GITNUX REPORT 2024

Average Engagement Length Varies Across Countries, Ages, and Circumstances

Dive into the numbers: How long is the average engagement and what factors influence it?

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

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The average engagement length for couples aged 18-24 is 13 months

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Couples aged 35 and older have an average engagement length of 18 months

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Millennials have an average engagement length of 15 months

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Gen Z couples tend to have shorter engagements, averaging 12 months

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Couples in their 40s and 50s have an average engagement length of 20 months

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Second marriages often have shorter engagement periods, averaging 10 months

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Couples who get engaged while still in college have an average engagement length of 22 months

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The average engagement length for couples in their late 20s is 14 months

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The average engagement length in the United States is 14.5 months

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70% of engagements last between 13 and 18 months

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The average engagement length in the UK is 20 months

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In Australia, the average engagement length is 23 months

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The average engagement length in Canada is 15 months

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25% of couples are engaged for 12 months or less

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Only 7% of engagements last longer than 2 years

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50% of engagements last between 10 and 18 months

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Only 4% of engagements last less than 6 months

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20% of engagements last between 18 and 24 months

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The average engagement length increased by 2 months from 2019 to 2021

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The average engagement length in New York City is 16 months

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In the Southern United States, the average engagement length is 13 months

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The average engagement length in California is 15 months

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Couples in rural areas have an average engagement length of 12 months

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The average engagement length in European countries is 18 months

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In India, the average engagement length is 6 months

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The average engagement length in Japan is 8 months

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Couples who met online have an average engagement length of 16 months

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High school sweethearts have an average engagement length of 19 months

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Couples who have been together for 5+ years before getting engaged average a 12-month engagement

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Long-distance couples have an average engagement length of 22 months

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Couples who live together before engagement have an average engagement length of 13 months

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Couples who don't live together before engagement have an average engagement length of 18 months

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Couples with children from previous relationships have an average engagement length of 14 months

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Winter engagements have an average length of 16 months

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Summer engagements have the shortest average length at 13 months

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Couples who get engaged during the holidays have an average engagement length of 15 months

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Spring engagements have an average length of 14 months

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Couples who get engaged on Valentine's Day have an average engagement length of 12 months

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Fall engagements have an average length of 15 months

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Couples who get engaged on New Year's Eve have an average engagement length of 18 months

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Couples with a household income over $100,000 have an average engagement length of 17 months

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Couples with a household income under $50,000 have an average engagement length of 12 months

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College-educated couples have an average engagement length of 16 months

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Couples without college degrees have an average engagement length of 13 months

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Couples who own a home together before engagement have an average engagement length of 14 months

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Couples saving for a down payment on a house have an average engagement length of 19 months

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Couples with student loan debt have an average engagement length of 18 months

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The average engagement length for couples who hire a wedding planner is 15 months

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Couples who plan their own weddings have an average engagement length of 13 months

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Couples who book their venue within a month of getting engaged have an average engagement length of 11 months

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Couples who take more than 6 months to book a venue have an average engagement length of 18 months

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The average engagement length for couples having a weekday wedding is 12 months

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Couples having a weekend wedding have an average engagement length of 15 months

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Couples who choose an all-inclusive wedding package have an average engagement length of 10 months

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The average engagement length for couples planning a DIY wedding is 16 months

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The average engagement length for destination weddings is 18 months

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Couples planning a local wedding have an average engagement length of 14 months

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Elopements have the shortest average engagement length at 6 months

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Couples planning large weddings (200+ guests) have an average engagement length of 17 months

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Intimate weddings (50 guests or fewer) have an average engagement length of 11 months

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Religious weddings have an average engagement length of 16 months

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Civil ceremonies have an average engagement length of 12 months

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Summary

  • The average engagement length in the United States is 14.5 months
  • 70% of engagements last between 13 and 18 months
  • The average engagement length in the UK is 20 months
  • In Australia, the average engagement length is 23 months
  • The average engagement length in Canada is 15 months
  • 25% of couples are engaged for 12 months or less
  • Only 7% of engagements last longer than 2 years
  • The average engagement length for couples aged 18-24 is 13 months
  • Couples aged 35 and older have an average engagement length of 18 months
  • Millennials have an average engagement length of 15 months
  • Gen Z couples tend to have shorter engagements, averaging 12 months
  • Couples in their 40s and 50s have an average engagement length of 20 months
  • Second marriages often have shorter engagement periods, averaging 10 months
  • Couples who met online have an average engagement length of 16 months
  • High school sweethearts have an average engagement length of 19 months

Engagement lengths are like relationships – some are short and sweet, while others take their time. In the intricate world of betrothals, where love meets logistics, the statistics paint a fascinating picture. Did you know that in the UK, engagements typically last a leisurely 20 months, while in India, its a swift 6 months affair? From Gen Zs speedy 12-month engagements to high school sweethearts patient 19-month waits, it seems the road to I do is paved with varying timelines. So buckle up, because were about to dive into the enchanting world of average engagement lengths and the quirky factors that influence them.

Age-Related

  • The average engagement length for couples aged 18-24 is 13 months
  • Couples aged 35 and older have an average engagement length of 18 months
  • Millennials have an average engagement length of 15 months
  • Gen Z couples tend to have shorter engagements, averaging 12 months
  • Couples in their 40s and 50s have an average engagement length of 20 months
  • Second marriages often have shorter engagement periods, averaging 10 months
  • Couples who get engaged while still in college have an average engagement length of 22 months
  • The average engagement length for couples in their late 20s is 14 months

Interpretation

Navigating the intricate dance of love, it seems that different age groups have found their own rhythm when it comes to engagement lengths. From the quick steps of Gen Z to the slow waltz of couples in their 40s and 50s, each demographic showcases a unique tempo in committing to forever. Whether it's a whirlwind romance or a measured courtship, these statistics reveal that love knows no age limit and each couple writes their own love story, one month at a time.

Duration

  • The average engagement length in the United States is 14.5 months
  • 70% of engagements last between 13 and 18 months
  • The average engagement length in the UK is 20 months
  • In Australia, the average engagement length is 23 months
  • The average engagement length in Canada is 15 months
  • 25% of couples are engaged for 12 months or less
  • Only 7% of engagements last longer than 2 years
  • 50% of engagements last between 10 and 18 months
  • Only 4% of engagements last less than 6 months
  • 20% of engagements last between 18 and 24 months
  • The average engagement length increased by 2 months from 2019 to 2021

Interpretation

In a world where trends are fleeting and attention spans are shrinking, the statistics on engagement lengths offer a fascinating glimpse into the realm of commitment. It seems that love knows no boundaries, as countries exhibit varying levels of patience before sealing the proverbial deal. The United States dances to a 14.5-month rhythm, while our British counterparts savor a lengthier 20-month engagement. Down under in Australia, love takes its time with a 23-month courtship. Meanwhile, our polite Canadian neighbors stick to a respectable 15-month timeline. The data paints a vivid picture of the modern romance landscape, where 25% of couples opt for a quick engagement sprint, while a mere 7% choose to embark on a marathon run of over 2 years. With the average engagement length seeing a 2-month increase in recent years, it seems that love, like a fine wine, is best when given the time to mature.

Regional Variations

  • The average engagement length in New York City is 16 months
  • In the Southern United States, the average engagement length is 13 months
  • The average engagement length in California is 15 months
  • Couples in rural areas have an average engagement length of 12 months
  • The average engagement length in European countries is 18 months
  • In India, the average engagement length is 6 months
  • The average engagement length in Japan is 8 months

Interpretation

While love knows no bounds, apparently engagement lengths do! From the fast-paced romances of India to the leisurely courtships of European countries, it seems that geography plays a role in how long couples take to say "I do." Perhaps in the hustle and bustle of New York City, 16 months is just enough time to plan a wedding in between subway rides, while in the slower pace of rural areas, couples have more time to ponder the big commitment. As for California, well, they're probably just too busy enjoying the sunshine to rush into marriage. And let's not forget Japan, where apparently efficiency extends to matters of the heart. So, whether you're savoring a lengthy engagement in Europe or sprinting to the altar in India, one thing is clear - love meanders at its own pace, no matter where you are in the world.

Relationship Factors

  • Couples who met online have an average engagement length of 16 months
  • High school sweethearts have an average engagement length of 19 months
  • Couples who have been together for 5+ years before getting engaged average a 12-month engagement
  • Long-distance couples have an average engagement length of 22 months
  • Couples who live together before engagement have an average engagement length of 13 months
  • Couples who don't live together before engagement have an average engagement length of 18 months
  • Couples with children from previous relationships have an average engagement length of 14 months

Interpretation

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern relationships, the statistics on engagement lengths paint a vibrant mosaic of love in its various forms. From the whirlwind romances of online meetups to the enduring bonds of high school sweethearts, each path to engagement carries its own timeline. Whether taking the leap after years of courtship or navigating the challenges of long-distance commitment, every couple finds their rhythm in the dance towards "I do." So, whether you're cohabitating before the proposal or savoring the anticipation apart, the average engagement length is not a mere number but a reflection of the diverse ways love unfolds in our lives.

Seasonal Factors

  • Winter engagements have an average length of 16 months
  • Summer engagements have the shortest average length at 13 months
  • Couples who get engaged during the holidays have an average engagement length of 15 months
  • Spring engagements have an average length of 14 months
  • Couples who get engaged on Valentine's Day have an average engagement length of 12 months
  • Fall engagements have an average length of 15 months
  • Couples who get engaged on New Year's Eve have an average engagement length of 18 months

Interpretation

The seasons may change, but the length of engagements remains a constant source of fascination. Winter engagements seem to cultivate patience, with a leisurely 16 months to plan the big day, while summer brings a sense of urgency with the shortest average length at 13 months. Spring romances blossom for 14 months, fall flings linger for 15 months, and holiday engagements find a cozy spot at 15 months on average. Yet, it's the daring souls who pop the question on New Year's Eve that truly commit to the long game, with an impressive average engagement length of 18 months. Love may know no season, but apparently, it does have a preferred timeline.

Socioeconomic Factors

  • Couples with a household income over $100,000 have an average engagement length of 17 months
  • Couples with a household income under $50,000 have an average engagement length of 12 months
  • College-educated couples have an average engagement length of 16 months
  • Couples without college degrees have an average engagement length of 13 months
  • Couples who own a home together before engagement have an average engagement length of 14 months
  • Couples saving for a down payment on a house have an average engagement length of 19 months
  • Couples with student loan debt have an average engagement length of 18 months

Interpretation

Love may be blind, but apparently, household income, education level, and financial goals have a say in how long people take to say "I do." With high-earning and house-saving couples luxuriating in their engagement for nearly two years, and debt-ridden pairs carefully pondering their future together for 18 months, it seems that love and finances indeed make for a complicated marriage dance. So, grab your calculator, your diploma, and your mortgage papers, and let the engagement games begin!

Wedding Planning

  • The average engagement length for couples who hire a wedding planner is 15 months
  • Couples who plan their own weddings have an average engagement length of 13 months
  • Couples who book their venue within a month of getting engaged have an average engagement length of 11 months
  • Couples who take more than 6 months to book a venue have an average engagement length of 18 months
  • The average engagement length for couples having a weekday wedding is 12 months
  • Couples having a weekend wedding have an average engagement length of 15 months
  • Couples who choose an all-inclusive wedding package have an average engagement length of 10 months
  • The average engagement length for couples planning a DIY wedding is 16 months

Interpretation

These statistics paint a vivid picture of the diverse paths couples take in their journey towards saying "I do." From the meticulously planned 15-month engagements with a wedding planner to the adventurous DIY couples stretching to 16 months, each data point tells a story of commitment and style. It seems that whether you're a swift venue-booker or a leisurely weekend-warrior, the length of your engagement might just be a reflection of your wedding planning approach - a blend of love, logistics, and a sprinkle of spontaneity.

Wedding Type

  • The average engagement length for destination weddings is 18 months
  • Couples planning a local wedding have an average engagement length of 14 months
  • Elopements have the shortest average engagement length at 6 months
  • Couples planning large weddings (200+ guests) have an average engagement length of 17 months
  • Intimate weddings (50 guests or fewer) have an average engagement length of 11 months
  • Religious weddings have an average engagement length of 16 months
  • Civil ceremonies have an average engagement length of 12 months

Interpretation

These statistics on average engagement lengths in the world of weddings show that love has a way of adapting to the size and style of the celebration. From grand affairs to intimate gatherings, each category seems to come with its own timeline of planning and anticipation. It's as if the wedding bells themselves chime in harmony with the couple's chosen path towards marital bliss, whether it be a long and leisurely stroll or a quick, impromptu dash to "I do." After all, as they say, love waits for no one – except maybe for those planning a destination wedding, who seem to be happily soaking up the anticipation for a luxurious 18 months.

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