She was the daughter of Christian William I, Prince of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen,[2] and his first wife, Antonie Sybille of Barby-Mühlingen.

Her paternal grandparents were Anton Günther I, Count of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen, and Countess Palatine Maria Magdalene of Birkenfeld.

Christiane Emilie had several siblings, including Günther XLIII and Henry XXXV, both of whom held the title of Prince of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen.

[3][4][5] On 10 June 1705, Christiane Emilie married Adolphus Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in Strelitz.

This was Frederick II's third marriage, following the death of his second wife, Princess Johanna of Saxe-Gotha.