Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are celebrating 33 years of marriage on October 3, 2025. The couple, who wed in 1992, has shared a life marked by both personal and public milestones, including raising their two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23.
Over the years, the Obamas have publicly expressed admiration and affection for one another. On their 31st anniversary in 2023, Barack Obama posted a heartfelt tribute, describing Michelle as “brilliant, kind, funny and beautiful.” Michelle, in turn, reflected on their partnership, writing, “I love going through life with you by my side.”
As the couple marks this milestone anniversary, fans and observers are revisiting images of their life together — from candid moments to high-profile events — celebrating a partnership that has endured over three decades in the national spotlight.
Barack Obama/Instagram.
Barack and Michelle Obama first met in 1989 at a Chicago law firm, where Michelle, a Harvard Law alum, was assigned as his mentor.
Michelle Obama, then Michelle Robinson, was initially reluctant to date Barack Obama because they were co-workers. She told ABC News that when he first asked her out, her reaction was, “no way. This is completely tacky.” She eventually agreed to go on a date after Barack offered to resign from his job.
Michelle Obama/Twitter.
Their first date included a long walk, a visit to the Chicago Art Institute, and ice cream. Reflecting on the moment in a 20th anniversary video, Barack Obama said, “I offered to buy her ice cream. And then bought her some chocolate ice cream. And I think that is what put her over the top. That’s where she said, ‘This guy knows how to treat a woman.’ That was our first kiss!”
Michelle Obama/Instagram.
After getting engaged in 1991, the pair wed in Chicago on Oct. 3, 1992.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.
Michelle Obama/Instagram
Michelle wrote on Instagram about her husband and their wedding day: “You can’t tell it from this photo, but Barack woke up on our wedding day in October 1992 with a nasty head cold. Somehow, by the time I met him at the altar, it had miraculously disappeared, and we ended up dancing almost all night. Twenty-five years later, we’re still having fun, while also doing the hard work to build our partnership and support each other as individuals. I can’t imagine going on this wild ride with anybody else.”
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In 2004, Michelle fixed her husband’s tie before he gave a keynote address in Chicago.
Michelle and Barack Obama.
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According to Michelle, “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered.”
Barack and Michelle Obama.
Win McNamee/Getty
In 2008, when he was still just a presidential hopeful, Michelle hugged her husband on the campaign trail.
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They were all smiles on the campaign trail during the election cycle.
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The couple fist bumped in 2008 at a campaign rally after Barack became the official nominee for the Democratic Party.
From left: Michelle and Barack Obama dance during the inaugural ball on Jan. 20, 2009.
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The pair had their first dance as president and first lady when Barack Obama was inaugurated in 2009.
Pete Souza/White House via Getty
The Obamas had to take a service elevator after one of their 2009 inaugural balls.
Pete Souza/White House via Getty
The pair rolled into their next eight years in style.
From left: Barack and Michelle Obama in 2009.
Pete Souza/The White House
In 2009, Barack hugged his wife while in the Red Room of the White House — which is also where they gave their last interview to PEOPLE as POTUS and FLOTUS in 2016.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty
The pair shared matching smiles as they danced together at their second Inaugural Ball in 2013.
Andrew Harnik/AP/REX/Shutterstock.
From left: Michelle and Barack Obama in 2018
Barack told Marie Claire in 2008 that one of Michelle’s greatest qualities was her humor. “Anybody who knows her well knows she’s got the best sense of humor of anyone you’d ever want to meet,” he said. “She’s the most quintessentially American person I know … She’s just a wonderfully normal, levelheaded person. Any American woman who meets her would immediately identify her as a fellow traveler.”
Michelle Obama and Barack Obama.
Michelle Obama/Instagram
A suited Barack beamed at Michelle’s moment of PDA.
Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty
In their best black tie attire, the couple arrived at Winfield House during their two-day state visit to the United Kingdom on the invitation of Queen Elizabeth.
Barack and Michelle Obama in 2016.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty
As the president of the United States, Barack knew that his wife was always the star. “There’s no doubt I’m a better man having spent time with Michelle,” he told Vogue in 2013, “I would never say that Michelle’s a better woman, but I will say she’s a little more patient.”
Barack gave his wife a kiss as they left the White House in January 2017.
Steve Helber/AP
“Michelle never asked to be first lady,” Barack told Vogue in 2016. “Like a lot of political spouses, the role was thrust upon her. But I always knew she’d be incredible at it, and put her own unique stamp on the job. That’s because who you see is who she is — the brilliant, funny, generous woman who, for whatever reason, agreed to marry me. I think people gravitate to her because they see themselves in her — a dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who’s not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time.”
Michelle said of her husband on their 28th anniversary, “I love @BarackObama for his smile, his character, and his compassion. So grateful to have him as a partner through everything life throws at us.
From left: Michelle and Barack Obama in Joshua Tree National Park after leaving the White House.
Courtesy Obama Family
After leaving the White House, the couple took a trip to Joshua Tree, where they playfully posed while “pushing” a massive boulder. Reflecting on their bond in a 2011 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Barack said, “Obviously I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle. Not only has she been a great first lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day.”
Since leaving the White House, the couple has embraced a more relaxed pace of life. Barack told PEOPLE that Michelle “has been more relaxed and more joyful since we left office,” adding that it allowed them to not only appreciate the deep love that comes with a long marriage but also “to be friends again.”
In 2022, Michelle marked the new year by sharing a photo of herself and Barack celebrating together. “Happy New Year from me and my boo! 
” she wrote. “Wishing you all a year filled with happiness, love, and good health.”
Barack and Michelle Obama in 2022.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty
Barack beamed with pride as Michelle laughed at one of his jokes during the 2022 ceremony unveiling their official White House portraits.
Michelle and Barack Obama.
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At the African-American Film Festival premiere of Netflix’s Descendant, Barack gave Michelle a smooch on the cheek.
Barack and Michelle at the US Open.
Jean Catuffe/GC Images
The Obamas attended a match at the U.S. Open in 2023.
Barack Obama arrives onstage after his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty
The pair had a happy moment together while at the Democratic National Convention in Aug. 2024, shortly before her powerful speech.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.
Barack Obama/Instagram
For Valentine’s Day in 2025, Barack posted a rare selfie with his wife on Instagram, writing to her, “Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away.”
