'anti-nuptial' originates from Latin elements: 'ante' (meaning 'before') combined with 'nuptialis' (from 'nuptiae', meaning 'wedding').

'anti-nuptial' developed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'ante-nuptialis' (meaning 'before marriage'), passed into Middle English as 'antenuptial' and later appears in modern English in forms like 'antenuptial' and the hyphenated 'anti-nuptial'.

Initially it meant 'before marriage' (relating to arrangements or events prior to marriage); this basic meaning has largely been retained, though occasional reinterpretation of the prefix as 'anti-' (against) has produced a secondary sense 'opposed to marriage'.