Eric Clapton und seine Freundin Pattie (George Harrison’s Ex-Frau) waren zu einer Party von Paul McCartney eingeladen, die er zu Ehren von Buddy Holly veranstaltete. Während Clapton Gitarre klimpernd auf Pattie wartete, die sich für die Party noch schick machte, enstand allmählich Wonderful Tonight.

Pattie Boyd erinnerte sich 2008:"Eric was sitting round playing his guitar while I was trying on dresses upstairs. I was taking so long and I was panicking about my hair, my clothes, everything, and I came downstairs expecting him to really berate me but he said, 'Listen to this!'" In the time she had taken to get ready Clapton had written this song.

Einen Tag nach der Hochzeit holte Clapton seine Frau Pattie in Tucson (Arizona) auf die Bühne und sang den Song für sie.