Marriage is more than rings and fancy vows.
From finding your forever teammate to building a life of shared dreams and new traditions, some reasons to get married are valid, wise, and — yes — romantic.
Table of Contents
Others, though, are just not good enough.
Reasons to Get Married
Obviously L-O-V-E is the number one reason to get married, but there are other compelling incentives that fall in line behind the L word — and no, I don’t mean tax perks and insurance benefits. The real beauty of marriage goes far beyond practicalities.
1. Establishing stability
You can’t easily walk away from a marriage. The legal complexities of ending a marriage encourage couples to stay and work through their issues rather than give up at the first sign of trouble. Marriage provides a foundation that helps weather life’s storms, from career changes to personal challenges.
According to data from Bowling Green State University, married relationships are more stable than cohabiting relationships. Not only that, but “married individuals consistently report higher average levels of relationship quality compared to cohabitors.”[1] Could it be that stability and relationship satisfaction go hand in hand?
Stability isn’t about being static — it’s about having a reliable home base from which to explore and grow. There’s profound comfort in knowing you have a constant anchor in life’s ever-changing seas.
2. Creating your own family traditions
Family traditions and rituals serve as a framework for family identity and continuity. Just as ritual lies at the core of the culture of a people, so it seems to build the identity of family life as well.[2]
Every New Year’s Eve, my family comes together for fried chicken at midnight. I fry the chicken while my sister makes the mashed potatoes. Everyone shows up in backward pajamas, giggling and sharing stories from their year. As the clock strikes twelve, we dig in, sharing laughs and marking the start of a new year together.
3. Becoming part of each other’s families
Marriage isn’t just about joining two people — it’s about blending two family trees. Suddenly, you have twice the holiday celebrations, new traditions to learn, and more people to call family. Your spouse’s quirky aunt becomes your quirky aunt, and their family recipes become part of your cookbook.
This expansion of family encourages rich cultural exchanges, especially in intercultural marriages. You might find yourself celebrating Diwali one week and Hanukkah the next, creating a beautiful tapestry of traditions that your future generations will inherit.
4. Sharing the weight of adult decisions
Adulting can be overwhelming, especially all the decisions you have to make each and every day. But having a partner makes both large and small decisions feel easier, from choosing health insurance to solving kitchen mysteries.
One can research every detail while the other fills out the paperwork, but you decide together. One can tighten the pipe under the sink while the other holds the flashlight, but together you choose not to call a plumber (I hope you won’t regret that).
Whatever the outcome, together, you’re one hell of a team.
As research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals, “People tend to be depleted by their decisions. In contrast, we found people report that making decisions for others (vs. the self) is less depleting because it is more enjoyable.”[3]
By sharing decisions, you not only combat decision fatigue but also make life’s challenges more manageable and rewarding.
5. Having a built-in adventure partner
Marriage means always having someone to explore life with, whether it’s trying the new fusion restaurant downtown or backpacking across Europe.
It’s a unique pleasure of marriage to experience new things together and create shared memories that become part of your collective story.
Mundane errands turn into mini adventures when you’re with your person. A quick trip to the grocery store might turn into an impromptu ice cream date. Assembling IKEA furniture becomes a team-building exercise (and sometimes a test of patience!).
6. Building a life together
In marriage, home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. It’s found in quiet moments, like reading side by side or debating if a hot dog is a sandwich. These small acts create a haven within each other.
The everyday moments are where the magic happens, where the little things we love about each other live. As Huston et al. explain, “Spouses involved in long-term happy marriages often point to each other’s admirable qualities and take note of the pleasure they find in their relationship as significant factors accounting for durability of their bond.”[4]
When you truly love someone and appreciate their qualities, getting to be with them every day becomes a gift. Sunday mornings become sacred rituals. Even brushing your teeth together becomes a comforting nightly routine. These daily moments combine to create the story of your life.
7. Having (and being) an on-call cheerleader
There’s something magical about having someone in your corner, cheering for you with unshakable belief, especially when you’re feeling doubtful. Sure, you can get that from a live-in long-term partner, but with marriage, it’s in writing.
Imagine a big presentation looming over you, and just as you’re about to walk in, you get a message from your spouse that says, “You’ve got this.” It’s a simple reminder, but it’s all you need to feel grounded.
They’re your biggest fan, ready with the metaphorical glitter-filled sign in hand, rooting for you louder than anyone else. When you reach milestones, whether it’s a career goal or a new skill you’ve worked hard for, they’re there to celebrate with you, making each achievement feel more significant.
8. Growing old and embracing change together
Marriage is a promise to evolve together, embracing all the changes life brings along the way. Imagine looking back on years of growth — both as individuals and as a couple.
Maybe one of you discovers a newfound passion for painting landscapes or the other decides to take up marathon running.
You’ll witness each other’s transformations, from picking up new hobbies to overcoming fears, and even as personalities shift, priorities change, and wrinkles grow, the beauty of marriage lies in adapting to each other’s growth.
9. Signifying your commitment
For some, the marriage ceremony isn’t just about paperwork and fancy clothes — it’s about marking a spiritual moment when everything changes.
Like the satisfaction of walking across a graduation stage or watching an awards show unfold, declaring your love in front of those who matter most is a powerful moment you never forget, one that lives inside your soul as a core memory forming who you are as a person — and as a couple.
In many ways, such ceremonies become milestones in the ever-developing story of your relationship, reinforcing your mutual promise in front of friends, family, or even just each other.
Benefits of Marriage
Here’s a closer look at some key benefits of marriage that many couples experience.
You live longer
Marriage isn’t just about companionship — it might actually help you live longer. Research reveals a fascinating correlation between marital status and longevity, particularly in our later years.
As noted in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, “The health benefits associated with marriage are disproportionately large in older adulthood, due in part to the powerful role spouses play in promoting each other’s well-being.”[5]
This makes intuitive sense: Having a life partner means having someone who notices when you’re unwell, encourages you to see a doctor, reminds you to take medications, and helps maintain healthy habits.
Beyond these practical aspects, the emotional support and sense of purpose that marriage provides can boost mental health and reduce stress — both key factors in longevity.
Your money combines and your bills shrink
Marriage is good for your bottom line. A survey carried out by researchers Wells and Zinn found that marriage results in better “economic well-being and stability for middle class families.”[6]
That Blue Cross Blue Shield family plan from your employer? It now covers your spouse’s $300 monthly asthma treatment. Your combined income of $120,000 looks far better to mortgage lenders than your solo $70,000.
Speaking of money, filing taxes jointly might drop you into a lower bracket, turning that $3,000 tax bill into a $1,200 refund. When you’re ready to retire, your spouse can claim 50% of your social security benefits if they’re higher than their own.
Marriage streamlines life’s admin. One electric bill. One property tax statement. One Costco membership for those bulk paper towel runs. Joint bank accounts mean never splitting the Wi-Fi bill or calculating who owes what for groceries.
Sure, you can achieve all or most of this by cohabiting, but you don’t get a bridal shower for that. (Just kidding. Bridal showers are so 20th century — or so I’m told. Many women want to buy their own damn gravy boats these days.)
Your legal rights expand
You’re in your spouse’s hospital room at 3 a.m. It’s that moment when “next of kin” means you, not the in-laws. Marriage transforms you from “close friend” to “family” in the eyes of every medical institution.
When you’re married, the legal system suddenly becomes your ally:
- When your partner is rushed to the ER with appendicitis, you’re not waiting in the lobby — you’re in there making decisions about anesthesia options and signing consent forms.
- Your partner can’t be forced to testify against you if you steal the neighbor’s giant, noisy wind chime and bury it in the woods.
- Power of attorney means no family feuds over medical decisions — you’re automatically the boss of the hospital paperwork.
- Even immigration proceedings transform from Kafkaesque nightmares into manageable bureaucracy — marriage visas have a 90% acceptance rate compared to other options.
Your daily life gets support
The emotional perks hit differently. A bad performance review at work? Your spouse is legally obligated to listen to your hour-long rant and order you some comfort Thai food — extra spring rolls, no questions asked.
They’re your designated +1 for every cousin’s wedding, every corporate holiday party, every neighbor’s backyard barbecue. No more awkward dating apps or “So, are you seeing anyone?” from well-meaning aunts at Thanksgiving.
In marriage, you’ve got a guaranteed ride-or-die.
Signs You’re Not Ready for Marriage
If you’re on the fence about making things official, here are eight reasons that say the wedding bells might be best left unrung.
1. You’re allergic to commitment
If you still have a meltdown picking a streaming service or your palms sweat at the thought of a gym membership with a “year-long contract,” marriage might feel like shackling yourself to the biggest commitment of all.
This isn’t a month-to-month trial — it’s a lifetime subscription, with no “cancel anytime” option. If you have commitment issues, the idea of marriage might seem even more daunting. Those who are frightened by the idea of forever should probably consider waiting another year, or even more. It’s a lot easier to get married than it is to undo it.
2. Marriage seems like a 24/7 job
Imagine a job where you’re on-call for life. Yup, that’s marriage. You’ll need to show up for each other every day, even on the days when you’d rather curl up in bed with a bag of chips and your favorite show.
Unlike your 9–5, there are no PTO days or “quiet quitting.” If you’re the type to struggle with boundaries, marriage might feel like walls closing in on you. Take a step back from the idea of marriage and work on building a healthy relationship first.
3. You think marriage will fix your relationship problems
Believing marriage will fix a relationship is a dangerous game to play. If you’re expecting a wedding to magically erase conflicts or strengthen your bond instantly, think twice. Marriage doesn’t resolve deep-rooted issues like communication or trust.
Putting a ring on it doesn’t suddenly transform your partner into Prince Charming. Problems don’t disappear with the words “I do.” In fact, they often intensify once the honeymoon phase fades. Take off your rose-colored glasses for a second and evaluate this decision logically.
If you’re not happy together before the wedding, you won’t be happy after.
4. It just seems convenient
I get it. Your mom expects you to get married and start popping out grandbabies. All your friends are getting married. You’ve been a bridesmaid nine times. And don’t forget that old playground rhyme: “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.”
If marriage feels more like the path of least resistance than a genuine desire, it might be time to check your motives.
Marrying someone because it’s easier than breaking up or because you’re already living together and it seems like “the next logical step” isn’t it.
5. Your partner wants it more than you do
If the words “Let’s get married” only light up their face while yours looks like you’re being asked to give a TED talk unprepared, you might be in trouble.
A marriage works when both people are genuinely invested — no one should feel pressured into signing up. You wouldn’t want to be the one waiting at the altar with a big smile while your partner’s second-guessing every second. You need to want to get married. Your partner wanting it just isn’t enough.
6. You’re not ready to give up your independence
If you still cringe at the thought of sharing a Netflix account or merging playlists, you might not be ready for the whole “two-become-one” thing that marriage often entails.
Relationships come with rights and responsibilities that might simply be too much for you to agree to. From shared finances to family gatherings, marriage is a deeply integrated union. If you’re not ready to start sharing everything from your last name to your holiday plans, maybe keep things casual.
7. You just want the social media validation
Let’s face it, the thought of sharing perfectly staged #WeddingDay photos can be tempting. But if you’re dreaming more about the photo ops than the lifelong commitment, your motivations may be off.
Marriage is real life, not a TikTok trend. The “likes” will eventually stop coming but the reality of sharing a life with someone is permanent. If it’s mainly about social clout, consider skipping the altar and renting a photo booth at home.
8. Simply put, you don’t want to
Sometimes, the best reason to avoid marriage is simply because you don’t feel like it. There’s no rule book saying you have to get married to be happy.
If you’re content with your current situation or if marriage just doesn’t feel right, that’s perfectly okay. The most fulfilling marriages are the ones that both people want wholeheartedly — not ones that tick a box.
Conclusion
Marriage isn’t about finding someone perfect — it’s about finding the person whose weirdness perfectly complements your own.
Alongside the many reasons to get married are some serious ones not to get married.
You’re choosing someone who’ll pick out your coffin someday. Just like you don’t want them to pick the first one they find, choosing to marry someone isn’t a choice you leave up to a Magic Eight Ball.
If you’re looking for more insightful content about being in a relationship, just follow the link!
FAQs
What is the original purpose of marriage?
The original purpose of marriage was a social and economic contract to bind families, secure alliances, and ensure legitimate heirs. Over time, it has evolved to encompass love, partnership, and mutual support rather than societal practicalities.
Is marriage worth it?
Marriage is worth it depending on individual perspectives and circumstances. Many people find that marriage provides emotional support, companionship, and stability, while others may see it as a source of personal growth and shared life goals. But marriage isn’t for everyone and it shouldn’t be entered lightly.
Do we really need to get married?
People really need to get married only if it aligns with their personal preferences and circumstances. Many people find fulfillment in other forms of relationships, such as cohabitation or dating casually. Ultimately, marriage is a personal choice, and what matters most is finding a relationship structure that brings happiness and satisfaction.
References
1. Bowling Green State University (n. d). Relationship quality among married and cohabiting couples. NCFMR Family Profiles.
https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/college-of-arts-and-sciences/NCFMR/documents/FP/FP-12-12.pdf
2. Bossard, J. H. S., & Boll, E. S. (1950). Ritual in family living: A contemporary study. University of Pennsylvania Press.
3. Polman, E., & Vohs, K. D. (2016). Decision fatigue, choosing for others, and self-construal. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 7(5), 471–478.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550616639648
4. Huston, T. L., Caughlin, J. P., Houts, R. M., Smith, S. E., & George, L. J. (2001). The connubial crucible: Newlywed years as predictors of marital delight, distress, and divorce. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 80(2), 237–252.
https://faculty.washington.edu/jdb/345/345%20Articles/Chapter%2011%20Huston%20et%20al.%20%282001%29.pdf
5. Rauer, A. J., Sabey, A., & Jensen, J. F. (2014). Growing old together: Compassionate love and health in older adulthood. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 31(5), 677–696.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407513503596
6. Wells, B. and Zinn, M. B. (2004). The benefits of marriage reconsidered. The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare,31(4), 59–80.
https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3027
