In Utah, people are still getting married at younger ages than anywhere else in the U.S. However, they are waiting a little longer before tying the knot. According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the age at which Utahns marry for the first time has risen slightly over the years.
In 2023, the average age for people in Utah to marry for the first time was 26. While this number is higher than in previous years (it was 24.5 in 2010), it’s still lower than the national average. In fact, across the U.S., people are waiting longer to get married. In 2023, the national median age for a first marriage reached 29.7.
Why Are Utahns Marrying Younger?
Utah is known for its strong religious culture, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has a significant presence in the state, encourages people to marry young. For generations, the church has promoted marriage and family life as key values. The state’s governor, Spencer Cox, has also made promoting marriage a priority.
Even though the average age of marriage has gone up slightly, Utah still leads the country in having one of the youngest median ages for first marriages. For comparison, in places like Washington D.C., New York, and California, people are getting married for the first time around age 31. Meanwhile, in Utah, Idaho, and West Virginia, people are marrying at about age 27.
Marriage Trends Across the U.S.
Nationally, marriage trends have changed a lot over the years. In 1950, the average age for a first marriage in the U.S. was about 22. Fast forward to today, and that number has increased significantly. As more people delay marriage or choose not to marry at all, there has been a shift in how society views marriage.
For example, more Americans are choosing not to marry, and the debate over the value of marriage has become a more political issue. In particular, marriage has become a point of focus for conservative groups. Some believe that delaying marriage is bad for society and should be discouraged, while others argue for more personal freedom in deciding when and whether to get married.
Marriage Debate Becomes Political
In recent years, marriage has become a topic discussed mostly among conservatives. Leaders like Charlie Kirk and the Heritage Foundation have argued that delaying marriage could be harmful. They also criticize no-fault divorce laws, claiming they make it easier for people to break up marriages. Some conservative lawmakers have even opposed efforts to ban child marriage in certain states.
One controversial example came last year in New Hampshire when a Republican lawmaker sparked outrage by describing girls as “ripe” and “fertile” to justify his stance against child marriage bans. Such statements have led to heated debates about marriage laws, especially surrounding the issue of child marriages and whether certain laws should allow them.
Utah’s Younger Marriage Trend
Despite the rise in marriage age nationally, Utah is holding on to its tradition of early marriage. Young people in Utah, especially those who are members of the LDS Church, still often marry in their mid-20s. This is significantly younger than in many other states, where first marriages tend to happen much later.
However, the fact that even Utahns are waiting longer to get married, compared to a few years ago, shows a change in social attitudes. People in Utah may still marry young, but they are waiting longer to establish their careers, pursue education, and build financial security before doing so.
Conclusion: What’s Behind the Change?
While Utah continues to have one of the youngest average ages for marriage, it’s clear that attitudes toward marriage are changing both in Utah and across the country. The national trend shows that people are getting married later in life, and marriage itself is seen as less essential by some. As debates over the institution of marriage continue, it’s clear that how and when people marry is still a topic of both personal and political discussion.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
