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US Marriage Age Oldest Ever

Women marrying at 26, men at 28

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 10, 2008 7:28 AM CST

(Newser) – American couples are waiting longer than ever to get married, reports USA Today. The median age for a first marriage is almost 26 for women and 28 for men—the oldest since the US Census started keeping track in the 1890s. The increase holds true for all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Experts theorize that careers and a drive to first get lives "in order" is behind the delayed walk down the aisle.

The phenomenon has triggered a debate among sociologists about the ideal age for marriage. "It's better not to get married as a teenager. Beyond that, I don't think there's an ideal age," said a sociologist. "People are more concerned with their own self-development than they used to be. People are postponing marriage until everything in their lives is working in order."


A model walks the runway as part of Disney's 'Fall Fairy Tale Weddings' presentation. American brides are waiting longer than every before they tie the knot.
A model walks the runway as part of Disney's 'Fall Fairy Tale Weddings' presentation. American brides are waiting longer than every before they tie the knot.   (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)
American brides and grooms are waiting longer than every before they say 'I do.'
American brides and grooms are waiting longer than every before they say 'I do.'   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
A model wears a wedding dress by fashion designer Stephane Rolland. American brides and grooms are waiting longer than every before they say 'I do.'
A model wears a wedding dress by fashion designer Stephane Rolland. American brides and grooms are waiting longer than every before they say 'I do.'   (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Guest
Feb 12, 2009 1:51 AM CST
I completely agree. Getting married doesn't cost much at all, it's the elaborate weddings demanded by Bride & Groom-zillas that cost a ridiculous amount.
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 3:32 AM CST
No it doesn't cost that much to get married. Hubby and I did it on probably less than $1000, because we would both rather have the down payment and be debt-free, than waste money on stupid diamonds I'm not going to wear anyways. I'm much rather have the breakfasts he cooks.
Shannonals
Nov 10, 2008 2:46 AM CST
Cost to much to get married nowadays. You have to be around 28 years old to even save up the money to egt married

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