When considering marriage, many individuals and families ponder the most advantageous age to tie the knot, aiming to build a lasting and fulfilling partnership. Societal trends indicate a significant shift in marriage timing, with the average age for a first marriage in the United States increasing considerably since the 1960s. For instance, the median age for men and women entering their first marriage has risen to 30 and 28, respectively, a notable change from 23 and 20 in 1960. This societal delay prompts the question of whether postponing marriage truly contributes to its long-term success.
Academic investigations offer diverse perspectives on the relationship between age and marital quality. A 2010 analysis by sociologist Norval Glenn suggested that individuals marrying between the ages of 22 and 25 showed the highest probability of maintaining a high-quality, enduring marriage, implying little benefit in delaying marriage past the mid-twenties. However, more recent academic work, such as a 2023 study from Brigham Young University, found minimal and weak correlations between the age at which individuals marry and various measures of marital quality, including communication, conflict resolution, and overall satisfaction. This later research posits that factors such as the presence of children wield greater influence on marital quality than age at marriage alone, challenging the assumption that earlier marriages inherently lead to less stable unions.
The discussion around marriage timing often distinguishes between "capstone" and "cornerstone" marriages, terms coined by sociologist Andrew Cherlin. Capstone marriages, typically occurring in the late twenties or thirties, are viewed as the culminating achievement following individual educational and career milestones. In contrast, cornerstone marriages involve partners marrying in their early twenties, using the union as a bedrock for collective growth in education, career development, and family building. While many might assume capstone marriages, built on established individual success, would be more robust, research from the National Marriage Project in 2022 indicated no significant advantage in stability for later marriages. In fact, some evidence suggests that cornerstone marriages may even foster slightly higher relationship quality, underscoring the potential benefits of building a life together from an earlier stage.
Ultimately, the enduring success of a marriage hinges less on a specific age and more on the shared values, maturity, and unwavering commitment of both partners. Embarking on marriage in early adulthood, especially for individuals with strong faith and family support, can establish a powerful foundation for a shared journey of growth and prosperity. This approach not only benefits the couple but also provides a positive example for others, challenging prevailing societal narratives that suggest delaying marriage is always the best path. True marital strength is forged through a lifelong dedication to mutual support and development, regardless of the calendar years when the union begins.