How to design a coat of arms for the two of you

A coat of arms is a picture that says who you are without a single word. Medieval knights used them to be recognised on the field; today couples use them on wedding invitations, house signs and framed prints. Designing one for the two of you is easier than it looks, as long as you follow a few old rules.

Start with your story, not a surname

Pick two or three things that are genuinely yours: where you met, the work you do, a place you both love, something you value. Heraldry is at its best when each symbol (called a charge) has a reason behind it. An anvil for a blacksmith's family, an oak for a couple who married in the Forest of Dean, a sofa because, honestly, that's where you live.

Choose colours that obey the rule of tincture

Heraldic colours are called tinctures. There are two metals — gold (Or) and silver (Argent) — and five main colours: red (Gules), blue (Azure), green (Vert), purple (Purpure) and black (Sable). The rule of tincture says you put metal on colour or colour on metal, never colour on colour or metal on metal. It exists so arms can be read from a distance, and it still makes designs look sharper today.

Two families, one shield

There are two traditional ways to show a partnership. Impalement splits one shield down the middle, with each partner's design on one half. Accollée places two shields side by side, touching. Both look good; impalement reads better at small sizes, accollée gives each design more room.

Add a motto you would actually say

Mottoes sit on a scroll beneath the shield. Latin carries weight, but only use a phrase you know is correct — a mistranslated motto will outlive both of you. A short line in English ("Kettle's on" is a favourite) is just as traditional as you want it to be.

Is it official?

No. Official heraldic arms in England, Wales and Northern Ireland come from the College of Arms, and in Scotland from the Court of the Lord Lyon, through a formal application with fees. A design you make yourself is personal art, not official heraldic arms — which means you're free to have fun with it.

Our free creator applies the rule of tincture for you, offers impalement and accollée, and makes sure every saved design is unique to your couple.