How Long Should You Stay Engaged Before Getting Married?

There is no exact timeline for when to get engaged, but research shows that dating 3 or more years decreases the likelihood of divorce by about 50% at any time point. The average engagement length for U.S. couples was 15 months in 2020, up from 14 months in 2019. This trend is likely due to couples wanting to spend more time planning their wedding and getting to know each other better before tying the knot. The longer that couples know each other before getting married, the less likely they will end up getting divorced.

Research shows that couples need time to get to know each other, build trust, and become emotionally ready for marriage. The odds of divorce among a sample of 6,477 women who married their cohabiting partner after 3 years of cohabitation or more were 48% higher than among women who never cohabited before marriage, according to sociologist Daniel Lichter of Cornell University in 2023.

The average relationship before marriage now lasts 4.5-5 years. Interestingly, 89% of newlyweds reported that they had lived together for about 3.5 years before taking their relationship to the next level. The younger generation is in no hurry to tie the knot. The average engagement length of 1–2 years is right in the sweet spot, enough time to plan a wedding but not so much time that it drags out the engagement. However, it’s not always so straightforward.

There is no hard and fast rule about when you should get married. A short engagement (six months or less) really only makes sense if you have already been with your spouse for a long time and the marriage is strong. Most couples date for two or more years before getting engaged, with many dating anywhere from two to five years.

Is it better to have a long or a short engagement before getting married?

If you’re stressed about wedding planning, a shorter engagement might be better. Many couples find it easier to relax with less time to worry. You have less time to worry about the small details, especially if you’re having a smaller wedding. No matter how long or short your engagement, finding the perfect wedding venue should be your first task. Contact us to discuss your wedding plans or check availability.

How long should you be engaged before getting married?

How long your engagement lasts depends on many things. Most couples in the United States get engaged for about a year. This doesn’t mean you should wait that long. Some couples get married sooner, while others wait longer. There’s no right or wrong length of time to be engaged. What matters is what’s right for your relationship. Decide what’s best for you and your partner. There are many things to consider when deciding on the right length of engagement. If you’re having trouble deciding, think about how long you’ve been dating, your finances, whether you plan to buy a house at the same time, the availability of your desired church and venue. You and your fiancé can decide how long to be engaged. If you’re not sure how long to wait before exchanging vows, here are a few things to think about.

Is a 3 year engagement too long?

It’s fine to have a long engagement. If you wait a year to plan your wedding, no one will judge you. Then, your family and friends will ask you when you’re getting married. How long is too long to be engaged before getting married? Or even choose a date? How long can you wait to plan your wedding? The answer depends on why you’re postponing the wedding. Some couples have good reasons for postponing the wedding. I had a bride and groom who were in medical school and planned their wedding for the week after their graduation. They had to book their wedding date far in advance because the time window was so tight. They didn’t have a backup date.

Is a 2 year engagement too long?

How long should you be engaged? The average engagement lasts about a year or two. It’s enough time to plan a wedding, but not too long. Sometimes our idealized timelines don’t align with our actual lives because of work, family, and community obligations. Focus on what’s right for you as a couple, not on what’s “right.” Do you want to get married right away? Then do it! Take your time!

Is 2 years engaged too long?

The average engagement lasts about a year or two. It’s long enough to plan a wedding, but not too long. But it’s not always easy. This post may include affiliate links. Read our full disclaimer for more information. Your engagement is a romantic time to plan your life together, share your nuptials with friends and families, and strengthen your bond. Experts say the average engagement in the US is one to two years. There’s no ideal amount of time to be engaged to ensure a successful marriage.

Is it okay to get married 2 years after engagement?

Experts say the average engagement in the US is one to two years. There’s no ideal amount of time to be engaged to ensure a successful marriage. Some couples get engaged and get married on the same day, while others take a long time. How long you stay engaged is up to you and your partner. It depends on how long you and your partner decide to wait.

Is it normal to be engaged for 4 years?

How long do people stay engaged? In the U.S., engagements last between 12 and 18 months. This explains why winter is the most popular time to get engaged, but summer is the most popular time to get married. Mindy Weiss, owner of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, says to take it slow and then start planning. Bronson Van Wyck, founder of Van Wyck & Van Wyck, says 12 to 15 months is a good length of time for couples to enjoy their engagement while not losing sight of their future marriage or the wedding planning process. That might be perfect for you and your partner, and an engagement of that length is a good balance. It gives you time to plan your wedding and relax between tasks. Jenna Lam, event director of Jenna Lam Events, says clients should enjoy the engagement period and not rush into planning. I think an ideal engagement is one year, with a planning process of around eight to nine months.

How long to wait to marry after engagement?

How long after an engagement should you marry? There’s no set time to get married after getting engaged. Brides.com says most weddings are a year or eighteen months after the engagement. That’s why so many engagements happen in the winter. They also suggest waiting three weeks or a month after the engagement to plan the wedding. Your wedding planning timeline depends on other things going on in your life, like waiting until you graduate or move. Your wedding planning timeline may also depend on when you want to get married. When should you start wedding planning? It depends on your venue. Popular venues like the Skyline Princess have dates booked a year in advance. Enjoy your engagement! Then choose a few dates and call your venue.

What is the 2 year rule for relationships?

Benson says couples should talk about their future together within two years. If they’re not getting married, they should break up. When my husband and I were dating, his dad told us to wait at least a year before getting engaged. He said it would be good to “go through the four seasons together.” We dated for about a year and nine months before getting married. I thought about my father-in-law’s advice when I read the new book from Marriage Foundation research director Harry Benson, Commit or Quit. The Two-Year Rule and Other Rules for Romance. Benson combines his 30 years of marriage with the latest social science on relationships to help young couples build more stable unions. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to avoid getting stuck in a dead-end relationship. Benson says couples should talk about their future together within two years. If they’re not getting married, they should break up. He says that waiting longer won’t tell you much about your partner and it keeps you in the high-risk cohabiting camp rather than moving into the low-risk married camp. I recently spoke with Benson about the book, including his two-year rule, the “marriageability” test, and defining commitment.