World Marriage Day Date in the current year: February 11, 2024

In 1981, several couples from Baton Rouge, Louisiana encouraged the Mayor, the Governor and the Bishop to proclaim Saint Valentine's Day (February 14) as We Believe in Marriage Day. The national leadership of Worldwide Marriage Encounter adopted the idea, changed the name to World Marriage Day (WMD) and moved the date to the second Sunday in February. The first WMD celebration was held in 1983.

The purpose of WMD is to honor husband and wife as the foundation of the family which is the basic unit of society. On this day, people celebrate the beauty of husband and wife's faithfulness, joy and sacrifice in daily married life. The theme for the day is “Love One Another”. It is the commandment given to us by Jesus Christ in John 15:12.

WMD is celebrated mainly by church organizations as it was originally supported by the Catholic Marriage Encounter Movement. Common events include special church services, receptions for parish members, renewal of wedding vows, essay writing contests, activities for couples, etc.