<p>Intimacy, love, and happiness are fundamental components of marital quality, significantly influencing the longevity and stability of relationships, particularly in old age. Higher levels of marital satisfaction, compatibility, and love contribute to a greater sense of happiness and the success of enduring relationships in later life. Accordingly, the present study aimed to explore the love narratives of heterosexual older men regarding marriage. This study employed a qualitative, descriptive-phenomenological approach. Participants consisted of married older men from Tehran, selected through purposive sampling in 2023. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews, achieving saturation after 18 interviews. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step content analysis method. An analysis of the participants’ lived experiences regarding their love narratives in marriage revealed eight main themes: characteristics of an ideal spouse, the joy of having children, happiness as compatibility and empathy, love as the foundation of marital longevity, contentment and patience, marital compatibility, respect for emotional and sexual needs, and belief in God and shared goals. Examining the lived experiences of heterosexual older men’s love narratives in marriage provides valuable insights into the quality of life in old age, particularly for mental health professionals. Stable and fulfilling marital relationships play a crucial role in enhancing life satisfaction and psychological well-being among older adults. The findings underscore the importance of love and compatibility in fostering emotional well-being and marital satisfaction, offering practical implications for gerontology and mental health professionals in supporting older couples’ relationships.</p>