At what age do people get married? Nearly 12,000 couples in 2022 got married, and the average age of marriage decreased, aligning with the levels seen in 2018 before the pandemic. This decline can be attributed to couples who could proceed with their planned weddings without delays.
The wedding industry experienced a resurgence in 2022, with a return to “pre-pandemic” norms and a decline in the average age of marriage in the United States. The pandemic had previously led to a significant increase in the average age of marriage in 2021 due to wedding postponements.
At What Age Do People Get Married?
The average age of marriage in the United States has been steadily increasing, reflecting a shift towards couples waiting longer to tie the knot. In 2021, the average age for women getting married was 28.6 years, while men typically married at 30.4 years.
This marks a significant change compared to a century ago when women married at 21.2 years and men at 24.6 years. The age gap between men and women when they marry, is narrowing, as men now marry at a similar age to women.
These statistics indicate that both men and women are taking their time before committing to marriage, suggesting a decreased sense of urgency in formalizing relationships.
- The average age of marriage in the United States has increased significantly over the past century. In 2021, women got married at an average age of 28.6 years, while men married at 30.4 years.
- The age gap between men and women, when they marry is narrowing, as men now marry at a similar age to women.
- There is a growing trend of delayed marriage and an increase in couples choosing to cohabit without getting married, indicating a decreased sense of urgency in formalizing relationships.
Average Marriage Age in 2022
In 2022, the average age of marriage in the United States saw a decline compared to the previous year. Women married at an average age of 30, while men married at an average age of 32, marking a decrease of 3 years for both genders. Overall, the average age of marriage in the US stands at 31, down by one year from 2019 and 2020.
A majority of participants (91%) reported it was their first marriage, and various factors influence the marrying age. Societal shifts, including changes in the workforce and a growing emphasis on self-sufficiency, contribute to the average age of marriage in the US. Although the trend shows a decline from previous years, it is still higher by one year compared to the average age of 30 in 2018.
The entrance of the larger Gen Z cohort into the marriage market, with the eldest members turning 25 in 2022, is a factor that may impact the average age of marriage. However, it remains to be seen if this cohort will significantly alter the overall trend as couples continue to marry in their early thirties based on our study.
- In 2022, the average age of marriage in the US decreased by 3 years for both women and men, with women marrying at 30 and men at 32, resulting in an overall average age of 31.
- Factors such as societal shifts, changes in the workforce, and a focus on self-sufficiency influence the average age of marriage in the US.
- The entrance of the larger Gen Z cohort into the marriage market may impact the average age of marriage, but the trend of marrying in the early thirties continues based on the study.
Average Marriage Age by Region
The average age of marriage in the United States varies by region. In 2022, the highest average age of marriage was observed in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, where couples typically married at 32. On the other hand, the South/Southeast region had the lowest average age of marriage at 30.
Regional factors such as education level, socioeconomics, and religious influences also contribute to the age at which individuals choose to marry. Factors like micro-regional influences and religious affiliations can potentially lead to lower average marriage ages.
These regional variations also impact various aspects of wedding planning, including the average cost, the number of guests, and other related factors.
- Northeast/New England: 32
- Mid-Atlantic: 32
- Midwest: 32
- South/Southeast: 30
- Southwest: 31
- West: 31
Average Marriage Age by State
The 2022 Real Weddings Study reveals that the age of marriage among couples in different U.S. states can be influenced by factors such as local communities and proximity to close friend groups. Dr. Friedrich explains that people are often influenced by their peers, with a notable peer effect observed when individuals witness their friends and inner circle getting married, which can create additional pressure. The impact of social circles and the influence they exert on one another can be significant
Alabama: 30
Arizona: 33
Arkansas: 30
California: 33
Colorado: 32
Connecticut: 32
Delaware: 34
D.C. (Metro DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia): 33
Florida: 33
Georgia: 31
Hawaii: 36
Idaho: 30
Illinois: 31
Indiana: 30
Iowa: 31
Kentucky: 31
Kansas: 30
Louisiana: 32
Maine: 32
Maryland: 33
Massachusetts: 33
Michigan: 31
Minnesota: 30
Mississippi: 31
Missouri: 30
Montana: 30
Nebraska: 30
Nevada: 34
New Hampshire: 30
New Jersey: 33
New Mexico: 30
New York: 33
North Carolina: 31
North Dakota & South Dakota: 29
Ohio: 30
Oklahoma: 30
Oregon: 30
Pennsylvania: 32
Rhode Island: 33
South Carolina: 32
Tennessee: 30
Texas: 31
Utah: 28
Vermont: 33
West Virginia/Virginia: 32
Washington: 31
Wisconsin: 31
Wyoming: 30
Conclusion
While the average age of marriage can provide some insight, the timing of getting married is a deeply personal choice. If you and your partner are navigating financial considerations, seeking advice from a financial advisor can be beneficial.
Consulting a professional can provide a fresh perspective on your financial situation and help align your money goals, assisting you in determining whether it is more advantageous to marry sooner or later.
FAQs
What is the most common age to get married?
The average age of marriage in the United States has shifted, with women typically marrying at 27 years old and men at 29 years old. It’s important to note that these averages can vary across different states. Generally, people tend to get married between 25 and 30.
What age do men want to get married?
Age preferences for marriage can vary among individuals, but certain patterns can be observed. Typically, men who complete high school begin seriously contemplating marriage around 23 or 24. On the other hand, men who complete college tend to start considering marriage as a genuine possibility around the age of 26.
