Teen Marriages: Is It Time to Say “I Do?”

Have you ever wondered how old you would be when you got married? Lots of teenagers enter into relationships, and many have hopes of  an eventual marriage. The age people get married has varied drastically through the years.

During the Middle Ages, the practice of youthful marriages continued and women married as early as fourteen. Men generally waited until they were more established in life, which was usually when they were in their twenties or early thirties. In 1371, due to the plague, the average age for marriage for men was 24, and for women, it was 16. By 1427, the average male of all classes did not wed until he was in his mid thirties, usually choosing a bride about half his age.

Foley High School Sophomore Jada Powell said, “In my opinion, teen marriages don’t last very long. Marriage has plenty of responsibilities that teens don’t have time for. However, I don’t see a problem with it if it’s someone 19 and older, because they’re out of school, have jobs, and time on their hands. Marriage should wait so that you’ll make sure you’re mature and don’t have multiple partners.” 

Women have traditionally been under the jurisdiction of their fathers, so young girls were often married off when they were between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Some young men married at the age of fourteen also. Historically worldwide, individuals were allowed to enter into a marriage contract at a very young age. In Ancient Rome, the appropriate minimum marital age was regarded as 14 for males and 12 for females. When Rome became Christianized, these age minimums were adopted into the ecclesiastical law of the Catholic Church. This canon law governed most marriages in Western Europe until the Reformation.

Foley High School Sophomore Heaven Ramos said,” I feel that teen marriages will not work out. A marriage is between a man and a woman.”

The reasons for teenagers getting married so early in their lives are simple; most are in love. Some teenagers are insecure and want a sense of belonging. Accidental pregnancy is also a reason for teen marriage.

Foley High School Sophomore, Trent Trotter said, “In my opinion, teen marriages are not recommended by me. I say this because when you get married you are only going to get tired of your partner. Another reason is because the level of maturity is still in process. Again, it’s not something recommended by me.”

Marriage takes a lot of deliberation, compromise and trust. I really think that teens shouldn’t get married at this time because they are way to young to be stuck with one person. I personally would prefer to get married when I’m in my late twenties or early thirties.

Leave us a comment and let us know how old you plan to be when you get married.