Why Do People Get Married? | Reasons Behind “I Do”

A couple tying the knot in front of a pastor.
Why do people get married? It can be because of many things like love, traditions, or even practicality.

Have you ever looked at a loved one and thought, “I want to spend the rest of my life with this person”?

Maybe you’ve even pictured yourselves walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, and starting a beautiful journey together.

But what exactly makes people take that leap into marriage? Why do people get married? Is it love, tradition, financial security, or something else entirely?

Let’s explore the “whys” behind the wedding bells, and unveil the main reasons that lead people to marriage.

It’s More than Just Saying “I Do”

Marriage. It’s a word loaded with emotions, traditions, and memories to cherish for life. But what exactly makes people take the plunge and tie the knot? Is it all about the romance, or is there more to the story?

Here are the common reasons why people get married:

1. Love: The Classic Motive (and for Good Reason!)

Why do people have to get married? Let’s be honest, love is often the main ingredient in the marriage recipe. A 2019 Pew Research Center report stated that love is the main reason for 90% of adults to get married (Horowitz, Graf, and Livingston 2019).

Love is that deep, powerful connection that makes you want to spend forever with someone.

2. Partners in Crime

Marriage isn’t just about hearts and flowers. It’s also about building a strong partnership. Spouses become teammates, facing life’s ups and downs together.

3. Traditions

For many, marriage holds a special place in their culture or religion. Traditional ceremonies can be incredibly meaningful, connecting couples to their heritage and honoring beliefs.

4. The Practical Side

Let’s not forget the practical side of things. Marriage often comes with some sweet perks, like shared health insurance and tax breaks. It can be a smart financial move, helping couples build a more secure future together.

5. The Dream of Building Home

For some couples, marriage is a stepping stone towards creating a family. It provides a stable and loving environment to raise children, fostering strong familial bonds and a sense of security.

6. Pregnancy

When a baby is underway, couples choose to marry mostly to avoid pressure and judgment from their family, friends, and society in general. They often view marriage as a solution to silence societal expectations even if they don’t love each other.

Is Marriage Still Relevant in the Modern World?

The concept of marriage is evolving. Today, there are more options than ever before. Couples might choose to live together or have a civil partnership (in some countries) instead of a traditional wedding.

This raises the question: is marriage still relevant? Why do people get married despite having other options?

The answer, like most things in life, is not a simple yes or no. Marriage still holds significant meaning for many couples. For them, romantic reasons to get married, like love, can be a powerful symbol of commitment and a way to solidify a partnership.

However, the growing popularity of cohabitation and civil partnerships shows that the definition of family and commitment is becoming more fluid.

For some couples, the emotional bond and shared life they build together are enough, and a formal marriage ceremony isn’t necessary.

So, marriage might be changing its look, but the core reasons for wanting a committed partnership—love, companionship, and building a life together—are still very much alive.

Marriage may not be for everyone, but for those who choose it, it can be a beautiful and meaningful journey.



Reference

Horowitz, Juliana M., Nikki Graf, and Gretchen Livingston. 2019. “3. Why people get married or move in with a partner.” Pew Research Center.

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/11/06/why-people-get-married-or-move-in-with-a-partner/.



Newest, beautiful, single women now added for week of Wednesday, 13 August, 2025 - Tuesday, 19 August, 2025
You have to meet the women to marry them! What other international dating site offers you numerous opportunities to do that?