12 Cons of Getting Married Young

When we think of marriage, a flood of emotions and perspectives often comes to mind. Some of us have parents who've been together for decades, while others have seen the pain of divorce up close. Some dream of walking down the aisle someday, while others question the very idea of marriage.

But what happens when you tie the knot young?

In today’s world, many people choose to marry early. The reality is, there’s no perfect age for marriage—everyone’s journey is different. For those considering marriage in their early 20s, it can be a deeply fulfilling decision… if both partners are genuinely ready for the responsibilities it brings.

Marrying your first love might sound like a romantic dream, but it doesn’t always guarantee long-term happiness. Research shows a strong link between age at marriage and the likelihood of divorce. Those who marry in their teens or early twenties face a much higher risk.

One survey found that 53% of women who married as teenagers divorced within 30 years. In contrast, only 25% of those who married between 30 and 34 divorced in the same timeframe. Most strikingly, just 7% of couples who married between 45 and 49 divorced over 30 years, making them the most stable group.

It’s time to look past the rose-tinted lens and examine why marrying young often isn't the fairy tale it appears to be.

# Spontaneity Takes a Backseat

Your early 20s are typically a time of exploration and personal growth. But marriage shifts the focus from you to us. Spontaneous trips, last-minute plans, or solo adventures become more complicated when you have a partner to consider in every decision.

# Limited Relationship Experience

Marriage is supposed to be your ultimate relationship. But when you settle down early, you might miss the chance to explore and understand what you truly want in a partner. This can lead to regrets and a constant wondering about the “what-ifs.”

# Career Risks Feel Riskier

Building a life with someone often means seeking financial stability. That dream of switching careers, moving cities, or taking a professional leap may take a backseat once you're focused on shared responsibilities and steady income.

# Missing the Dating Experience

Hearing friends talk about dating adventures can leave young married individuals feeling like they missed out. The excitement and growth that often come with dating different people aren't something everyone gets to experience once they're committed early.

# Rushed Understanding of Your Partner

Younger individuals tend to act on impulse more than older ones. Many don’t spend enough time truly getting to know their partner before marriage. It’s essential to see someone through different life seasons before making a lifelong commitment.

# People Grow and Change

You won’t be the same person at 40 as you were at 20. Growth is natural, and sometimes couples who marry young find they evolve in entirely different directions. This can lead to emotional disconnect and eventual separation.

# Attraction May Fade

The spark that fueled young love may not withstand the realities of adult life. As time passes, one partner may find the physical or emotional attraction diminishing, which can cause quiet suffering and emotional distance in the relationship.

# Inexperience with Red Flags

Younger individuals often lack the emotional maturity and life experience to identify signs of incompatibility or even abuse. What starts as a fairytale can become a nightmare if warning signs are missed or ignored.

# Financial Stress

Early marriages often come with money struggles. From healthcare expenses to the cost of daily living, financial pressure can create frequent conflict. Some couples even stay in unhappy marriages simply because divorce is too costly.

# Health Risks of Early Pregnancy

Teen pregnancies carry higher health risks for both mother and child. Complications like eclampsia, infections, and premature births are more common in young mothers, making early parenthood a physical and emotional challenge.

# Interrupted Education

Marrying young, especially during college years, often forces one or both partners to prioritize work over education. While some manage the balancing act, for many, higher education goals are delayed or abandoned entirely.

# Unclear Life Goals

In your 20s, you're still discovering your path—personally and professionally. Getting married before you’ve figured out what you truly want in life can lead to confusion, regret, and a feeling of being held back from living fully.