GITNUX REPORT 2024

Wedding Divorce Statistics: Marriage Trends Revealed in Recent Data

Wedding Divorce Statistics: 50% end in divorce, $30,000 average cost, and more revealing insights.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

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Couples who marry in their teens have a 32% chance of divorce

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The divorce rate for couples over 50 has doubled since 1990

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People who marry after 25 are 24% less likely to get divorced

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Couples who marry in their teens have a 32% chance of divorce

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Couples who marry between 28-32 have the lowest divorce risk

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Couples with a 10-year age gap are 39% more likely to divorce

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Couples who marry in their late 20s have a 20% divorce rate

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Couples who marry after 35 have a 5% higher divorce rate

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Couples who marry in their early 30s have a 60% lower divorce rate

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Couples who marry between 20-25 have a 60% chance of divorce

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Couples who marry after 32 have a 5% increase in divorce risk for each year after

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Couples who marry before 20 have a 27% higher divorce rate

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Couples who marry in their late 30s have a 5% higher divorce rate

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The divorce rate for couples over 50 has tripled since 1990

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Couples with children have a 40% lower risk of divorce

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50% of children in the US will witness the divorce of their parents

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Couples who have a child before marriage have a 24% higher chance of divorce

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The divorce rate for couples with children is 40% lower

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The average cost of a divorce in the US is $15,000

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70% of divorces are initiated by women

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50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce

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41% of first marriages end in divorce

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60% of second marriages end in divorce

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73% of third marriages end in divorce

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42% of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce

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The divorce rate for military couples is 3.0%

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The divorce rate for atheists is 2% lower than the national average

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67% of second marriages end in divorce

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Couples who have similar drinking habits are less likely to divorce

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45% of divorces are attributed to infidelity

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80% of couples argue at least monthly over finances

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The average length of a marriage that ends in divorce is 8 years

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43% of first marriages end within 15 years

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20% of married couples divorce within the first 5 years

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The divorce rate for couples married more than 40 years is 4%

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The average age for first marriages is 30 for men and 28 for women

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60% of couples live together before marriage

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Couples who live together before marriage have a 33% higher chance of divorce

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72% of couples live together before marriage

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The average engagement length is 15 months

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The average length of an engagement is 14.5 months

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The average cost of a wedding in the US is $30,000

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Couples who spend $20,000+ on their wedding are 1.6 times more likely to divorce

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The average cost of a wedding dress is $1,631

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The average cost of a wedding ring is $5,900

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The average cost of a honeymoon is $4,466

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29% of couples get into debt for their wedding

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The average cost of a wedding venue is $10,500

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The average cost of wedding flowers is $2,000

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The average wedding cake costs $500

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The average cost of wedding catering is $70 per person

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The average cost of wedding invitations is $590

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The average engagement ring costs $5,500

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The average cost of a wedding photographer is $2,400

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The average cost of wedding entertainment is $4,000

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Couples who spend less than $1,000 on their wedding have a 53% lower chance of divorce

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48% of couples argue over finances during wedding planning

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33% of engaged couples hire a wedding planner

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The average wedding takes 528 hours to plan

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40% of couples use a wedding hashtag

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The average wedding has 131 guests

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25% of couples have destination weddings

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43% of weddings are officiated by a friend or family member

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Summary

  • 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce
  • The average cost of a wedding in the US is $30,000
  • 60% of couples live together before marriage
  • The average age for first marriages is 30 for men and 28 for women
  • Couples who marry in their teens have a 32% chance of divorce
  • The average length of a marriage that ends in divorce is 8 years
  • 41% of first marriages end in divorce
  • 60% of second marriages end in divorce
  • 73% of third marriages end in divorce
  • The average cost of a divorce in the US is $15,000
  • Couples with children have a 40% lower risk of divorce
  • The divorce rate for couples over 50 has doubled since 1990
  • 42% of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce
  • The average engagement length is 15 months
  • Couples who spend $20,000+ on their wedding are 1.6 times more likely to divorce

Weddings, divorces, and everything in between—oh my! Did you know that in the intricate dance of love and marriage, statistics play a surprising role? From the jaw-dropping $30,000 average spent on weddings in the US to the startling fact that 50% of marriages end in divorce, theres a rollercoaster of data to unpack. Join us as we delve into the nitty-gritty details of wedding divorce statistics that will make you say I do to some eye-opening insights and perhaps reconsider that lavish wedding youve been dreaming of!

Age and Divorce Risk

  • Couples who marry in their teens have a 32% chance of divorce
  • The divorce rate for couples over 50 has doubled since 1990
  • People who marry after 25 are 24% less likely to get divorced
  • Couples who marry in their teens have a 32% chance of divorce
  • Couples who marry between 28-32 have the lowest divorce risk
  • Couples with a 10-year age gap are 39% more likely to divorce
  • Couples who marry in their late 20s have a 20% divorce rate
  • Couples who marry after 35 have a 5% higher divorce rate
  • Couples who marry in their early 30s have a 60% lower divorce rate
  • Couples who marry between 20-25 have a 60% chance of divorce
  • Couples who marry after 32 have a 5% increase in divorce risk for each year after
  • Couples who marry before 20 have a 27% higher divorce rate
  • Couples who marry in their late 30s have a 5% higher divorce rate
  • The divorce rate for couples over 50 has tripled since 1990

Interpretation

It seems the statistics on marriage and divorce are as varied as a bouquet toss at a wedding. From the wild ride of teenage turmoil to the "happily ever after" of marrying in your late 20s, it's clear that age plays a significant role in the success of a marriage. So, whether you're exchanging vows in your first blush of youth or celebrating your golden anniversary, remember that love knows no age but statistics do have a way of playing matchmaker with destiny. As the saying goes, "forewarned is forearmed" - so choose your wedding date wisely, or at least, with a grain of statistical salt.

Children and Divorce

  • Couples with children have a 40% lower risk of divorce
  • 50% of children in the US will witness the divorce of their parents
  • Couples who have a child before marriage have a 24% higher chance of divorce
  • The divorce rate for couples with children is 40% lower

Interpretation

These statistics on wedding divorce may seem like a mixed bag of conflicting odds, almost like a complicated dance routine at a wedding reception. It appears that children can act as both a shield and a sword in the marriage battlefield, lowering the risk of divorce for some but increasing it for others. It's like trying to predict the weather in a storm of emotions, where timing and circumstances play a crucial role. So, whether you are juggling children, marriage vows, or both, just remember that statistics can guide but never truly define the dance of love and commitment.

Divorce Costs

  • The average cost of a divorce in the US is $15,000

Interpretation

In the world of weddings, the saying goes, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." But when it comes to divorce, it seems the only thing borrowed is your hard-earned cash. With the average cost of a divorce in the US coming in at a hefty $15,000, it's clear that breaking up is not only hard to do, but also hard on the wallet. So, before you say "I do," perhaps it's worth considering the cost of saying "I don't." After all, in the game of love and money, sometimes it's best to cut your losses before the bills start piling up.

Divorce Demographics

  • 70% of divorces are initiated by women

Interpretation

In the world of weddings and divorces, it seems like women are taking the phrase "till death do us part" a bit more literally. With 70% of divorces being initiated by women, it appears that when it comes to ending a marriage, they are more likely to take the bouquet and run. Perhaps this statistic speaks to a shift in societal norms, a newfound confidence among women to prioritize their own happiness and well-being, or maybe they're just better at catching those red flags before walking down the aisle. Whatever the reason, it's clear that when it comes to saying "I don't," women are leading the charge.

Divorce Rates

  • 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce
  • 41% of first marriages end in divorce
  • 60% of second marriages end in divorce
  • 73% of third marriages end in divorce
  • 42% of marriages in England and Wales end in divorce
  • The divorce rate for military couples is 3.0%
  • The divorce rate for atheists is 2% lower than the national average
  • 67% of second marriages end in divorce

Interpretation

Marriage may be a timeless institution, but these statistics suggest it's not immune to modern struggles. From the 50% overall divorce rate in the US to the unfortunate uphill battle of third marriages at 73%, it seems that love sometimes falters under the weight of changing circumstances. It's interesting to note that even in England and Wales, where the divorce rate is lower at 42%, the specter of dissolution still lingers. The military's 3% divorce rate may speak to the unique challenges faced by service members, while the 2% lower rate among atheists raises intriguing questions about the role of faith in relationships. With second marriages hovering at a turbulent 67% divorce rate, one thing is clear: the journey to "happily ever after" can be a rocky road indeed.

Divorce Risk Factors

  • Couples who have similar drinking habits are less likely to divorce
  • 45% of divorces are attributed to infidelity
  • 80% of couples argue at least monthly over finances

Interpretation

It appears that in the ups and downs of marital bliss, compatibility in certain key areas can make all the difference. A toast to shared drinking habits leading to harmony, a word of caution against the dangers of infidelity pouring cold water on relationships, and a nod to the fact that money matters can stir up trouble in even the most love-filled households. Remember, in the cocktail of love and life, a balanced mix is the key to a lasting partnership.

Divorce Timing

  • The average length of a marriage that ends in divorce is 8 years
  • 43% of first marriages end within 15 years
  • 20% of married couples divorce within the first 5 years
  • The divorce rate for couples married more than 40 years is 4%

Interpretation

These statistics serve as a sobering reminder that in the game of love, some marriages last longer than most Hollywood relationships, while others don’t even survive the seven-year itch. From the 20% who call it quits before the honeymoon phase wears off to the admirable 4% who make it through the golden anniversary, it's clear that navigating the rough waters of matrimony requires more than just a spark and a promise. So, whether you're in it for the long haul or planning your next "conscious uncoupling," remember that love may be eternal, but marriage statistics are all too real.

Marriage Demographics

  • The average age for first marriages is 30 for men and 28 for women

Interpretation

These wedding divorce statistics suggest that perhaps it's not "love at first sight" but rather "love at a more seasoned sight" that leads to longer-lasting marriages. As the age at which individuals tie the knot creeps closer to 30, it could be indicative of more mature decision-making, better self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to make a partnership work in the long run. So, maybe waiting a bit longer to say "I do" isn't such a bad idea after all—because taking the time to find the right person is just as important as saying "yes" at the right time.

Pre-Marriage Cohabitation

  • 60% of couples live together before marriage
  • Couples who live together before marriage have a 33% higher chance of divorce
  • 72% of couples live together before marriage

Interpretation

In the world of modern relationships, the phrase "try before you buy" seems to be taking on a whole new meaning. With a whopping 72% of couples opting to test the waters of cohabitation before tying the knot, it appears that love is indeed a grand experiment. However, the sobering reality is that this trial period may not always lead to a happily ever after, as statistics show a 33% higher chance of divorce for those who've shared a bathroom before saying "I do." Perhaps some couples learn that love is truly sharing a life's journey, quirks and all, while others discover that living together doesn't necessarily guarantee a match made in matrimonial heaven.

Pre-Marriage Statistics

  • The average engagement length is 15 months
  • The average length of an engagement is 14.5 months

Interpretation

In a world where wedding bells can quickly turn into legal separation sirens, the statistics paint a picture of modern love that is as fleeting as it is all-consuming. With engagement lengths averaging at 15 months, it seems that love can be as patient as a saint or as fickle as a Kardashian marriage. But with the average length of an engagement clocking in at 14.5 months, it appears that for some, the promise of forever may come with a built-in expiration date. Love may be many things, but one thing it certainly is not is predictable.

Wedding Costs

  • The average cost of a wedding in the US is $30,000
  • Couples who spend $20,000+ on their wedding are 1.6 times more likely to divorce
  • The average cost of a wedding dress is $1,631
  • The average cost of a wedding ring is $5,900
  • The average cost of a honeymoon is $4,466
  • 29% of couples get into debt for their wedding
  • The average cost of a wedding venue is $10,500
  • The average cost of wedding flowers is $2,000
  • The average wedding cake costs $500
  • The average cost of wedding catering is $70 per person
  • The average cost of wedding invitations is $590
  • The average engagement ring costs $5,500
  • The average cost of a wedding photographer is $2,400
  • The average cost of wedding entertainment is $4,000
  • Couples who spend less than $1,000 on their wedding have a 53% lower chance of divorce

Interpretation

In a world where weddings are becoming more extravagant, complete with pricey dresses, dazzling rings, and lavish celebrations, it seems like the bigger the budget, the higher the risk of divorce. Perhaps love shouldn't come with a price tag, as statistics show that couples who splurge $20,000 or more on their nuptials are playing a risky game with their marital future. So, before you break the bank on wedding extravagance, maybe consider that a modest celebration could lead to a more lasting and meaningful union. After all, a long-lasting marriage is the ultimate happily ever after, no matter the cost.

Wedding Planning

  • 48% of couples argue over finances during wedding planning
  • 33% of engaged couples hire a wedding planner
  • The average wedding takes 528 hours to plan
  • 40% of couples use a wedding hashtag

Interpretation

In the tumultuous world of wedding planning, it seems that love and finances often collide like a dramatic soap opera. As nearly half of couples find themselves embroiled in heated arguments over budgets and expenditures, one-third opt to bring in a professional conciliator in the form of a wedding planner. Amidst the chaos, the average couple spends the equivalent of 22 days meticulously planning every intricate detail of their special day. And in a sign of the times, a significant portion of lovebirds even go as far as immortalizing their journey to the altar with a digital signature in the form of a wedding hashtag. Love may conquer all, but when it comes to planning a wedding, it seems a healthy dose of negotiation and creativity are also indispensable ingredients.

Wedding Statistics

  • The average wedding has 131 guests
  • 25% of couples have destination weddings
  • 43% of weddings are officiated by a friend or family member

Interpretation

If weddings are a reflection of love, then these statistics suggest that love is a journey with some unexpected detours. With an average of 131 guests, it's clear that some couples prefer a big, extravagant celebration while others opt for a more intimate affair. The 25% of couples choosing destination weddings show a desire for adventure and new experiences, perhaps hoping to start their marriage with a bang. And the fact that nearly half of weddings are officiated by a friend or family member indicates a shift towards more personalized and meaningful ceremonies. While these numbers may seem like mere data, they point to the ever-evolving landscape of marriage and the diverse paths couples take to say "I do."

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