How Long to Date Before Marriage: From First Date to “I Do”

by Editorial Team / March 26, 2024

Table of Contents

Last updated on November 14th, 2024 at 09:32 pm

From nerves on a first date to pure joy at saying “I do,” the path from dating to marriage is thrilling. Couples often ask: how long should we date before getting engaged?

It’s an age-old question, with lots of room for debate – because what works for one couple might not work as well for another. Factors such as compatibility, communication, and personal growth all play a part in choosing a lifelong partner.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of dating and engagement statistics and uncover the ideal length of time couples should stay together (according to facts!).

10 Key Marriage Statistics

■ 2+ years is the average before marriage, showing many couples take time to build a solid foundation.

■ 17 months before moving in together, indicating couples wait to ensure compatibility.

■ 22 months of cohabitation before engagement, allowing partners to navigate life’s challenges together.

■ 89% date 4.9 years before tying the knot, highlighting longer courtships for stronger unions.

■ 84% discuss marriage before proposing, ensuring alignment on future plans.

■ 29% date over five years before engagement, prioritizing a deep connection before marriage.

■ 74.55% of women prefer marrying at 19-24, considering it the ideal age for commitment.

■ 68.64% of men see 25-30 as ideal for marriage, associating this age with stability and readiness.

■ 21% of Baby Boomers cohabit within six months, reflecting generational shifts in relationship dynamics.

■ 3+ years of dating cuts divorce risk by 50%, showing the benefits of investing time in the relationship.

General Trends Showing How Long to Date Before Marriage

How long is the date before marriage? The length of time that couples date before getting married can be different for everyone. Some people only date for a short time before they get engaged and then get married. Other people might date for several years before they get married. Let’s analyze what numbers say how long to date before getting engaged:

1. 2 Years or More Is the Average Relationship Length Before Getting Married

For many couples, an engagement follows at least two years of dating. There’s good reason this has become the norm. More time allows you to build a strong foundation and learn about each other’s communication styles, trust levels, and problem-solving abilities (The Knot).

2. 17 Months Is the Average Time Before Couples Are Moving In Together

Based on Bridebook information, it is common for couples to wait an average of 17 months before deciding to live together. This longer dating period gives them both a chance to become fully acquainted with one another and see if they are compatible over the long haul. Waiting also appears to put couples on a surer footing for a successful live-in relationship (Bridebook).

3. 22 Months is the Average Time Couples Live Together Before Getting Engaged

It takes an average of 22 months for couples to move in together before they decide to get engaged. During this time, they get to know each other very well and see if their daily routines match up. This nearly two-year stretch is important for figuring out how to live with another person, working through differences, and feeling close enough that marriage would be the next natural step (Bridebook).

4. 89% of Couples Date on Average 4.9 Years Before Marrying

The statistic that 89% of couples date for an average of almost five years before getting married suggests that many people are now taking their time to ensure they make the right choice. Exploring any difficulties during this period could solve the problem or make it clear that marriage is not the right step after all (Bridebook).

5. 84 % of Couples Prefer to Discuss Marriage Before the Proposal

Why do 84% of couples prefer discussing marriage before the proposal? It helps them make sure they both envision spending their futures together. By having an open conversation about marriage, they can avoid any confusion and ensure that each partner has similar expectations for the relationship (Bridebook).

6. 29% of Couples Dated for More Than 5 Years Before Getting Engaged

If a couple dates for more than five years before marriage, it could mean that they want to build a strong relationship base first. By dating longer, these couples may have a better chance of knowing how to work through difficult times and come out of them with fewer scratches (Bridal Musings).

7. 74.55% of Women Consider the Age of 19-24 Years as an Ideal for Marriage

According to a study published on ResearchGate, nearly three-quarters of women (74. 55%) believe that getting married between the ages of 19 and 24 is ideal. There could be several reasons behind this preference, including being old enough to handle emotions well, stable financially, and ready for long-term commitment (Researchgate).

8. 68.64% of Men Consider the Age of 25-30 Years as an Ideal for Marriage

The survey shows that 68.64% of men think the best age to get married is between 25 and 30 because, at this stage, people have stable jobs and are still growing personally. People in this age bracket can establish themselves before they commit to marriage for life – they’re old enough to know what they want but still young at heart. It’s about finding a balance between youthfulness and being mature enough (Researchgate).

9. 21% of Baby Boomers Move In With Their Partner After Less Six Months of Dating

A significant change in relationship patterns among Baby Boomers is revealed by the fact that 21% choose to live with their partner within half a year of starting to date. This may be due to wanting companionship and closeness as they grow older and altered social expectations for couples to cohabit before marrying (Lemonade).

10. 50% Lower the Likelihood of Divorce Rate When Dating for Three or More Years

When a couple dates for three years or more before marrying, the likelihood of divorce decreases by about half. During this extended courtship, partners get to know each other really well, build trust, and work out kinks they might’ve seen. Putting in this premarital time can lead to a more solid union down the road (SSRN).

11. 30% of All Flowers Gifted by Men to Women Before Marriage Are on the Valentine’s Day

The statistics show that today, 30% of all flowers that men gift to women before marriage are for a Valentine’s date. In fact, this means that the trend of flower gifting is decreasing, and men are searching for other (and sometimes cheaper) ways to attract women before marriage (Safnow).

How Long People Date Before Getting Married in Different Countries

The length of time how long before marriage people date or are engaged can be different in many countries, cultures, and customs. Looking at how long lovebirds spend getting to know each other worldwide – from courtships in the US to betrothals in India – shows just how interesting this stuff is! Let’s take a look :

The most popular regions	Average duration of a relationship before marriage
🇺🇸 US	30 Months or Just Over 2.5 Years
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	1-2 Years
🇨🇦 Canada	an Average of 3.6 Years
🇨🇳 China	About One Year
🇮🇳 India	6-to-8 Months

1. 30 Months or Just Over 2.5 Years US Couples Prefer to Date Before Engaging

How long is dating before marriage in the United States? Most couples want to spend an average of two and a half years dating before tying the knot. This period is seen as long enough for them to learn about each other, build trust, and work out what they want together, alongside essential moments such as meeting each other’s families (Shane Co).

2. 1-2 Years Is the Ideal Amount of Time Before Getting Engaged in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, most people agree that waiting 1-2 years after deciding to get married is a good idea. During this time, couples can grow closer, determine what each other wants from life, and see if they are compatible in the long run. There is a lot of value in thinking carefully about something as important as marriage – which is why so many Brits take their time before popping the question (F.Hinds).

3. 39% of Common-Law Partners Prefer to Live Together for an Average of 3.6 Years Before Getting Married in Canada

In Canada, a considerable number of couples (39%) who eventually get married first live together for an average of 3.6 years. They may do this because they want to ensure they are suitable for each other and will stay that way—they’re testing things out before making a formal commitment. As a result, their relationship might be stronger when they do decide to marry (GCC).

4. 45.2% of Couples in China Fall in Love and Get Married in About One Year

Do you Google “how long it takes to be in a relationship before marriage in China”? Here, 45.2% of couples fall in love and get married within one year. It shows how important it is to commit quickly and value family traditions. This fast pace might be influenced by what society expects or money matters, as well as wanting long-term relationships to feel secure (eChinacities).

5. 6-to-8 Months Is the Perfect Duration of Dating Before an Engagement in India

In India, it is considered ideal to date for six to eight months before getting engaged. This cultural norm considers the significance of family consent and expectations while also allowing couples enough time to understand each other better. It is traditional for young adults in India to seek their elders’ approval and blessings, so by factoring this in, a couple can progress happily toward marriage (Times of India).

Factors Influencing the Length of Dating Before Marriage

Before tying the knot, many variables are considered when deciding how long people should date. Personal goals, family values, cultural norms – all these factors can influence our feelings about the ideal time frame for a relationship to progress. But there is also some new information out there that sheds light on why it takes as long as it does for many couples to say “I do.”

1. 73% of Gen Z and Millennials Believe That It’s Too Expensive to Get Married Due to Economic Situation

Most Gen Z and Millennials—73% to be exact—think getting married is impossible due to the exorbitant price tag that comes with it in today’s economy. They’re worried about money: how expensive weddings can be, yes, but also financial fragility more generally. This feeling reflects a more significant societal shift where young couples prioritize fiscal stability over age-old customs such as matrimony (Thriving Center of Psychology).

2. 39% of Couples Do Not Get Married at All Since They Believe That Traditional Marriage is Obsolete

In light of shifting societal norms and values, nearly four in 10 couples think the idea of traditional marriage is outdated. They see no reason why committed partnerships cannot be just as strong if they do not involve wedlock – whether by living together or forming civil unions or other arrangements. For these people, personal freedom and equality are more important than having their relationship defined “the old-fashioned way” by-laws and rules that may date back centuries (Pew Research Center [1]).

3. 48% of Couples Want to Live Together Longer Before Marriage to Get Known Each Other Better

Living together before marriage has its perks: there’s a better chance you’ll stay married. When couples live together, they can see each other’s daily habits and how they handle stress. This can help them work out any differences before they get married—so fewer things bother them later on! In fact, almost half of people (48%) who cohabitate think that it improves their chances of having a good marriage (Pew Research Center [2]).

4. 57% of Men Do Not Hurry to Get Married Because They First Want to Get a Fulfilling Job

According to a recent study, 57% of men feel that it is more important to build a satisfying career before getting married. They believe that having a sense of achievement and stability in their work life contributes significantly to their general well-being and happiness. By concentrating on getting ahead in their profession for now, these men think that they will be able to create the groundwork for a prosperous marriage later on – one that will last longer, too (Pew Research Center [2]).

5. 1 in 6 Couples Are Not Planning to Get Married at All

As society changes and people’s views on relationships evolve, it’s not surprising that one in six couples choose not to get married. Some couples prefer to live together or have long-term partnerships – seeing their commitment as more important than whether or not they’ve had a wedding. As individuals redefine what partnership means to them, the idea of marriage may no longer be a necessary milestone for all lovebirds (Thriving Center of Psychology).

Important Things To Consider Before Marriage

Everyone wonders about the average time of dating before engagement. Considering future marriage, there are a lot of things to decide. And not all of them are about time: how long should you wait to get married? Being in love, and having years of relationships, should help you think about the well-known question: is he/she the only one for me?

1. Check Compatibility

Sexual compatibility is important, as you want to be satisfied in your couple. Be true to yourself. Do you like the smell of your partner’s skin? What are your sexual preferences and are you two enough for each other? Moreover, you have to be able to talk about sex.

2. Communication

Without frank conversations and openness, there is room for manipulation. “I want it to be done this way, and nothing is more important than that,” – abusive partners might be thinking. But where is the place for closeness and trust? Take a look at how you solve issues, deliver support, and what are your top 5 topics at home. And think if you want to have this kind of life.

3. Money and Finance

Money is not just routine. It is about prosperity, plans, and possibilities. How will you share financial responsibilities? What about a family bank account? How would things go when it comes to maternity leave? It is better to know the answers in advance and make plans for your investment together.

4. Family and Friend

It is great if your family and friends accept your significant other. It is a daydream to be accepted by the people who love and know your partners most of their lives. Still, there are nuances. How about the boundaries of your couple? If you see the balance, you are good.

5. Future plans

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? It may seem like a question on a job interview, and it is not a joke. You will be happy only living your lives, not adjusting to the plans of others, even the closest people. Decide on your plans in life and if you two are happy about them. Thus, you two can handle them without sacrifices.

6. Personal growth

It is perfect when being with your flame keeps you from the rest of the world. Just like in the castle. You should have moments like that. But the true question is: do you feel stronger with each other to grow and transform? How do you feel about growing personally standing by your lover? If you can share your thoughts, new ideas, and knowledge, and not feel ashamed, that is your person.

Conclusion

The length of time you should be with someone before you get married can vary widely. Some people get married very soon after they start seeing someone, while others take years to make sure they’re making the right decision.

There are many factors at play. How well-suited are you two? Do you communicate effectively? Do your goals align? Ultimately, only you can decide if a whirlwind romance makes sense or if you’d rather wait longer before tying the knot.

Remember: regardless of how long they spend together as boyfriend and girlfriend, fiancés need love, respect, and dedication to make things work long-term!

Sources

Thriving Center of Psychology

Pew Research Center [1]

Pew Research Center [2]

Photo by Pexels

Editorial Team

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Our Editorial Team at DoULike understands the challenges of today’s dating scene. That’s why we offer guidance on everything from online profiles to in-person chemistry. With our tips, you’ll feel ready to take the next step in finding love.