7 Gilmore Girls Couples, Ranked
There are several memorable couples on Gilmore Girls, each bringing their own dynamics to the show’s blend of drama, wit, and romance. While the show is focused heavily on the Gilmore girls, i.e. Lorelai, Rory, and Emily, the show also focuses on their relationships— with the various townspeople, classmates, Richard, and more. Here is a ranking of the best seven couples on Gilmore Girls.
7. Paris Geller and Doyle McMaster
Paris and Doyle’s relationship represented stability and support for one another, especially in the later seasons. Their relationship is surely a unique and entertaining one; it is intense, quirky, and intellectually driven, much like their personalities. Their bond forms through their shared love of journalism and working on the Yale Daily News—Doyle as Editor-in-Chief and Paris as a religion reporter and later as Editor. As both ambitious and high-strung individuals, they often mirror each other’s drive and passion, making them a fitting match for one another. Similarly, they both have a strong work ethic, which they respect about each other, much like their high levels of intelligence. But Doyle carries a calm demeanour with himself, which Paris appreciates for not shying away from her dominant personality. They both found someone who can match their ambition and handle their quirks.
Memorable moments: the flu incident, living together, their post-graduation plans—Doyle agreeing to follow Paris wherever she went to graduate school.
6. Rory Gilmore and Logan Huntzberger
Logan represents Rory’s more adventurous side. He is charming, rich, and a bit reckless, but that also pushes Rory to embrace spontaneity. Although the relationship starts off casual, it deepens into something more serious, showing the level of commitment they have for each other. Logan, as the charming and wealthy heir to a powerful empire, coupled with his carefree and reckless attitude, initially contrasts with Rory’s more reserved, intellectual, and ambitious personality, but overall, they grow to work well together. Next to Rory’s relationships with Dean and Jess, Logan pushes Rory out of her comfort zone. Their relationship deepens more than her relationships with Dean and Jess, as they navigate more adult challenges and ups and downs together.
Memorable moments: the “life and death” brigade escapades, their long-distance relationship, and how he supported during her time away from Yale.
5. Sookie St. James and Jackson Belleville
Sookie St. James and Jackson Belleville’s relationship is one of the most stable and humorous of the show. Their quirky personalities complement each other, and they offer a sweet portrayal of marriage and parenthood. While their miscommunication and disagreements over having more kids was an obstacle, their disagreements portrayed a real and refreshing take on marriage and family. They navigated those conversations with not a lot of grace but managed to understand each other’s feelings.
Memorable moments: Sookie and Jackson arguing over fruits and vegetables, their match of her being a chef and him being a farmer, Jackson’s proposal to Sookie at the picnic basket auction, their wedding, and their (very realistic) disagreements over having more kids.
4. Emily and Richard Gilmore
Emily and Richard’s pairing represents the upper-class lifestyle that Lorelai was ultimately running away from to pursue a more independent life. Their relationship is shaped by their shared history and societal expectations, but also their deep love for each other. In this world where it seems that the wealthy get married to each other to stay wealthy, comes a relationship marked by a shared true love and respect. With Richard playing the role of a successful businessman and Emily as the quintessential high-society wife, their relationship is built on traditional values, and this brings moments of tension and power struggles. Richard, at times, dismisses Emily’s “frivolous parties” and committee activities, since it is not a full-time job earning a full-time job’s salary. This is one of the moments leading to their separation in season five, when their marriage hits a rough patch, in addition to when Richard starts a new business venture and it is discovered that he has been having secret lunches with his college sweetheart, Pennilyn Lott, unbeknownst to Emily. Eventually, they reconcile, and their reunion is sweet. Ultimately, their relationship is one of the show’s foundational relationships that sets the tone of the Gilmore family dynamic, offering both Lorelai and Rory a different view on relationships. Their love is strong, but it is built on compromise and a shared love and respect.
Memorable moments: their reunion after the separation, the vow renewal, Richard’s heart attacks and his promise to go first, and their commitment to always being by each other’s side, no matter what.
3. Lane Kim and Dave Rygalski
Although very short-lived due to Dave leaving for college, Lane and Dave’s relationship was a sweet depiction of first love—much like Rory and Dean. Dave was loyal, kind, smart, and a very good and compatible match for music-loving Lane. Dave respected Mrs. Kim’s strict rules, but also managed to skirt around them to pursue Lane. Lane and Dave’s relationship is genuine and pure, and Dave’s respect for her family, despite the challenges, makes him one of the most lovable boyfriends in the series. Although their relationship is short, their romance also shows Lane’s struggle to balance her own desires with her family’s expectations, making it a relatable storyline for many viewers.
Memorable moments: their first kiss, Dave reading the entire Bible in one night, and keeping their relationship a secret from Mrs. Kim.
2. Lorelai Gilmore and Luke Danes
Lorelai and Luke’s relationship is one of the most beloved relationships on Gilmore Girls. Their classic friends to lovers romance coupled with their slow burn chemistry is filled with banter, mutual support, and the ups and downs of a long-term friendship and romance. While they shared many ups and downs, including Luke hiding his newly discovered 12-year-old daughter, April, his reasoning behind lying is understandable for a first-time parent. Still, their romance in earlier seasons stands out as one of the best slow burn, friends to lovers storyline.
Memorable moments: the infamous first kiss outside the newly renovated Dragonfly Inn, Luke building an ice rink (and a Chuppah for her wedding day that never happened), Lorelai’s proposal, and the party Luke threw for Rory’s farewell and graduation from Yale that ended with the reconciling kiss between Lorelai and Luke.
1. Babette and Morey Dell
Babette and Morey are one of the most charming and eccentric couples on Gilmore Girls. They are a fan favourite for their quirky personalities and the delightful relationship they share. Their fun, free-spirited relationship stands out for its warmth and mutual respect. Despite their contrasting personalities—Babette is loud, brash, and full of energy, while Morey is quiet and laid back—they complement each other perfectly. Their relationship was built on a deep love. We do not see a lot of challenges within their relationship, but rather conflicts around small, even laughable issues, like Babette’s exaggerated concerns over Lorelai and Rory’s love lives, or their cats. Even though they are not shown as prominently as the other couples, their relationship shows that love does not always have to be complicated or dramatic to be strong. Their contrasting personalities balance each other out, making them one of the most stable and heartwarming couples in Stars Hollow.
Memorable moments: Cinnamon’s wake, Babette’s stories about her life with Morey, the annual Halloween trick, and their musical life.