20 historical arranged marriages that turned into timeless love stories. 

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1. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

Arranged within the Mughal royal family, Shah Jahan's devotion and love for Mumtaz Mahal became a legendary love story. They were married in 1612 and became inseparable companions. Her death in 1631 inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal. 

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2. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

Their marriage, arranged by their mutual uncle, eventually became an enduring symbol of love. They initially met as teenagers, and their union years later strengthened the moral image of Britain. Even behind closed doors, Victoria adored him deeply and wrote passionately about their marriage. 

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3.  King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

It took a while, but the shy Prince Albert eventually fell deep in love with Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. She actually declined his proposal twice before accepting. Their mutual affection blossomed, and her warmth helped him overcome his stammer and insecurities.

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4. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria

Franz Joseph was supposed to marry Elisabeth's older sister, Helene, but insisted on marrying Elisabeth instead. The marriage was dynastic, but that didn't stop these two from developing a deep emotional bond. Sadly, she was assassinated in 1898, and he was forced to keep her memory close to his heart throughout the rest of his life.

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5. King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette

This marriage was originally a political union meant to solidify alliances. It was awkward at first, as most relationships are. Over time, the pair grew close, and letters reveal genuine affection and companionship even amid the French Revolution.

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6. Emperor Akbar and Mariam-uz-Zamani

The Mughal Emperor Akbar's arranged marriage was conceived for political gain. However, she quickly became his favorite and most beloved wife and confidante. Their love helped bridge religious divides in India. 

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7. King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria

Their arranged marriage was politically fraught, but the feelings between them grew into an enviable love. Despite religious wars and civil war, love prevailed until Charles was executed in 1649. 

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8. Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna

This marriage was arranged between the Russian and German royal families, but that didn't stop the passion from igniting. Despite immense political pressure and personal tragedy, they remained completely devoted to one another.

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9. Henry VII and Elizabeth of York

The purpose of their union was to unite the warring houses of Lancaster and York in an effort to end the War of the Roses. Despite the circumstances, this marriage proved to be romantic and harmonious. 

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10. Emperor Peter III and Catherine the Great

Peter and Catherine's marriage was a piece of political maneuvering and began coldly. Eventually, it turned into a complex mutual fascination, which resulted in Catherine seizing power. Later in life, she spoke of her affection for Peter, but circumstances forced her to betray him. What can we say but love is strange? 

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11. King Louis IX and Margaret of Provence

This arranged marriage occurred in 1234 and grew into a sincere form of love. Louis IX adored his wife and wrote tenderly about her and their relationship during his crusades. 

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12. Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken of Japan

This arranged marriage ushered in the age of Japan's modernization. It was formal and ritualized, but the love between these two bloomed over the years. She shared his reforms, and they symbolized the unity that Japan was striving for. 

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13. King Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary I of England

This cold political arrangement was devised to unite Catholic powers, but the marriage ultimately turned into something warm and loving. Mary loved Philip, and his companionship helped her endure her reign.

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14. Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora

This controversial arranged marriage eventually saw Justinian and Theodora become inseparable rulers of Byzantium. They shared power equally, and what expresses true love more than that?

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15. King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine

This arranged marriage was carried out in 1152 and was meant to unite the French and English lands. Whatever its origins, it was passion that defined Henry and Eleanor's bond. They shared wit, ambition and were beloved for the mutual respect they showed each other.

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16. Emperor Franz I and Empress Maria Theresa

This marriage was an attempt to consolidate Habsburg power, but Maria Theresia and Franz fell madly in love amid their reign. She relied deeply on his love and gave birth to 16 children. She was devastated by his sudden death in 1765. 

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17. King George III and Queen Charlotte

This marriage is unique as it was arranged within a few hours of their meeting. Somehow, it still blossomed into a genuine love. George never took a mistress, which was unusual for a king in this era. 

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18. Emperor Hirohito and Empress Kojun

This Japanese Imperial marriage was arranged, yet despite a rigid court, the couple still grew to love each other, and their companionship marked their reign and lives.

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19. King Alfonso XII and Maria Christina of Austria

This marriage was arranged after Alfonso's first wife died. He eventually learned to love again when he married Maria Christina. Their marriage proved to be tender and built on a foundation of trust and understanding. 

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20. King Frederick William III and Queen Louise of Prussia

This marriage was known for its sincere affection, even though it was arranged to strengthen political alliances. Louise's charm and patriotism inspired Frederick, especially during Prussia's hardships. 

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