Is there ever a truly “right” time to tie the knot?
Some marry young, caught up in the ecstasy of first love. Others wait—until they are absolutely certain, until the career settles, or until the timing feels better.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the statistics still quietly convey how things have changed and how our culture has evolved as well. The concept of what is “too early” or “too late” has become hazy as priorities and expectations have changed over time.
The average age of marriage in the US represents generational choices, pressures, and liberties, and it represents much more than just statistics. Every average is the result of a combination of personal timing, hope, and hesitancy, and occasionally that timing speaks louder than we think.
What is the average age of marriage in the United States today?
It’s okay that there isn’t a rush to the altar these days. More people are deliberating, taking their time, and getting married when it seems right for them.
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What is the average age of marriage in the United States today?
As stated by the U.S. Census Bureau, 2024:
Nowadays, the average age of marriage for men is 30.2 years old.
The average age at which women married is 28.6 years old.
That is the highest recorded average in American history—and it says a lot. The figures appeared very different in 1960:
Men were only 22.8 years old on average.
It was 20.3 years for women.
This indicates that the average age of marriage for both men and women has increased by 7 to 8 years in slightly over 60 years. This is a generational change, not a minor one.
What is different now?
Actually, quite a bit. Education, employment, financial security, and emotional preparedness are becoming top priorities. Before committing to a long-term relationship, some people are recovering from previous relationship patterns. Others are just changing the definition of commitment.
And perhaps that is something to comprehend rather than something to be concerned about. Marriage is becoming into a deliberate decision made on your own schedule rather than a hasty marriage.
Seven ways that the marriage age in the US has changed over time
In the United States, marriage has not always been a straightforward process. It has changed, stagnated, and risen; each turn reveals something about the economy, culture, and personal preferences.
Expectations, conventions, and evolving notions of what it means to create a life together have all played a part, even though love has always been a factor. Let’s examine how the process of saying “I do” has evolved over time.
1. Much earlier, in the 1950s and 1960s, marriage took place.
Back then, most couples tied the knot in their early 20s—or even their late teens. Young marriage was viewed as the logical progression from high school or college.
Men frequently married young while holding steady employment, and women frequently married before beginning careers. Early adulthood was associated with commitment and family life because the average age for marriage was about 20 for women and 22 for men.
Myth buster: Despite the widespread belief that these early unions were always solid, divorce rates really started to rise significantly in the ensuing decades.
2. There was a considerable delay in the 1970s.
Timelines began to change as feminism gained popularity, more women attended college, and birth control became more widely available. Before getting married, people, particularly women, started to prioritize their independence.
Slowly, people began to embrace the notion of delaying marriage or not getting married at all. By your early 20s, marriage was no longer a “must” for the first time.
Myth buster: Although many long-term couples opt for cohabitation over traditional vows, there is a misconception that fewer marriages equate to less devotion.
3. Although balance was restored in the 1980s, early marriage did not return.
The marriage age did not return to its previous levels, despite the fact that traditional values were frequently pushed in the 1980s. Rather, they struck a sort of compromise by getting married a little later, usually after starting a career or graduating from college.
Although it was a more subdued change, it carried on the tradition of prioritizing careful timing over haste. Before getting married, a lot of people were in their mid-to-late 20s.
In 1985, the median age for men and women to get married for the first time was 25.5 and 23.3, respectively.
Myth buster: Although the 1980s are known for their “traditional family values,” marriage was already changing at the time, so there was no need to go back to the 1950s.
4. Cohabitation became more prevalent in the 1990s.
As it grew more common to live together without being married, couples had more freedom to experiment with relationships without making a legal commitment. For many, this inevitably pushed marriage further down the timeline.
The desire to be certain was frequently the reason for the delay rather than resistance. Before getting married, the culture started to value trial and error.
Research highlight: From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, serial cohabitation increased by almost 40%, particularly among young adults. The majority still only lived with their future spouses, despite being more prevalent among women who had never married. Although the trend has risen generally among Americans, it is concentrated among underprivileged groups.
5. In the 2000s, personal fulfillment was prioritized.
By the early 2000s, more people started to believe that marriage should only occur once one has genuinely “found themselves.” Personal development, career advancement, and mental health all played a role in the decision.
The need to adhere to a schedule began to lessen. When and whether to get married became a very personal decision rather than a social one.
In 2005, the average age of marriage was 25.3 for women and 27.1 for men.
Myth buster: Although many people discovered stronger relationships later in life, the notion that “waiting too long” would harm your chances of getting married was widespread.
6. Marriages in their late 20s and early 30s became more common in the 2010s.
People getting married closer to thirty was no longer considered unusual, or even questioned. The shift became the norm.
The United States average age of marriage rose steadily during this time, with couples waiting longer to achieve financial security, stability, and shared goals. It was a quiet cultural agreement: later can be better.
Myth buster: Delayed marriage was once seen as a sign of “fear of commitment,”—but for many, it reflected emotional maturity and practical wisdom.
7. Today’s generation values readiness over tradition
Now, many people do not feel rushed—and that is a healthy change. Readiness means different things to different people: emotional maturity, financial independence, or just knowing yourself better.
Marriage is still important to many, but the urgency is gone. More than ever, it is about timing that feels right—not one that is expected.
Quick stat: In 2024, the average age stands at 30.2 for men and 28.4 for women—marking the highest in U.S. history.
Myth buster: There is still a myth that “later means never,” but many people today are marrying later—and staying married longer.
Who marries the youngest and oldest? A state-by-state comparison
While national trends indicate people are marrying later in life, state-by-state differences reveal a more nuanced picture. Factors such as cultural norms, economic conditions, and educational attainment all play a role in these variations.
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Median age at first marriage by state
The following table presents the median age at first marriage for men and women in each U.S. state, based on the latest data from Bowling Green State University (BGSU):
State Median Age at First Marriage (Men) Median Age at First Marriage (Women)
Alabama 29 27.2
Alaska 28.8 27.4
Arizona 31.1 28.5
Arkansas 28.1 26
California 32.1 30.2
Colorado 30.9 28.6
Connecticut 31.8 30.3
Delaware 31.2 29.6
Florida 31 29.2
Georgia 30.6 28.4
Hawaii 32.5 27.1
Idaho 27.8 26.2
Illinois 31 29.6
Indiana 29.4 26.9
Iowa 29 26.7
Kansas 28.9 26.2
Kentucky 27.8 26.3
Louisiana 30.4 27.9
Maine 30.2 28.8
Maryland 31.5 29.6
Massachusetts 32 30.5
Michigan 30.8 28.6
Minnesota 30.2 28.3
Mississippi 27.6 28.2
Missouri 28.8 27
Montana 29.7 26.2
Nebraska 28.8 27
Nevada 31 29.3
New Hampshire 30.6 29.3
New Jersey 31.5 30.3
New Mexico 30.5 27.5
New York 32.2 30.5
North Carolina 29.8 27.6
North Dakota 29.5 27.1
Ohio 30.2 28.3
Oklahoma 28.2 26.2
Oregon 31 28.2
Pennsylvania 31.1 29.4
Rhode Island 31.6 30.1
South Carolina 29.7 27.8
South Dakota 27.2 27
Tennessee 28.2 27.1
Texas 30 27.9
Utah 26.8 25.2
Vermont 31.2 30.3
Virginia 30.3 28.1
Washington 30.4 28
West Virginia 27.7 26.4
Wisconsin 30.4 28.5
Wyoming 29.2 28
Here are some quick observations on the average age of marriage by state:
Youngest median ages: States like Utah, Arkansas, and Idaho have the youngest median ages at first marriage. Cultural and religious influences, particularly in Utah, contribute to earlier marriages.
Oldest median ages: Northeastern states such as Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut exhibit higher median ages, possibly due to factors like higher educational attainment and urban living.
5 reasons why Americans are getting married later
The reasons people wait to get married are not always obvious—but they are often thoughtful. Marriage is still a meaningful milestone for many; it just happens later now.
Whether it is about career, identity, or the changing pace of life, the shift is not random… it is deeply personal.
1. Prioritizing education and career goals
More Americans are spending their early adulthood finishing degrees, building careers, and securing financial independence. These years, once spent preparing for marriage, are now often used to establish personal stability.
People want to bring their best selves into a relationship—and that takes time. Marriage is not off the table; it is simply delayed to make room for growth. This shift is not about avoiding love—it is about being ready for it.
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2. Greater acceptance of cohabitation
Cohabiting before marriage is now common and socially accepted. Couples are choosing to live together first, using that time to learn about compatibility and shared responsibility.
This offers many of the benefits of marriage without immediate legal or social pressure. For many, this stage builds emotional security and clarity. It helps couples decide if marriage is the right next step—or not.
3. Changing definitions of commitment
Commitment today looks different from what it used to be. People are more open to long-term relationships without immediate marriage. This flexibility allows partners to define love and connection in ways that work for them.
While some still follow the traditional path, others rewrite it entirely. That freedom has contributed to the gradual increase in the United States’ average age of marriage.
4. Financial stress and insecurity
Marriage is not just an emotional bond—it is a financial one, too. Rising living costs, student debt, and economic uncertainty make many people feel unprepared.
The idea of building a life together sounds lovely, but it also requires stability. Rather than rush in, many couples choose to wait until their financial foundation feels more secure. It is a practical choice, not a lack of love.
5. Desire for personal growth and independence
There is a growing desire to know oneself before committing to someone else. Young adults are focusing on self-discovery, therapy, travel, and hobbies—all the things that help shape identity. It is not about selfishness; it is about clarity.
By the time they choose to marry, many feel more confident, more grounded, and more sure of what they want. That personal foundation can lead to healthier, more fulfilling partnerships.
How does the U.S. stack up globally?
In the United States, the median age at first marriage has been steadily rising over the past few decades. As of 2021, the median age was approximately 30.4 for men and 28.6 for women.
Higher Median Ages: Countries like Spain (38.8), Chile (37.8), and the Netherlands (37.6) report some of the highest average ages at first marriage.
Similar Median Ages: Nations such as Ireland (35.0) and Uruguay (34.8) have median ages that are comparable to the U.S.
These variations reflect diverse cultural, economic, and social factors influencing marriage decisions worldwide. They also show how marriage is no longer tied to a fixed timeline—but to individual readiness, stability, and evolving societal expectations.
7 ways delayed marriage is affecting American society
Marriage is still on the table—but it is just arriving a little later. Whether it is the pursuit of independence, a growing sense of self, or simply different priorities, the shift in timing is undeniable.
And with the United States average age of marriage rising steadily, society is feeling the ripple effects in ways both subtle and surprising.
1. Greater focus on personal development
More Americans are prioritizing education, careers, and mental health before settling down.
Delaying marriage often gives individuals time to understand who they are and what they truly want from a relationship—something that was not always a luxury in previous generations.
Boomers typically married early, often in their early 20s, and grew into adulthood together.
Millennials and Gen Z are taking more time, seeing personal growth as a prerequisite—not a result—of marriage.
2. Changes in family planning
With marriage happening later, the timeline for having children has shifted too. Many couples are choosing to have kids later, have fewer children, or explore nontraditional family structures.
Fertility conversations and technologies have become part of the picture in ways they were not before.
Gen X may have delayed kids slightly, but Millennials are now facing a different set of decisions—balancing biological clocks with financial stability and lifestyle goals.
Gen Z is still forming opinions.
3. Shifts in financial dynamics
Waiting to marry often means entering relationships with established careers, savings, or even debt.
Financial independence can bring more equality into a partnership—but also adds pressure to “have it all together” before saying “I do.”
Boomers often built financial lives together from scratch.
Millennials and Gen Z tend to want more solid footing before taking the plunge, influenced by student debt and rising living costs.
4. Redefining commitment and timelines
Modern couples no longer feel the need to follow a rigid relationship timeline.
Some cohabit for years, others marry and never have kids, while a growing number choose long-term commitment without marriage at all.
Where Boomers saw marriage as the default marker of commitment,
Millennials and Gen Z are exploring varied definitions—engagements without weddings or lifelong partners without rings.
5. Mental health and emotional readiness
More individuals are stepping into marriage with therapy experience, emotional awareness, and healthier communication skills.
This shift supports more intentional, stable partnerships—but it also raises expectations for what marriage should look and feel like.
Through the generations:
While older generations often kept struggles private,
Younger ones are embracing emotional wellness and are more open to asking for help—before and during marriage.
6. Economic and housing pressures
High rent, inflation, and job instability have made it harder for many to feel “ready” for marriage. These external factors often delay major milestones, even when couples feel emotionally prepared.
Through the generations:
Boomers bought homes in their 20s; Millennials may still be renting in their 30s.
Gen Z is coming of age in a financially uncertain world and may face even longer delays.
7. Evolving cultural expectations
There is less stigma around waiting to marry—or not marrying at all. Society is growing more accepting of diverse paths, from single parenthood to lifelong cohabitation.
This flexibility allows people to define love and commitment in ways that feel true to them.
Through the generations:
Gen Z and younger Millennials are actively reshaping societal norms.
Gen X often serves as the in-between—balancing tradition with openness to change.
What these trends mean for the future
The rising United States average age of marriage tells us something important—it is not that love or commitment matters less, but that people are taking more time to understand themselves, build stability, and make thoughtful choices.
This shift could lead to stronger partnerships, more intentional family planning, and a broader definition of what a meaningful relationship looks like.
It is not about delaying happiness—just reshaping the path to it. As society continues to evolve, so will the way we define connection, timing, and what it truly means to build a life together.
