The Bride Trade

Walk into a men’s Bible study these days and you might overhear conversations about online dating, courtship, or even the challenges of finding a godly wife. But you’ll also hear something else: stories of American men turning to other nations in search of a spouse. What once sounded like a punchline—mail-order brides—is now an unfolding reality for thousands, and it’s got everyone from sociologists to ministry leaders talking.

Recent surveys show that almost 60% of American men today are open to the idea of marrying internationally. That’s not a fringe statistic; it’s a major cultural shift, driven by disappointment with the current U.S. dating scene and a deep longing for family values that seem harder and harder to find at home.

The Heart of the Matter: Dissatisfaction and Hope

Let’s be honest: dating in America has changed, and not always for the better. Many Christian men are frustrated with what feels like an endless rat race—online dating that prioritizes surface-level attraction, a hookup culture with little interest in lasting commitment, and a society that too often mocks traditional, biblical marriage. It’s no wonder so many are looking for something more.

There’s also a sense of hope at play. American men aren’t heading overseas because they’re running away; most are seeking a partner who shares their dream of a strong, faith-filled marriage and home. For many, “The Bride Trade” is less about desperation and more about longing: a longing to build a family rooted in Christian values like mutual love, respect, and service—what Scripture calls us to in passages like Ephesians 5:25-33.

Where Are Men Looking, and Why?

Here’s what the numbers say: Each year, about 4,000 to 6,000 U.S. men marry women from other countries through agencies or international dating platforms. These relationships are usually formed with real intent, as both sides are seeking stability, security, and lasting love. The most popular countries? The Philippines, Colombia, Ukraine, Brazil, and a few others in Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Why these destinations? It comes down to culture. Many of these countries emphasize family, hospitality, and faithfulness. Women from these backgrounds are often raised to put marriage and family first—a value many American Christian men have not abandoned, but sometimes struggle to find within U.S. culture. In fact, in the Philippines, nearly 90% of the population identifies as Christian, and family units are typically close-knit and supportive (reminding some of us of how things “used to be” here).

Motivations: Tradition, Faith, and Frustration

Ask men why they’re joining The Bride Trade and you’ll hear a familiar story:

The U.S. dating pool feels shallow or antagonistic toward traditional roles.
They want a spouse who values gratitude, partnership, and the biblical design for marriage.
Many have experienced divorce or heartbreak and feel a renewed commitment to doing family God’s way.

It’s striking that over 40% of online American dating activity in 2025 involves international connections. This isn’t just about novelty—many genuinely believe their odds of marital success are better with a partner raised to put marriage ahead of personal ambition and who appreciates the leadership and sacrificial love the Bible asks of husbands.

The Typical Groom: Who’s Really Doing This?

Let’s dispel some myths. Men who pursue international marriage aren’t simply wealthy or controlling “mail-order husband” caricatures. Most, research says, are white, between 35 and 55, economically stable, often theologically conservative, sometimes with military or business backgrounds, and usually ready for real commitment—sometimes after one or more failed attempts at marriage.

What unites them is not desperation, but hope—a real desire to carry out God’s vision for sacrificial, covenant marriage with a woman who shares a similar faith and vision for the home.

What About the Women?

On the other side, foreign-born wives are not victims. In fact, many are strong, educated, often deeply faithful women who want a loving, godly husband and a home where biblical values still matter. In places like Colombia, Ukraine, or the Philippines, challenges like unstable economies or a shortage of eligible men lead some women to consider American husbands a blessing. The draw isn’t just economic security; it’s about finding a man who’s ready, willing, and able to embrace the biblical call to love a wife as Christ loves the church.

Are These Marriages Working?

Here’s the surprise: Statistics show international marriages—especially those forged with faith and commitment—have divorce rates 20–25% lower than U.S. domestic unions. The average age difference is higher (about 7 years), engagement periods tend to be shorter, and both partners are often more intentional and serious about building a lasting home.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges: cultural barriers, navigating immigration, and learning to love in two languages can be daunting. But couples who approach marriage as a covenant instead of a contract are more likely to weather those storms, especially when faith is at the center.

Is This Biblical? What About Concerns?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Is The Bride Trade biblical? Doesn’t it risk turning marriage into a transaction?

While the phrase “mail-order bride” carries plenty of baggage, Scripture actually shows us all kinds of cross-cultural marriages (think Ruth and Boaz, or Moses and Zipporah). What matters biblically is the posture of the heart. If both partners enter marriage seeking to serve, honor, and love one another, then love can grow regardless of birthplace or accent.

Concerns are fair: No Christian should support exploitation, deceit, or objectification in the name of marriage. It’s wise to proceed with discernment, accountability, and counsel—preferably involving godly mentors and open conversations about motivations, values, and expectations.

Agencies serving Christian singles today understand these issues, with many offering premarital counseling, background checks, and even ministry support for couples navigating cultural adjustment.

What Does This Say About U.S. Culture?

Let’s not ignore what’s happening here. The surge in international marriage reflects American men’s disappointment with how marriage is viewed—or neglected—at home. Too many feel that biblical manhood and womanhood are caricatured or dismissed in public spaces. For believers, marriage remains a Gospel witness—a living picture of Christ’s love for the church—and that’s worth crossing an ocean, if necessary, to find.

Society may continue to drift, but God hasn’t changed. If The Bride Trade tells us anything, it’s that the need and longing for genuine, Christ-centered homes remain universal—and God’s Word still provides the blueprint, wherever two people are brave enough to build on it.

Practical Wisdom for Christians Considering International Marriage

If you’re reading this and wondering if this is the answer for you, here are a few thoughts—pastoral, biblical, and practical:

Examine your motivations: Are you led by faith and God’s timing, or just frustration?
Seek wise counsel: Include your church, family, or mentors in your journey.
Take seriously the challenges: Cultural adjustment, language barriers, adjusting to life in the U.S.—these are real crosses to bear.
Remember Paul’s advice: “Do not be unequally yoked.” Prioritize a shared faith above all else.
Be honest, humble, and patient. Building a loving, godly marriage takes time, effort, and the power of the Holy Spirit—no matter where you meet.

God’s Blueprint Crosses Borders

The Bride Trade isn’t about shortcuts, impulse, or escapism. At its best, it’s about two people, often from different worlds, coming together under God’s design for marriage: mutual love, respect, sacrifice, and grace.

In 2025, American men aren’t alone in searching for wives overseas. But the deepest longing remains the same as it does for anyone serious about marriage—faithfulness, family, and a legacy of love that honors Jesus. That’s a calling worth pursuing, whether in your hometown, across the country, or around the globe. And maybe, just maybe, it’s the wake-up call the church and our culture need: to treasure marriage, champion biblical family, and remember that true love always travels farther than geography—it reaches from heart to heart, wherever God leads.