U.S. Marriage & Divorce Trends: 2020–2025

Introduction

Has marriage truly fallen out of favor, or are we simply witnessing a shift in how and when people choose to tie the knot? Current data suggests that while wedding rates have been affected by economic conditions and the global pandemic, Americans still value marital commitments—often approaching them more intentionally than in past decades. Below, we’ll dive into recent statistics on marriage and divorce in the United States, examine how age and social trends are reshaping the institution, and offer insights into what we can expect in the 2023–2025 window.

Interested in a broader discussion about whether marriage is “dying” or evolving? Check out our previous post here: Is Marriage Really Dying—or Simply Evolving?

Marriage Rates from 2020 to 2022

• COVID-19’s Immediate Impact

  • In 2020, the CDC recorded ~1,676,911 marriages, yielding a provisional rate of 5.1 per 1,000 people—a notable drop from 6.1 the year before. Lockdowns, venue closures, and general uncertainty prompted many couples to postpone or cancel weddings.

• Recovery in 2021

  • By 2021, the number of marriages rebounded to 1,985,072, equivalent to 6.0 per 1,000, showing a partial recovery from the pandemic slump.

• Preliminary Figures for 2022

  • Although official federal data for 2022 isn’t fully consolidated, early estimates place the marriage rate around 5.8–6.0 per 1,000. Experts expect these numbers to remain relatively steady or slightly increase as postponed weddings continue to materialize.

Divorce Rates & Patterns

• 2020 Dip

  • Divorce rates also dipped in 2020, partially due to court closures and logistical hurdles. Approximately 630,505 divorces were recorded in reporting states, at 2.3 per 1,000.

• Slight Rise in 2021

  • In 2021, reported divorces rose to 689,308 at 2.5 per 1,000, according to the CDC. Though the number was higher than in 2020, it continues a long-term decline from the peaks of the 1980s.

• Delayed Cases & Future Trends

  • Some 2020–2021 divorce proceedings were delayed, so the slight bump in 2021 could be a “catch-up” effect. For 2022–2023, the divorce rate may stabilize around 2.4–2.5 per 1,000, indicating fewer marital dissolutions overall compared to past decades.

(For further reading, the American Psychological Association provides valuable insights into the main stressors that can contribute to a marriage’s end.)

Rising Median Age at First Marriage

• Steady Increase

  • The U.S. Census Bureau shows the median age at first marriage has climbed steadily over recent decades. As of 2021–2022, it stands at about 30.4 years for men and 28.6 for women—significantly older than in the 1970s.

• Reasons for Delay

  • This shift is often attributed to extended education, career-building, and broader cultural acceptance of cohabitation. Student debt, housing costs, and economic volatility can also push couples to wait.

• Potential Further Delays

  • Analysts predict the average age may inch up further in 2023–2025, as younger adults prioritize financial stability and personal milestones before formalizing their relationships.

Age Differences Between Spouses

• National Average

  • Historically, husbands tend to be 2–3 years older than wives. Recent data (through 2022) suggests this hasn’t drastically changed, though more couples do break the mold (e.g., wife older than husband).

• High-End Matchmaking Dynamics

  • In certain circles—particularly in luxury or VIP matchmaking—larger age gaps can be more common. However, these cases don’t significantly alter the overall national average. The U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys point to a general preference for smaller, single-digit age differences.

Outlook for 2023–2025

• Post-Pandemic Catch-Up

  • Experts predict a modest uptick in marriages as couples who delayed ceremonies in 2020–2021 finally say “I do.” At the same time, some divorces might materialize after prolonged delays, but the overall downward trend in divorce rates is expected to persist.

• Later (and Fewer?) Marriages

  • The long-term pattern of fewer yet more deliberate marriages continues, reflecting broader social shifts: increased cohabitation, individual career focus, and evolving attitudes toward tradition.

Conclusion

While official data for 2023–2025 is still emerging, the statistics from 2020–2022 reveal a resilient—if somewhat transformed—marital landscape in the United States. Marriages dropped sharply during the pandemic but quickly rebounded, suggesting that the desire for committed unions remains strong. Divorce rates, meanwhile, continue their decades-long gradual decline, even as couples marry later and with more cautious intentions.

These trends offer a portrait of an institution in transition: Americans are increasingly selective about when (and whom) they marry, often prioritizing financial stability, emotional readiness, and shared life goals. In short, marriage as a formal structure isn’t dying—it’s adapting to modern realities. For a broader exploration of how these changes impact traditional models of partnership, check out our related post:

Is Marriage Really Dying—or Simply Evolving?

References & Resources

1. CDC — National Center for Health Statistics: Marriage & Divorce

2. American Psychological Association: Divorce & Child Custody

3. U.S. Census Bureau

4. Pew Research Center: Social & Demographic Trends