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60th Diamond Wedding Anniversary Guide
Key Takeaways
- The 60th anniversary is the diamond wedding — sixty years of marriage, the most enduring milestone of all
- Diamond represents the unbreakable bond and hardest natural substance — the perfect symbol for sixty years
- UK couples celebrating their 60th can request a personal congratulatory card from the King
- This is the milestone where major celebration is expected — most couples have a large family event
- The 60th is one of the few anniversaries where the couple is often celebrated by their entire extended family
Sixty years of marriage. The diamond wedding anniversary marks one of the rarest and most precious milestones any couple can reach. The diamond — the hardest natural substance and one of the most enduring gems — perfectly symbolises a marriage that has lasted six decades.
Why diamond?
Diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth. It’s formed under extreme pressure deep within the planet, over millions of years. Once formed, it’s nearly indestructible. A diamond from a thousand years ago looks today exactly as it did when it was first cut.
A 60-year marriage has the same character. It has been formed under pressure — the pressures of life, of family, of decades of change. It has emerged stronger than almost anything else in the world. It is, by any measure, precious and rare.
60th diamond anniversary gift ideas
Diamond jewellery (£200-10,000+)
- A diamond eternity ring
- Diamond stud earrings
- A diamond pendant
- A diamond tennis bracelet
- A diamond watch
- An upgrade to existing jewellery (adding diamonds to wedding ring)
- A bespoke diamond piece designed for the occasion
Personal and meaningful (£30-1,000)
- A 60-year family tree professionally drawn
- A photo book covering all 60 years — milestone photos from each decade
- A handwritten book of memories from all family members
- A bespoke family portrait with all generations
- A documentary video of family members sharing memories and tributes
- A diamond-themed cake for the celebration
Experiences (£100-3,000)
- A family portrait session with all generations
- A meaningful trip (if health allows)
- A theatre or concert outing with the family
- A nostalgic dinner at a place that has meaning
- A photo of all the descendants the marriage has produced
Charitable and legacy gifts
- A donation to a meaningful charity in their name
- A bench, tree, or park feature in their name
- A scholarship or bursary in their honour
- A grandchild’s first home deposit (if appropriate)
Royal card from the King
The 60th wedding anniversary is the first major milestone where UK couples are entitled to request a personal congratulatory card from the King.
How to apply
- Write to: Anniversaries Office, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
- Apply at least 3 weeks before the anniversary date
- Include:
- Full names of both partners (as on the marriage certificate)
- Postal address where the card should be sent
- Date of marriage (day, month, year)
- The anniversary being celebrated (60th)
- Telephone number (in case clarification is needed)
- Cost: Free
What you receive
A printed card on official Royal stationery, signed (printed signature) by the King, with a personal message of congratulations on the diamond wedding anniversary. The card arrives by post in time for the anniversary.
Subsequent royal cards
After the 60th, royal cards are issued for:
- 65th anniversary
- 70th anniversary (Platinum)
- Every year after the 70th
To receive these subsequent cards, a fresh application must be submitted each time (using the same address as above).
How to celebrate your diamond wedding anniversary
A 60th wedding anniversary deserves a meaningful, family-centred celebration. The format depends on the couple’s health, mobility, and preferences.
A multi-generational family party
The most popular celebration. The diamond couple, their children (now in their 50s-60s), grandchildren (in their 20s-40s), and often great-grandchildren all gather. Speeches, toasts, photos, food, and shared memories.
A church or community service
Some couples mark the day with a church service of thanksgiving or a community blessing. This is particularly meaningful for couples who married in church 60 years ago and have remained part of that community.
A small intimate gathering
For couples whose health doesn’t allow a large event, a small dinner with closest family — at home or at a favourite restaurant — is equally meaningful.
A memory book
Many families create a memory book filled with messages, photos, and memories from family and friends — including those who can’t attend in person. This is given to the couple as a keepsake.
A “60 years in 60 photos” display
A timeline display of one photo per year of marriage, set up at the celebration venue. This becomes a focal point for guests to look at and discuss.
Practical considerations
Health and mobility: At 60 years married, the couple is likely in their 80s. Choose a celebration format that respects their energy levels, health, and comfort.
Travel: If family members are flying in from abroad, plan well ahead. Consider hotel arrangements for visiting relatives.
Photography: Hire a photographer for the day. The photos will become precious to the family for generations.
Catering: If hosting at home, consider a caterer. The couple should not be expected to cook.
Timing: A daytime event (lunch or afternoon tea) often works better than evening for older couples.
Budget for a diamond wedding anniversary
| Celebration Style | Budget |
|---|---|
| Family meal at home | £200-800 |
| Restaurant celebration | £500-2,500 |
| Church service + reception | £500-2,000 |
| Family party at a venue | £1,500-5,000 |
| Major celebration (venue, photographer, caterer, gifts) | £3,000-10,000+ |
What to write in a diamond anniversary card
60 years of marriage. 60 years of love. 60 years of choosing each other every single day. We’re all here because of you. Thank you for showing us what forever looks like.
To my [husband/wife]: 60 years ago today, I had no idea what life was about to give us. I’d choose it all again — every joy and every sorrow — as long as I got to do it with you.
To Grandma and Grandad: your love story is the best story we know. Happy diamond wedding anniversary.
For more inspiration: Love Quotes for Speeches & Cards
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 60th wedding anniversary called?
The 60th wedding anniversary is called the diamond wedding anniversary or diamond jubilee. The diamond — the hardest natural substance and the most enduring gem — represents the unbreakable bond of a marriage that has lasted six decades.
How do I get a card from the King for a 60th anniversary?
Write to the Anniversaries Office, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, at least three weeks before the anniversary date. Include both names, address, date of marriage, and the anniversary being celebrated. The card is free. Cards are also available for the 65th, 70th, and every year afterwards.
What gifts are appropriate for a diamond wedding anniversary?
Diamond jewellery is the traditional gift — a diamond eternity ring, diamond earrings, a diamond pendant, or a diamond watch. Many couples also exchange more personal gifts: a family album, a commissioned portrait, a tree planted in their honour, or a charitable donation in their name.
How do you celebrate a 60th wedding anniversary?
The 60th is typically marked by a major family celebration with all generations present. Common celebrations: a large family party, a vow renewal blessing, a portrait session, a meal at a special restaurant, or a tribute video from family members around the world. The card from the King is often the centrepiece moment.