Why Fewer People Are Getting Married?

If you’ve looked around lately and noticed fewer weddings, you’re not imagining things. Marriage rates in the United States—and much of the Western world—have been on a steady decline for decades. For Christians who see marriage as a God-ordained covenant and a cornerstone of healthy families and communities, this trend can be both puzzling and concerning. Let’s unpack what’s really happening, why fewer people are tying the knot, and how Christians can respond with faith, hope, and wisdom.

What’s Happening to Marriage Rates?

The numbers tell a clear story. In the early 20th century, marriage was almost universal. In 1920, there were about 12 marriages per 1,000 people in the U.S. That number peaked after World War II, then began a long, slow decline. By 2022, the marriage rate was just 6.2 per 1,000 people—a historic low, even as the U.S. population has grown. In 2021, the marriage rate hit a 50-year low, before rebounding slightly in 2022, but it still hasn’t returned to previous highs.

This isn’t just an American phenomenon. Across the globe, marriage rates are falling, especially in developed countries. Even when you include couples who live together without marrying (cohabitation), the combined rate of adults in long-term relationships is lower than it was fifty years ago.

Why Are Fewer People Getting Married?

There isn’t a single reason. Instead, it’s a mix of cultural, economic, and personal factors—some new, some as old as human nature.

1. Changing Cultural Values

One of the biggest shifts is cultural. In past generations, marriage was seen as the natural next step into adulthood. Today’s culture puts a premium on individualism, personal freedom, and self-fulfillment. Many young adults see marriage as optional, or even as a potential barrier to their goals.

Traditional values—like commitment, family, and lifelong partnership—don’t carry the same weight they once did. The rise of social media and dating apps has also made relationships feel more disposable, with endless options just a swipe away.

2. Delayed Adulthood and Later Marriages

People are waiting longer to marry. The average age for a first marriage has climbed into the late 20s and early 30s, compared to the early 20s just a few decades ago. Many want to finish their education, establish a career, and “find themselves” before settling down. While waiting isn’t necessarily bad, it means fewer people are married at any given time.

3. Economic Challenges

Money isn’t the main reason people aren’t marrying, but it’s part of the story. The cost of living, student debt, and housing prices can make marriage—and especially weddings—feel out of reach for many. Some worry about financial instability or the risk of divorce and its economic fallout. For lower-income Americans, there’s even a “marriage penalty” where getting married can mean losing access to government benefits.

4. Fear of Divorce and Broken Homes

Many young adults grew up watching their parents’ marriages fall apart. The fear of repeating that pain makes some hesitant to commit. Others see marriage as risky, given high-profile divorces and the emotional and financial costs involved.

5. The Rise of Cohabitation and Non-Traditional Relationships

Living together before (or instead of) marriage is now mainstream. In 1970, only about 0.5% of U.S. adults cohabited; today it’s over 7%. Some see cohabitation as a “test drive” for marriage, while others are content to stay unmarried indefinitely. There’s also a growing acceptance of diverse sexual identities and relationship structures, which tend to have lower marriage rates.

6. Shifting Gender Roles

Women today have more educational and career opportunities than ever before. Financial independence means women don’t need marriage for security, and many prioritize their own ambitions first. Men, meanwhile, may feel less incentive to marry if they perceive fewer benefits or worry about the responsibilities involved.

7. Declining Religious Participation

Faith used to be a strong motivator for marriage. As church attendance and religious commitment have declined in the U.S. and Europe, so has the cultural expectation to marry. Yet, it’s worth noting that committed Christians are still much more likely to marry than their non-religious peers.

What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?

For Christians, marriage isn’t just a social contract—it’s a sacred covenant designed by God. Genesis 2:24 tells us, “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 19:4-6, emphasizing marriage as a lifelong, God-ordained union.

The Bible celebrates marriage as a picture of Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). It’s a place for love, companionship, sexual intimacy, and the raising of children. While singleness is also honored in Scripture (see 1 Corinthians 7), marriage remains a foundational institution for individuals and society.

How Should Christians Respond?

With all these changes, what’s a follower of Jesus to do? Here are a few thoughts:

1. Celebrate Marriage—and Singleness

While it’s tempting to panic over falling marriage rates, Christians should avoid idolizing marriage or shaming singles. Both marriage and singleness are gifts from God, each with unique opportunities for service and growth (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). The church should support and honor both, helping people thrive in whatever season they’re in.

2. Teach a Biblical Vision of Marriage

The world’s view of marriage is often transactional—“What can I get out of this?” Christians are called to a higher standard: sacrificial love, lifelong commitment, and mutual service. Churches should teach what the Bible says about marriage, model healthy relationships, and offer practical guidance for dating, engagement, and married life.

3. Address the Real Barriers

If young adults are anxious about marriage because of finances, fear of divorce, or lack of good examples, the church can help. Offer premarital counseling, mentorship, and financial education. Share stories of couples who have weathered storms and found joy on the other side32.

4. Model Healthy Marriages

Nothing speaks louder than a loving, Christ-centered marriage. Older couples can mentor younger ones, showing what it looks like to forgive, communicate, and grow together. This kind of witness is more powerful than any sermon.

5. Encourage Wise, Intentional Choices

Marriage isn’t something to rush into—or avoid out of fear. Encourage young people to seek God’s will, pursue healthy relationships, and develop the character needed for lifelong commitment. Remind them that no marriage is perfect, but with God’s help, it can be a source of deep joy and blessing.

6. Pray for Revival in Families and Churches

Ultimately, the decline in marriage rates is a spiritual issue as much as a cultural one. Pray for a renewal of biblical values, for healing in broken families, and for courage to live counter-culturally in a world that often misunderstands God’s design.

A Word of Hope

While marriage rates may be declining in the broader culture, there’s good news for Christians: those who are committed to their faith are still far more likely to marry and stay married. Nearly all highly religious men and women are married by midlife, compared to much lower rates among the non-religious. So, while the world changes, God’s design for marriage remains as relevant and life-giving as ever.

If you’re single and hoping to marry, don’t lose heart. If you’re married, invest in your relationship and let it shine as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. And if you’re in a position to influence others—whether as a parent, pastor, or friend—keep pointing people back to the beauty and purpose of marriage as God intended.

Marriage may be less common today, but in God’s eyes, it’s still worth celebrating, pursuing, and protecting. Let’s be people who honor marriage, support singles, and trust God with every relationship in our lives.