What Is The Average Age Of Marriage By State In The U.S.?
Sometimes it can feel like you're pressured to get married. This is especially true if all your friends are getting engaged or married and you are not even close to reaching such a milestone. Each state in the U.S. varies a bit in its average age of marriage, but it might offer some insight into whether you are truly “running out of time” (spoiler alert: it’s never too late to get married). It might also identify a trend within successful, lasting marriages - perhaps age, premarital counseling, or other aspects that count towards a forever marriage.
If you're wondering if you are getting married too young, premarital counseling might be something for you to explore. There are a variety of ways to go about this, including online premarital counseling! Regain is a qualified counseling option if that is the route you choose to pursue. Nevertheless, the following average age of marriage by the state might help your assessment!
The average age of marriage by state in the US
In the United States, the average age of marriage has made an upward trend over the last several years. Where your parents might have been married at 22, your generation waited a bit longer to say I do. In fact, in 1920, the average woman would be married at 21 and men at 24. Today's national average has increased to just under 29 for women and almost 31 for men. How does each state contribute to this average?
Alabama
The Alabama average age of marriage is younger than the national average. For women, the average in Alabama is 25.8. Men are typically 27.4 when they get married in this state. With these numbers smaller than the national average, there may be a correlation between younger people marrying and divorce. Alabama is number 10 on the list of states with the highest divorce rate.
Alaska
The state of Alaska is very similar to Alabama when it comes to marrying age. On average, women are 25 and men at 27.4. Alaska, however, has a higher divorce rate. It lands at number 7 on the list of highest divorce rates per state.
Arizona
Arizona does a slight climb in an age when it comes to the average marriage age. This state has an average female marriage age of 24.8 and males at 26.3. The increased age might correlate with the lower divorce rates, as Arizona does not make the top 10.
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state that averages women married at 26.2 and men at 28.1. This may show another trend since the average divorce rate in the state places Arkansas at the sixth most divorced state. While marriage and divorce were becoming less common in 2016, Arkansas saw nearly 1 percent of the population marry in 2017. Although 1 percent seems like nothing, it accounts for 30,000 people in this case.
California
The average marriage age in California is older than in any of the previous states. Women get married at the age of 27.3 and men at 29.5. Many sources suggest that California has a 60% divorce rate. However, it is not enough to put the state in the top 10. In fact, divorcing in California is a long and drawn-out process, possibly to thwart any divorcees who may be on the fence.
Colorado
The mountainous region of Colorado has women marrying at 26.1 and men at 28. Baby boomers are those divorcing in this state. Given that the average age in Colorado is 37, those marrying at 27 and 29 may be responsible for the decreasing divorce rate in this state.
Connecticut
Connecticut women wait to marry until 29.3 and men until 30.7. However, this particular state has a low marriage rate. In 2017, it was ranked as one of the lowest marriage rates in the United States. It seems that those who are marrying are waiting until they are older than the average marrying American.
Delaware
Delaware nearly meets the national average, with women marrying at the age of 26.9 and men at 29. From 1996 to 2015, Delaware's rate of divorce dropped by 28%. However, the marriage rate also showed a drastic decrease.
Florida
First marriages in Florida are most commonly at the age of 27.2 for women and 29.4 for men. However, despite the slightly older average, the divorce rate is higher than the national divorce rate. This state has not only the ninth-highest divorce rate but also the ninth-highest marriage rate.
Georgia
The average Georgia woman is 26.3 years old at the time of her marriage. A man is most commonly 28.3 in this state.
Hawaii
Women are typically 26.7 when they get married, while men are just a year older at 28.6. Fun fact: wedding customs in Hawaii include the bride and groom exchanging lei at the end of the ceremony. A lei is a symbol of both love and respect.
Idaho
Idahoan women marry at the age of 24 and their husbands at the age of 25.8. It is legal for a person under the age of 16 to get married with a court order and written parental consent. 102 girls under the age of 16 were married in Idaho between the years 1999 and 2016. It’s crucial to note that these are children, and allowing child brides is an archaic and harmful practice for several significant reasons.
Illinois
Women, on average, get married at 27.5 in Illinois. Men wait until they are 29.3. This state has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country. With most women in the nation having at least one child before the age of 28, the state's marriage average suggests that more and more women have children before marrying.
Indiana
Women are nearly 26.1 when they get married in Indiana, and men are around 27.4 and a half years old on average. This particular state boasts just under a 50% marriage rate. With half of the population married, it might suggest that the divorce rate is low. However, Indiana is in the top half of divorce rates among the 50 states.
Iowa
The average marrying age in Iowa is 25.8 for women and 27.4 for men. This state has an incredibly low divorce rate - a great fact since weddings in Iowa average a cost of just over $18 thousand. Imagine paying that more than once, especially as Iowa is not normally considered a destination wedding location.
Kansas
Kansas weddings typically feature women at the age of 25.5 and men at the age of 27. More than half of the state population is married, but this lands the state at the 15th lowest in the country.
Kentucky
Women in Kentucky are usually 25.4 when they get married, and the men are at 27.1. This state has the sixth-highest divorce rate in the nation. To lower the divorce rate, the state now requires more steps in getting a divorce.
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state that averages women married at 26.6 and men at 28.2. This state has the lowest divorce rate in the country. Although the state average cost of a wedding is around $20 thousand, the city of New Orleans averages nearly $40 thousand spent on every wedding.
Maine
Women in Maine marry at the age of 26.8, and men marry at 28.6. Although divorce might be going up in some states, it is not in Maine. This state might have their older couples getting married to thank.
Maryland
The state of Maryland has women getting married at the age of 27.7 and men at 29.5. With the oldest individuals getting married so far, Maryland might boast a low divorcerate. Although you might expect it to be higher, this state is only the 8th lowest in divorce rates.
Massachusetts
Although Maryland had the oldest average so far, Massachusetts takes that prize with women marrying at 28.8 and men at 30.1. The potential trend continues with this state, as the divorce rate is the eighth-lowest in the nation.
Michigan
Michigan women typically get married at just under 27 and men at nearly 29. In 2016, weddings were worth nearly $1.5 billion in the state of Michigan alone.
Minnesota
Minnesotan women tend to get married at 26.6, and men get married at 28.5. More than half of Minnesota's population is married, but the marriage rate is the sixth lowest in the country.Mississippi
Women get married at the age of 26 and men at 27.5 in Mississippi. If you've heard the law that it is illegal to cohabitate before marriage in Mississippi, you might be surprised that the average age of marriage is not lower. While this law still seems to be in effect, it is not usually enforced.
Missouri
The average age of marriage in Missouri for women is 26.1, and the average age for men is 27.6.
Montana
On average, women in Montana get married at the age of 25.7, and their husbands are 28.5. The state is the 30th highest when it comes to the divorce rate. Montana is also one of the few states that don't require any official person to officiate the wedding. Anyone that the couple deems suitable can marry a couple legally.
Nebraska
Nebraska women marry at the age of 25.7, and the men marry at 27.2. Even though the average age of marriage is lower than the national average, the divorce rate for Nebraska is sitting very near the middle of the road amongst the other 49 states.
Nevada
Those in Nevada are getting married at 26.2 (women) and 28.1 (men). Likely as a result of Vegas's many wedding chapels, Nevada has the highest marriage rate and the highest divorce rate.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire averages women marrying at the age of 26.8 and men at 29.3. This average meets the national average. The marriage rate for the state sits at 6.7 for every 1000 people as of 2021.
New Jersey
Women in New Jersey are waiting until 28.1 to get married and men until 30.1. Although many see the state as a party destination, it is the 14th-lowest divorce rate. However, the marriage rate is one of the lowest among all 50 states.New Mexico
Ladies in New Mexico are getting married at 26.1, and gentlemen are marrying at 28.1. Oddly, the city with the highest divorce rate in the state is called Truth or Consequences. Nearly 27% of the city is divorced.
New York
New Yorker women marry at 28.8 and men at 30.3. The state has a high marriage rate and a low divorce rate when compared to national averages. However, anecdotally, one New York woman said that she has lived to see 107 by not getting married at all!
North Carolina
Women get married at 26.3 and men at 27.9 in North Carolina. Weddings in North Carolina average just over $30 thousand, and nearly half of the population is married. It seems that this state makes good money on weddings!
North Dakota
The brides of North Dakota are usually 25.9 years old, and their grooms are 27.5. The state’s marriage rate is the 12th-lowest amongst all 50 states and more than 52% of the state is married.
Ohio
Ohioans get married at 26.6 (women) and 28.4 (men). Cambridge, Ohio, has the highest divorce rate in the state, with nearly 21% of its population being divorced.
Oklahoma
Oklahoman women get married at 24.8 and men at 26.3. Unfortunately, the state of Oklahoma has the second-highest divorce rate, with the city of Sallisaw having the highest divorce percentage.
Oregon
Women in Oregon are usually 26.4 when they marry, and men are 28.5. The marriage rate for Oregon sits right in the middle, with 5.7 of each 1000 residents being married. The divorce rate in this state is on the higher end of the spectrum at 16th out of 50.
Pennsylvania
Marriages in Pennsylvania typically exist between women aged 27.6 and men at 29.3. The marriage rate in the state is the 19th lowest in the nation. This is another state in which older age correlates with a lower divorce rate.
Rhode Island
28.2 is the average age of women marrying in Rhode Island. Men are averaging 30 when getting married in this state. Some laws require individuals to have resided in the state for a full year before filing for divorce.
South Carolina
South Carolina women marry at the age of 26.7, and the men are marrying at 28.2. The divorce rate is the 16th lowest in the country,. A South Carolina wedding cost around $28 thousand, which likely encourages couples to make it last.
South Dakota
The typical marrying age for women in South Dakota is 25.5. Men getting married in this state are commonly 27. More than 52% of the state's population is married. Only 2.5 per 1000 individuals in the state have divorced.
Tennessee
Tennessee women get married around the age of 25.7. Men, on the other hand, get married around 27.3. Unfortunately, those marriages often end in divorce, as Tennessee divorces come in at 9th highest in the United States.
Texas
25.7 is the average age a woman gets married in Texas. Men get married at 27.5. Even with these averages below the national average, Texas is the 3rd-lowest state regarding divorce rates. There is an odd law in Texas (which may be strictly a joke) that says anyone who claims another person as their spouse vocally three times is legally married, even if one person in the marriage is not present.
Utah
Utah women get married at 23.5 and their husbands at 25.6. The population is 56% married, and has the fourth-highest marriage rate, and the 14th-highest divorce rate. Children as young as 15 can legally be married in this state.
Vermont
Brides in Vermont average age of 28.8. Grooms are most commonly 29.3. The older age has likely contributed to the state's lower divorce rate. However, some cities contribute to the divorce rate heavily, such as Brattleboro, a divorced population that makes up a quarter of the city's total population.
Virginia
Virginia women marry at 26.7 and men at 28.6. Both the marriage and divorce rates in Virginia are very near the middle of the road. The average age of marriage seems to have had little impact on the divorce rate in this state.
Washington
Like Virginia, Washington's women get married at 26 and the men at 27.9. However, there is less of a trend between age and divorce rates in this state, as the divorce rate for Washington makes the top 20.
West Virginia
Female Mountaineers get married most commonly at the age of 27.3. Their bearded counterparts are typically 25.7 when they wed. Divorces were the 16th highest in the nation for this state.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin women and men get married at the ages of 26.6 and 28.4. This state has the sixth-lowest marriage rate and the sixth-lowest divorce rate. Wisconsin weddings cost on average.
Wyoming
Wyoming brides are, on average, 24.5 on their wedding day. Grooms are 26.8. The young brides might indicate a reason for this state being the third highest in divorces in America.
Online therapy for couples of all ages
While all of the United States averages are close to the same age, there might be something about the age a couple gets married and their chances of survival within the marriage. If you are at or past these averages in age, do not fear for your chances of getting married. Instead, consider the fact that you might be waiting until you find the perfect person for you. The lasting marriages are commonly the ones that start when the individuals have had time to grow alone before growing together.
If you notice patterns that have led to the end of your previous intimate relationships, it may be worth considering an online therapist as a member of your support system. You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health condition in order to reap the benefits of online therapy. Using online counseling platforms like Regain, you can meet with a licensed, empathetic therapist from the comfort of your home or office – anywhere with a secure internet connection will do! You can also schedule appointments at convenient times or text your online therapist directly should you need advice in the moment.
Various studies have shown how premarital counseling is a great way to improve relationship quality while simultaneously decreasing the likelihood of divorce. In one study of couples engaged in premarital partnerships, researchers discovered that online therapy was successful in increasing the participants’ positive feelings toward marriage, helping them build stronger communication skills, and offering a deeper understanding of their own strengths and awareness.
Takeaway
Whether you’re 27 or 72, there is no wrong age to get married. Your decision should depend on whether or not you are ready and willing to take on such a life-long commitment and the person with whom you’d like to build a life together. If you feel that you’re struggling to decide if your current relationship is “the one” that will last a lifetime, or if you’re in need of general relationship advice, know that you can reach out to a licensed therapist at Regain and they will provide you with professional support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common age to get married?
This generation is getting married later than our parent’s generation. While the age of marriage has increased, the divorce rate of millennials has decreased. The national average age for marriage today in the United States is 27 years old for women and 29 years old for men. This, of course, varies from state to state.
Most people will marry between the ages of 25 and 30. Women get married at a younger average age than men get married. Nevada actually has the highest marriage rate, while Texas has the lowest marriage rates. In Florida, the Sunshine State, the median age for women getting married is just under 29, and the average age for men is just over 30. Yet, Florida has one of the highest divorce rates.
If you’re struggling with the societal pressures of getting married or wondering if it’s time to tie the knot in your relationship, reach out to a trusted professional. If you are constantly asking yourself the "What age will I get married?" question, a premarital therapist may be able to help you work through your thoughts and feelings.
At what age does the average American woman get married?
The American woman gets married at 27 years old on average. The median age for men to marry is 29 years old. The average age of women to get married is younger than the age of men. Women tend to feel more pressure to settle down and start a family earlier than men do. Men are often pushed to make sure they have a stable financial foundation before they get married. The pressures of society and family can often be overwhelming. If you feel overwhelmed, a therapist can help.
What state has the youngest marriage age?
Massachusetts has the youngest age of consent to be legally married, 14 years old for boys and 12 years old for girls, with parental consent. Child marriages are extremely harmful for several reasons, and more and more states are banning child marriages for these reasons.
Average age of marriage by state in the US
As a whole, a person must be 18 years old to marry in the US without parental consent. Nebraska is the one exception, and people have to wait until they are 19 years old to be married. Utah State, on average, has the youngest age of marriage.
Is 26 too early to get married?
A new study actually says 26 years old on average may be the perfect age to find your forever partner. Yet, it is dependent on the individual. Everyone is on their own personal journey, and some may feel ready at 26, while others may not be ready. The median age in the US today for women to marry is 27, and the median age for men is 29 years old.
Just because you turn a certain age does not necessarily mean you are ready to marry. Take your time, and don’t rush into anything. When the time is right, you will get married. If you feel pressure to get married from your partner, family, or culture, a premarital therapist can help.
At what age should a man marry?
It is hard to say at what age a man should marry. There is definitely a double standard for men and women when it comes to marriage. Women tend to feel pressured more as they have a biological clock and the societal pressure to have a baby and become mothers.
On average, women married younger. Men get married later as they are often pressured to have their finances, careers, and goals in order before they get married. The median age that a man marries today in the United States is 29 years old. This does not necessarily mean once a man turns 29, he is ready to marry. That is very much dependent on the individual.
Many people in general, both men and women, like to achieve either personal or professional goals before they tie the knot. While most men get married at 29, it doesn’t mean that every man needs to be married at 29. Some people are completely content being single.
What’s the average age to get pregnant?
Having kids is a huge responsibility, and we often feel pressured by friends and family to start a family. As we get older, the pressing questions begin. Our parents had kids much younger than the current generation. Naturally, we may feel overwhelmed by our biological clock, but people have kids much later than in previous years.
The national in the United States today is 30 years old, while first-time fathers today have a median age of 31. Today, people get married later, and they are having babies at a later age. Millennials are putting their financial and personal goals as a priority before they decide to have a child. If you have reached the median age to get pregnant, do not feel pressured to have a child. Only you and your partner can choose when the time is right.
What age is the best to get married?
What age is considered late marriage?
Is it good to get married at the age of 22?
Is it harder to get married after 30?
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