How Long to Date Before Marriage
Is there a right amount of time to date before getting engaged? Research has a few things to say.
What the research says
A 2015 study by economists Andrew Francis-Tan and Hugo Mialon surveyed thousands of married Americans. Couples who dated 1 to 2 years before engagement were 20% less likely to divorce than those who dated under a year. Those who dated 3 years or more were 39% less likely.
How long do couples usually date?
Wedding industry surveys suggest most couples date for a few years before getting engaged, and that engagements last about a year to a year and a half.
Signs you're ready
- You've been through a real conflict and handled it well
- You agree on money, kids and where to live
- You've seen each other through a stressful period
Check with the Relationship Test and the Green Flag Test.
Plan ahead
See when you might marry with the Marriage Age Calculator, then budget with the Engagement Ring and Wedding Cost calculators.
Frequently asked questions
Is one year too soon to get engaged?
Research suggests couples who date longer before engagement have lower divorce rates, but every couple is different.
How long is the average engagement?
About 12 to 18 months.
Does living together first help?
Research is mixed. Living together after engagement shows less risk than before.