Joshua Bennett
There is much debate surrounding the topic of marriage age within the Catholic Church. While the average age of marriage is increasing, with the average age of marriage for women in 2021 being 28.6 years and 30.4 years for men, some argue that young adults should be tying the knot earlier. The Catholic Church has its own set of requirements for a valid marriage, including the freedom to marry, mutual consent, the intention to marry for life, and the canonical form of consenting in the presence of witnesses and an authorized church representative. The Church also recognizes marriages between non-Catholic Christians and Catholics, although consent from a bishop is required. While some advocate for early marriage, others emphasize the importance of making a lifetime commitment at a more mature age when individuals are more established. Ultimately, the decision to marry and when to do so is a personal one, influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, personal values, and religious beliefs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a valid marriage for males | 14-16 years |
| Minimum age for a valid marriage for females | 12-14 years |
| Average age of marriage for women in 2021 | 28.6 years |
| Average age of marriage for men in 2021 | 30.4 years |
| Average age of marriage for women in 1920 | 21 years |
| Average age of marriage for men in 1920 | 24 years |
| Percentage of people who are glad they got married at a young age | 29% |
| Percentage of people who are glad they waited until they were older to get married | 24% |
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What You'll Learn
Current Catholic marriage age laws
The current minimum marriageable age in the Catholic Church is 14 for girls and 16 for boys. This is according to the 1917 and 1983 Code of Canon Law, which raised the minimum age from 12 for girls and 14 for boys. However, it is important to note that the acceptability of marriage at these young ages has been questioned, with some arguing that marriage should be delayed until individuals are in their late 20s. This shift in perspective is influenced by factors such as pursuing higher education, establishing a career, and buying a home.
The Catholic Church's stance on the minimum age of marriage has evolved over time. Historically, before the 1917 Code of Canon Law, the minimum age for a dissoluble betrothal was 7 years for both sexes, while the minimum age for a valid marriage was puberty or nominally 14 for males and 12 for females. The Code of Canon Law raised the minimum age for marriage, setting it at 14 years for girls and 16 years for boys.
While the Church's law sets the minimum age for marriage, the surrounding culture and societal norms also play a role in shaping the perception of appropriate marriage age. In recent times, the average age of marriage has increased. In 2021, the average age of marriage for women was 28.6 years, while for men, it was 30.4 years. This represents a significant shift from a century ago, when the average age of marriage for women was 21 and 24 for men.
Despite the legal and cultural considerations, individual circumstances and perspectives vary. Some individuals choose to marry their partners at a young age, while others prefer to wait until they feel more established in their lives. Ultimately, the decision to marry is a personal one, influenced by a combination of religious, cultural, and individual factors.
It is worth noting that the views on early marriage within the Catholic community are diverse. While some encourage young adults to explore their identity, work, and love before committing to marriage, others argue that delaying marriage is not always advantageous. They emphasize that age does not guarantee better decisions or more lasting marriages. Instead, they advocate for the importance of commitment, shared values, and adaptability in making marriage work, regardless of age.
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Historical context
The Catholic Church has historically considered a valid sacramental consummated marriage to be indissoluble. The Church has consistently held the position that a valid sacramental marriage, if not consummated, may be dissolved, but a consummated marriage cannot be dissolved. However, a marriage annulment can occur if two competent ecclesiastical tribunals declare that a particular marriage was not valid.
The Church's requirements for a valid marriage are outlined in the Code of Canon Law. These requirements include the spouses being free to marry, freely exchanging their consent, intending to marry for life and be faithful, and being open to having children. Their consent must also be given in the canonical form, in the presence of two witnesses and an authorized church official.
Historically, the Catholic Church has viewed virginity and celibacy as superior to marriage. Early Christian teachings, such as those found in the 2nd-century Shepherd of Hermas, emphasized the superiority of virginity over marriage. Prominent Christian figures like Cyprian (c. 200-258) also praised virginity. The 16th-century Council of Trent reaffirmed this doctrine, stating that remaining a virgin or celibate was more blessed than being joined in marriage.
In the past, the average age of marriage was much lower than it is today. For example, in 1920, the average age for women to marry was 21, while for men, it was 24. However, over the past century, the average age of marriage has increased, with women now waiting until their late twenties or even early thirties to marry. This delay in marriage is often attributed to factors such as pursuing higher education, establishing a career, or buying a home.
While the Catholic Church does not explicitly state a minimum age for marriage, it does recognize the validity of marriages between baptized Christians of different denominations, such as Lutherans or Orthodox Christians, as well as marriages between baptized non-Catholic Christians and Catholic Christians with the proper consent and permission.
Some Catholics argue that young adults should consider marrying earlier rather than later. They believe that delaying marriage can make it harder to keep wedding vows, and that surrendering to God's will and answering the call to marriage without delay is important. However, others emphasize the importance of making a lifetime commitment with maturity and responsibility, even if it means marrying at a slightly older age.
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Societal expectations
However, societal norms and expectations have shifted significantly in recent times. The prevailing sentiment among people of marrying age today is to wait until they have achieved certain milestones, such as completing their education, establishing a career, or even purchasing a home. This has resulted in an increase in the average age of marriage. In 2021, the average age of marriage for women was 28.6 years, while for men, it was 30.4 years, reflecting a notable increase compared to a century ago.
Some sociologists argue that early marriage is a significant predictor of divorce and encourage young adults to delay marriage until their late twenties to explore their identity, work on their careers, and develop as individuals. They suggest that postponing marriage leads to better career opportunities, more suitable partner choices, and reduced marital problems. This perspective aligns with the cultural shift towards prioritizing individual growth and career advancement before committing to marriage.
On the other hand, there is also a perspective that challenges the notion of delaying marriage. Some argue that waiting too long to marry may make it harder to keep wedding vows, and that getting married earlier allows couples to grow and struggle together. This view emphasizes the importance of commitment and shared experiences in building a strong marriage. Additionally, it is acknowledged that societal expectations can be at odds with religious beliefs, as some Catholics feel called by God to marry earlier and view marriage as a sacred covenant rather than solely a legal contract.
The decision to marry at a young age or wait until later is influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, personal beliefs, and individual circumstances. While societal expectations may encourage delaying marriage, there are also voices advocating for the benefits of marrying earlier, especially within the context of religious beliefs and the support of the Catholic community. Ultimately, the choice of when to marry is a personal one, and what may be considered "too young" or "too old" by societal standards can vary across different communities and individuals.
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Personal experiences
There are various personal experiences and opinions on how young Catholics should be when they get married. Some people believe that marrying young is a good idea, while others argue that delaying marriage can have benefits.
One individual shared their experience of marrying young, reflecting on their 35th wedding anniversary. They got married at 21 in 1987 and believe that delaying marriage until everything is "secure" is not always practical. They argue that life is unpredictable, and true security lies in faith. They encourage couples to surrender to God's will and not delay if they feel called to marriage.
Another person shared their story of marrying their college sweetheart during their senior year. Despite their father's initial apprehension, they are grateful they made the decision to grow up together through their 20s. They emphasize that marriage is about committing to a lifetime journey together, and their stubbornness to stay committed has served them well.
On the other hand, some sociologists argue that early marriage is the top predictor of divorce. They suggest that delaying marriage and parenthood until the later 20s allows individuals to explore their identity, work, and love. It also provides opportunities for career advancement and potentially better partner choices, leading to more lasting marriages.
A survey of 222 US Catholics revealed mixed opinions. While 29% were glad they married young, 25% felt that age didn't impact the success or failure of their marriage. Some respondents expressed concerns about finding a lifelong spouse and navigating the complexities of dating and courtship within the Catholic faith.
While some sectors of the Church encourage marriage, others emphasize the importance of considering religious life or priesthood, causing uncertainty for some individuals. Additionally, communities like the Hasidic Jews, Amish, and Baptists exert significant pressure on young people to marry early, which can be challenging for those seeking marriage partners within their faith.
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Religious perspectives
The Catholic Church has historically recognised the minimum age of marriage as being tied to the onset of puberty, or 14 for males and 12 for females. The 1917 Code of Canon Law raised the minimum age to 16 for males and 14 for females, which was maintained in the 1983 Code of Canon Law. However, there are historical cases of girls as young as 10 or 11 being married in the Catholic Church.
Some Catholics argue that it is okay to marry young, and that a culture that normalises women delaying marriage until their thirties is "suicidal". They believe that the Church's law respects what marriage, in conjunction with sexual maturity, is for. These individuals argue that a culture that sexualises children at younger and younger ages while pushing back marriage is problematic. They suggest that getting married at a young age can be beneficial, as it allows couples to grow and struggle together, fostering a strong commitment to one another.
On the other hand, some Catholics advocate for delaying marriage to the later twenties. They argue that early marriage is the number one predictor of divorce and that young adults should explore their identity, work, and love before settling down. Waiting, they suggest, can lead to better career opportunities, wiser choices in partners, and more stable marriages. This perspective aligns with the current trend of delaying marriage, with the average age of marriage in 2021 being 28.6 years for women and 30.4 years for men, a significant increase from a hundred years ago.
While the decision to marry young or wait may be influenced by religious beliefs and cultural norms, it is also shaped by individual circumstances and personal values. Some Catholics may feel called by God to marry young and see it as a surrender to God's will. Others may prioritise establishing their careers, gaining financial stability, or pursuing advanced degrees before considering marriage. Ultimately, the choice of when to marry involves a complex interplay of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach within the Catholic community.
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Frequently asked questions
According to canon law, a man must be at least 16 years old, and a woman must be at least 14 years old to enter into a valid marriage.
A valid Catholic marriage has four elements: the spouses are free to marry, they freely exchange their consent, they intend to marry for life and be faithful to each other and open to having children, and their consent is given in the canonical form in the presence of two witnesses and a properly authorized church.
Marrying young can help couples grow together and build a strong foundation for their marriage. It can also be an opportunity to adventure and explore life together. Additionally, marrying young can be an act of faith and surrender to God's will.
Marrying at a young age can bring uncertainty and doubts about being too young to make such a significant decision. It may also be challenging to navigate the complexities of marriage while still maturing and establishing oneself.
