Elizabeth was a daughter of Joachim Ernest, Prince of Anhalt (1536–1585), from his first marriage to Countess Agnes of Barby-Mühlingen (1540–1569).

Elisabeth was his third wife, and was 16 years younger than her stepson Joachim Frederick.

The marriage was celebrated without many festivities, and Elizabeth was promised 400 guilders annually as her dower.

Elizabeth brought as a dowry into the marriage 15 000 thalers and received as jointure, besides a considerable pension, the city of Crossen, including Crossen Palace, plus the district and city of Züllichau and the lordship of Bobrowice (German: Bobersberg).

After her husband's death, weakened by child-bearing, she retired with her younger children to her widow seat of Crossen Palace.