Marriage is not for years: why more and more people are postponing their wedding
Modern Russians are increasingly tying the knot after the age of 30. The average age of grooms reaches 35 years, and brides are usually over 33. This shift reflects profound changes in social values, economic priorities, and views on family relations. According to experts, today marriage is perceived as a conscious and responsible step related to personal happiness and stability, and not just social obligations. Why young people postpone the appearance of a stamp in their passport and what this may threaten society — read in the Izvestia article.
The first time at 35
In recent years, the institution of marriage has been undergoing a transformation in Russia. According to recent data from the Registry of Registry Offices analytical portal, the average age of men and women who want to legally marry in the country has increased by 2.4 years compared to 2021. If four years ago, Russian grooms went to the registry office at an average age of 32.8 years, and brides at 30.7 years, then by July 2025 these figures had risen to 35.2 and 33.1 years, respectively.
Data analysis shows that the average age of brides is constantly increasing: in 2022 it was 31.2 years old, in 2023 it was 31.8 years old, and in 2024 it was already 32.5 years old. A similar trend can be observed among the grooms: in 2022, their average age was 33.3 years, in 2023 - 33.9, and in 2024 - 34.5 years.
But along with the increase in age, there is also an increase in the number of applications for marriage registration. If about 1.1 million such documents were submitted in 2021, then in 2024 - almost 2.8 million. Even in the incomplete year 2025, the number of requests exceeded 1.4 million, which indicates an increased interest of Russians in formalizing family relations.
Experts were interested in all this, since historically earlier marriages were typical for Russia. The change in demographic traditions is recorded throughout the country, although it is most pronounced in large cities with millions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Representatives of the registry offices note that the transformation has occurred not only in comparison with the Soviet period. The situation is also different from what was observed in the early 2010s. Statistical services emphasize that we are talking about the average sample: in megacities, the age of first marriage often approaches 38-40 years, and in some regions it remains closer to 30. The trend is fixed among all social groups, regardless of income or education level, which suggests an all-Russian shift in the approach to starting a family.
Experts are sure that this is not a single leap, but a steady trend in recent years, which indicates fundamental changes in the family attitudes of Russians.
— The family has become not so much a social obligation as a space for mutual support and development. People have become more serious about choosing a partner, and they tolerate inconsistencies and toxic scenarios less," Lerona Narinskaya, a quantum psychologist and rector of the Academy of Quantum Psychology, explains to Izvestia. According to the expert, if earlier marriage was preserved "for the sake of children" or "because it is accepted," now the focus has shifted to personal happiness and psychological compatibility.
You'll keep going
The main reason why Russians began to marry later is a change in life priorities and many socio-economic factors. Today, young people prefer to build a career, achieve financial stability and get their own housing before registering families.
— The modern economic landscape requires a longer period to achieve financial stability and career growth. Starting a family is postponed until the time when young people feel more confident and will be able to provide for themselves and their future children," Ekaterina Andreeva, associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, PhD, told Izvestia.
Traditional ideas about the "right" age of the bride and groom are gradually becoming a thing of the past, and the value of individual freedom, self-realization, and informed choice of a partner is growing. People strive for deeper and more conscious relationships before they formalize them legally, the expert argues. In addition, the expansion of educational and professional opportunities for women leads to the fact that they seek to realize themselves in these areas before focusing on starting a family.
Lerona Narinskaya agrees that late marriage is a reflection of a shift in society's priorities.
— In post-Soviet Russia, the model inherited from the USSR persisted for a long time: early marriage as a social norm and a tool for "arranging life." But the modern generation of young people is growing up in a different reality — with a focus on self-development, education, career, travel and self-discovery.
The psychology of choice has changed: "First, I will realize myself, understand myself, gain freedom and financial support — then I will think about my family," says the psychologist.
Lerona Narinskaya notes that with the advent of a culture of awareness in personal life, marriage has ceased to be an obligatory step of growing up — it is no longer concluded "because it is necessary" or "because it is time."
Psychologist Ilya Shamin, in turn, adds that the trend of late marriage is not only Russian, but global, and at least valid for the "golden billion". In addition to the above socio-economic and psychological reasons, the doctor also highlights some other aspects.
— There is a phenomenon that I call "marital procrastination", that is, it would be nice to do it, but sometime later. Due to the peculiarities of legislation and life practices in Russia, roommates will not be allowed in the hospital, but only spouses. But who thinks about it at the age of 30? — the expert wonders.
In addition, mortgage registration plays a significant role, because it is by the age of 30 that young people come to financial stability and career predictability, save up for the down payment and decide on partners. When there is a question of ownership of housing, it becomes more profitable to consolidate their rights through marriage.
Another reason is mobility and remote work.
— People with sought-after modern professions are not tied to a place, they like to travel and change locations. And if the partner doesn't share the desire to move to Sochi right now, then it's easier to break up and find a new partner. It's more and more difficult with spouses," Ilya Shamin notes.
Matchmaker Anna Osipova cites disappointing statistics: in Russia, there are 80 divorces per 100 marriages. According to the interlocutor of the publication, this is due to the fact that marriage has ceased to have the value that it had 10-20 years ago.
— Everything is becoming very tangible. Women are feminized, they no longer need a man as a breadwinner. And if a man is needed, then he "should" be the way a woman's imagination came up with him. And there are no such things. Therefore, there are more and more single women every day," the specialist complains.
The Female Kingdom
During a meeting on social issues on July 14, President Vladimir Putin stressed the seriousness of the demographic problem: there is a shortage of women of reproductive age in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova agreed with this assessment and explained that the demographic shortage of women is caused by two main historical waves: heavy losses during the Great Patriotic War and the demographic crisis of the 1990s. Since 2006, the number of women of reproductive age has decreased from 39 million to 34 million (about 13%), and by 2046 it is projected to further decrease to 27 million (about 20%).
In addition, in 2023, the predominance of the male population among newborns was recorded in Russia: 51.5% of boys versus 48.5% of girls, which exacerbates the shortage of women in the country and creates additional challenges for the demographic balance. However, women still predominate among Russians of fertile age.
— The traditional predominance of women in the total population of Russia has an impact on marital relations, creating competition. However, it is important to keep in mind that gender imbalance is not the only factor determining the marriage situation in the country. Other factors also influence the choice of a partner and the decision to marry: social status, level of education, cultural values and personal preferences, explained Ekaterina Andreeva.
The imbalance of the sexes affects competition in the marriage market, confirms Lerona Narinskaya, a quantum psychologist and rector of the Academy of Quantum Psychology.
— Women are more likely to feel the pressure of the "get married in time" postulate, which can provoke anxiety and haste in choosing a partner. Men can choose longer and more freely, which also affects the age of marriage, the expert explains.
However, with the increasing self—sufficiency of women and their financial independence, they increasingly choose not to enter into relationships that do not correspond to their values at all, even if a partner is formally available. Women do not want to settle for "who they are", they are looking for "their own" — and this also slows down the marriage process, the Izvestia interlocutor added.
According to matchmaker Anna Osipova, there are 13 million more women in our country than men. Many ladies provide for themselves and their children on their own, take care of their health, and look good and young.
— Such a woman quite rightly wants to see her equal next to her: successful, rich, healthy. And a successful, rich, healthy man chooses a woman 20 years younger because he can afford it. Therefore, everything is very difficult with the institution of marriage," says the specialist.
A child's question
Late marriage, as a rule, leads to a later birth of the first child and a decrease in the overall birth rate. This creates additional challenges for demographic policy and requires the development of measures aimed at supporting young families.
— 30 years ago, they gave birth at the age of 20, and 35-year-olds were considered "old-borns." Now, for example, more than 50% of my clients — women under 38 and men under 50 — have never been married or have children," said matchmaker Anna Osipova.
The chance of pregnancy at age 25 is 25-30% in one cycle, and after 40 it is only 3-5%. These indicators do not correlate in any way with the general state of health and lifestyle: even the most athletic and slender 45-year-old woman will have a low ability to conceive. This is due to the fact that every girl is born with a certain supply of eggs, which is consumed during life. There is no way to save or increase it. It is very important to know about your reproductive capabilities and take measures if you plan to become a mother in adulthood, explained Elena Mladova, a reproductologist and chief physician at the Remedi Clinic.
According to Lerona Narinskaya, from a demographic point of view, marriage at a later age also reduces the likelihood of having multiple children. This is one of the reasons for the decline in the birth rate in the country.
On the other hand, mature parents have a higher level of responsibility and resourcefulness, which affects the quality of their children's upbringing. The idea is being reinforced in society that it is better late, but qualitatively, than early and chaotically.
Late marriages also mean a more responsible approach to parenthood, Ekaterina Andreeva believes.
— People who get married at a more mature age tend to take a more balanced approach to choosing a partner and building relationships. They know themselves and their needs better, which can help create more stable and long-term marriages. In addition, the institution of the family is undergoing changes related to the blurring of traditional gender roles and the growing number of partnerships based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, rather than patriarchy," the speaker added.
How to find love
Lerona Narinskaya is sure that in order to find your man, it is important to first understand yourself well.
— What are your needs, values, and relationships? Psychological maturity is not about age, but about the ability to be in a relationship without playing parent and child, but at the level of two adults," explains the specialist.
According to the doctor, willingness to marry can be indicated by the ability to resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than through resentment, respect for one's own and others' borders, the ability to speak openly about one's feelings, the presence of common values and a vision for the future. It is important not so much to look for the "ideal partner" as to build a relationship with him, where everyone is an equal creator of this union.
Another important factor necessary for building a healthy marriage is physical compatibility.
"Despite the fact that people are highly developed and social, we still instinctively decide very quickly whether a partner is suitable on a biological level or not," says Olesya Pavlikova, psychologist at the I Understand corporate well—being platform.
If there is a sexual coincidence, then it is important to check the compatibility of interests. This is a higher level of social interaction when two people build their relationships through spending time together and communicating. In all areas, a partner should be comfortable, understandable, good and safe, the specialist believes.
Another important point is the willingness to take responsibility. In a serious relationship, people realize that they can rely on each other in any life situation. A person may lose their job or experience health problems, but they know that their partner will provide them with mental, emotional, financial or physical support.
The third significant point is related to everyday life. Before getting married, you need to get used to a potential spouse well in everyday life.
Anna Osipova emphasizes that there is no need to focus on finding the perfect partner or creating a perfect marriage.
— Forget about "successful success" and look at the person, into his depth. Stop going to the courses "how to marry a millionaire" and "let's breathe the uterus." Start looking at a man not from the position of "I'm Rapunzel in the tower, let's conquer me", but from the position of: why do I need a partner? And if love comes first in your desires, then everything will work out," concluded the matchmaker.
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