24 Arranged Marriage Plot Ideas

Arranged marriages!

They’ve been popping up in stories forever, from Shakespeare’s plays to those cheesy Indian rom-coms everyone loves. They’re a great way to explore how love, commitment, and freedom change over time.

Thinking of writing a story based on an arranged marriage setup?

This post is your goldmine!

We’ll dive into the emotions, drama, and happy endings (or not-so-happy endings) that come with this plot device.

Get ready for some serious inspiration!

Arranged Marriage Plot Ideas

Cross-Cultural Love: Radha from India and Tom from the U.S. are set up by their globetrotting parents in an attempt to merge their business empires. The two initially resist, having grown up in starkly different cultures. But as they navigate their differences, they find love in the blending of traditions, food, and values.
Rediscovering Past Love: Years after a bitter breakup in college, Ayesha and Rahul are stunned to learn that their parents have arranged their marriage. Forced to face the reasons behind their past split, they confront old wounds and discover that their flame of love never actually went out.
A Widowed Match: After losing her husband to illness, Sunita is pressured into an arranged marriage with Vikram, another widower. Bonding over shared grief, they learn that second chances at love can come in the most unexpected ways.
Arranged to Save: Faced with the threat of their ancestral home being taken away, Nora agrees to an arranged marriage with a wealthy businessman, Arjun, to save it. While the marriage begins as a business transaction, they eventually find common ground, mutual respect, and a love that could save more than just a house.
Hidden Identity: Rana, a young prince, hides his identity to escape the royal life and pressure of an impending arranged marriage. He falls in love with Meera, a commoner. Unbeknownst to him, she is the very girl his parents chose for him. The twist unfolds as they discover each other’s true identities and the depths of their love.
Love, Disability, and Understanding: Jia, a talented pianist, loses her hearing in an accident. Her parents, worried for her future, arrange her marriage to Rohit, a kind-hearted teacher. Together, they navigate the complexities of their new life, and Jia learns to experience music in a new light.
Second Love in Golden Years: 60-year-old Mala, after decades of being a dedicated mother and grandmother, is pushed into an arranged marriage with 65-year-old Pradeep, a retired army general, after both their spouses have passed away. They find that love and companionship aren’t bound by age, as they embark on a journey of discovering romance in their golden years.
Escape from Tradition: Anika, a young journalist, is vehemently against the idea of arranged marriages. However, in a twist of fate, her parents set her up with Karan, an anthropologist studying marriage customs. Their shared passion for understanding and challenging traditions sparks an unexpected love, showcasing the irony of love found in arranged settings.
Historical Ties: Set against the backdrop of a war-torn country, Amal and Nadya’s families decide to cement their allegiances through an arranged marriage. Initially resentful, the two bond over their shared history and dreams of peace. As they work together to help heal their land, they discover a love rooted deeply in unity and hope.
Star-Crossed Scholars: Both hailed as prodigies in their respective fields, Elara, an astrophysicist, and Samir, an archaeologist, are set up by their mentors. Despite their seemingly opposite worlds, they find that their passions align beautifully, leading to a love that bridges the expanse of time and space.
Bridging Faiths: Sara, a devout Christian, and Idris, a practicing Muslim, are surprised when their parents – old college friends – arrange their marriage. As they navigate their different faiths, traditions, and celebrations, they realize that love isn’t bound by religion but is a testament to understanding and harmony.
Behind the Lens: Celebrity photographer Maya is arranged to marry Varun, a reclusive artist with no interest in the limelight. Their clashing worlds challenge their perceptions, but in the process, they find beauty and inspiration in each other’s art and capturing love in its rawest form.
Medical Miracle: Ravi, a cardiac surgeon, is arranged to marry Lina, a patient he once saved. While their relationship starts with gratitude, it evolves into mutual respect as they delve deeper into their shared interests and dreams, realizing that sometimes hearts align in the most unexpected ways.
Chef’s Special: Two chefs, Hina and Aarav, are set up by their families who run rival restaurants. With a wedding on the horizon, they are forced to collaborate on a special menu. Through fiery culinary debates and shared secret recipes, they concoct not just delightful dishes but also a recipe for lasting love.
Eco-Love Story: Conservationist Tara is devastated when she learns she’s to be wed to industrialist Neil, whose businesses have often harmed the environment. However, as they spend time together, Neil is influenced by Tara’s passion, leading him to pivot his practices towards sustainability. Their shared mission for a greener world becomes the seed for blossoming love.
Rhythms of the Heart: Naina, a classical dancer, and Jay, a rock musician, are surprised when their families decide on their union. Their initial reluctance turns to intrigue as they discover the harmony in their arts and the melodies of love that transcend genres.

The Translator’s Tale: Leah, a linguistic expert, is introduced to Dev, a non-verbal writer who communicates exclusively through his written words. Their unique situation challenges Leah’s expertise and Dev’s expressions, but in the space between words and silence, they discover a language of love that needs no translation.
Wartime Alliance: During World War II, Elena from Russia and Henry from Britain find themselves in an arranged marriage to consolidate political alliances. Separated by language, culture, and war-torn experiences, they bond over shared traumas and the hope for a peaceful world, proving that love can bloom amidst the ravages of war.
Mysteries of the Mind: Neuroscientist Meera is asked to marry Raj, a man in a prolonged coma due to an accident. As she delves into his brain’s mysteries to communicate with him, she begins to connect with Raj in profound ways. Their journey challenges the boundaries of consciousness and showcases love beyond the realms of awake and asleep.
The Conservationist and the Builder: Ivy, an urban conservationist, is set up with Max, an ambitious city developer. Their clashing ideologies seem insurmountable, but as they work on a contentious project together, they discover middle ground, leading to a love that beautifully melds the old with the new.
Ocean’s Meeting: Marine biologist Lila is introduced to Arun, a deep-sea fisherman. They share the vast ocean but view it from different perspectives. Their journey together highlights the balance between conservation and livelihood, and as they sail through challenges, they find a love as deep as the ocean.
Silent Ballroom: Dancer Elise, known for her lively performances, is paired with mute choreographer Ray. Through the challenge of communication, they craft a dance that becomes an embodiment of their love story. Their performances become a testament to the fact that love can speak volumes without a single word.
Love in Letters: Set in the 1800s, Sophia and Charles are engaged through letters without ever meeting due to their families’ longstanding friendship. Their epistolary romance unfolds as they share dreams, fears, and secrets. Their eventual meeting is a testament to the power of words in shaping love.
Future’s Arrangement: Set in a futuristic world where matches are made based on genetic compatibility, Nia and Cal are paired for optimal offspring. Both skeptical, they’re surprised when they connect not just at a genetic but also at an emotional level, proving that love’s formula might be more complex than simple DNA matching.