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Marrying Your First Love Statistics and Facts
Marrying your first love is popular, but is it a good idea?
According to recent marrying your first love statistics, the divorce rate for couples who marry their first love is significantly lower than for those who do not.
So, what’s the verdict?
Should you marry your first love?
Some studies suggest that first love marriages have a lower divorce rate and higher satisfaction levels, while others warn that limited dating experience may lead to regret.
Read on to find out!
Key Statistics On Marrying Your First Love
Make a note that of those that didn’t marry their first love, 40% say they wish they had. There’s something special about marrying your first love statistics.
- 30% of Americans say they married their first love.
- 70% of divorced couples regret not marrying their first love.
- People aged 20-24 are the most likely to marry their first love.
- Nearly 60% of surveyed married individuals reported they were still with their first love
- The divorce rate for couples who marry their first love is significantly lower than for those who do not.
- Couples who marry their first love are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction and commitment in their relationship.
- First-time marriages are more likely to last longer than subsequent marriages.
- Marrying your first love is associated with lower levels of psychological distress.
- Of those who didn’t marry their first love, 40% say they wish they had.
- Nearly 60% of respondents said that they had married their first love.
- The percentages were much lower in Nevada and Florida, at just over 40%.
- The age range of people most likely to marry their first love is between 20 and 24.
- Over 2,000 adults, nearly 60% of married respondents said they were “very happy” with their relationship, compared to just 28% of singles.
- 48% of people choose to divorce their first love
How Common Is It to Marry Your First Love?
First love often feels unforgettable, but how many people actually marry and stay with their first love?
30% of Americans say they married their first love (YouGov Study).
13% of people in the UK are currently married to their first love.
Love is a mysterious thing.
It can make people do things they never thought possible and feel things they never knew existed. And according to some surveys, it might also be the key to a successful marriage.
Marrying your first love might be more common than you think.
A recent survey found that nearly 30% of Americans say they married their first love.
And according marrying your first love statistics, of those who didn’t marry their first love, 40% say they wish they had.
- There are several reasons why marrying your first love might be a good idea.
- For one, you already know each other very well.
- You’ve seen each other at your best and worst, and you know how to deal with each other’s quirks.
- Additionally, studies have shown that couples who marry their first love tend to be more satisfied with their marriages than those who don’t.
- They also report higher levels of trust and communication and are less likely to get divorced.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to marrying your first love. You may not have had the opportunity to date other people and learn about what you do and don’t want in a partner. Additionally, if you marry young, you may not have had the time to
The percentage of people who marry their first love
It’s no secret that love can be complicated. Relationships require work, communication, and a willingness to grow and change. However, something must be said for the simplicity of first love. This love is often portrayed in movies and novels, the intense and all-consuming kind that seems to last forever. But how often does first love lead to marriage? A recent study says the answer is not as often as you might think. The study found that only 60% of people marry their first love. While this may seem like a low number, it’s pretty typical. After all, most people date around before settling down with one person. So, if you’re wondering whether you should marry your first love, the answer is ultimately up to you. But don’t be discouraged if your relationship doesn’t last forever. First, love is unique, but it’s not the only kind of love.
The states with the highest percentage of people who marry their first love
According to a recent study, the states with the highest percentage of people who marry their first love are Hawaii, Nevada, and Florida. The study, conducted by the website Your Tango, surveyed over 2,000 individuals to determine the percentage of people who married their first love. Interestingly, the results varied significantly by state. In Hawaii, for example, nearly 60% of respondents said they had married their first love. By contrast, the percentages were much lower in Nevada and Florida, at just over 40%. The study also found that women were more likely than men to marry their first love, and those who had dated for a shorter time were more likely to do so. Overall, though the percentages may be lower than some would expect, it is clear that there are still many people who choose to marry their first love.
Why does this matter?
While first love marriages aren’t the majority, they still account for a significant percentage of lifelong commitments.
Do First Love Marriages Last? Divorce and Happiness Rates
The longevity of first love marriages is a topic of much debate. Here’s what the numbers say:
- First love marriages have a lower divorce rate compared to second marriages.
- 64% of first love spouses believe they will stay together for life—higher than the 88% average for all married couples.
- 48% of people who marry their first love eventually divorce.
- In the United Kingdom, one in four adults is married (27%). Half of these (13% of the population) are married to their first love.
- Marriages to second-loves are considerably more common (36%), and 25% of those who marry have loved three or more people before their spouse.
- New YouGov research has found that love-free marriages are more resilient than established couples in several ways.
- According to the study’s findings, unmarried relationships – which are more likely to be in their early stages – offer a higher level of love: 64% are undoubtedly in love, compared to 57% of married people. Those who married their first love, on the other hand, are just as sure about being in love (64%).
- Only 19% of people in their first marriage have considered leaving their spouse, compared to a third (34%) of married individuals who have loved previously.
- People who married their first love are more than twice as likely (97%) to believe they will be with their spouse until death do them apart than those who didn’t (88%).
- It’s partly a generational difference – older people are more likely to have married young (and therefore their first love), and some of the effects may be due to generational differences regarding marriage.
- A recent survey conducted by one of the authors revealed striking variations in gender.
- Men are more likely than women to be confident they are in love with their partner (62% compared to 57%) and find their partner sexually appealing (81% versus 72%).
- Women have considered leaving their spouse, on average, once every 38 minutes for over 24 hours.
Regret Factor:
- 70% of divorced people regret not marrying their first love.
- 40% of those who didn’t marry their first love wish they had.
What does this tell us?
While many first love marriages succeed, nearly half don’t, and regret can go both ways—whether you marry your first love or not.
Why Do First Love Marriages Work?
There are some clear advantages to marrying your first love:
- Stronger Emotional Bond – Couples share a deep history, which builds trust and connection.
- Higher Commitment Levels – Less dating experience often means less emotional baggage.
- Increased Relationship Satisfaction – Studies suggest first love marriages often report higher trust and communication (Psychology Today).
Example:
Couples who grow together through life changes, career shifts, and personal development tend to have higher marital satisfaction.
Studies show that people who marry before 25 are more likely to divorce due to personal development shifts and evolving priorities.
Science says that according to emotional attachment theory suggests that early romantic bonds create deep psychological connections (Journal of Marriage & Family).
The age range of people most likely to marry their first love
For many people, the idea of marrying their first love is romantic. And while there are certainly plenty of stories of people who have done just that, the reality is that most people do not marry their first love. Research indicates that the age range of people most likely to marry their first love is between 20 and 24. After that, the chances of marrying your first love start to decline sharply. There are several possible explanations for this. For one thing, people in their 20s are generally more romantic and less experienced in relationships. As they age, they may become more realistic about what they want in a partner and less likely to settle for someone who doesn’t meet all of their criteria.
Additionally, as people age, they accumulate more baggage from previous relationships, making it harder to open up to new partners. Ultimately, though, people in their 20s are most likely to marry their first love because they haven’t met as many people. So, if you’re in your 20s and still pining for your first love, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The chances are good that you’ll find someone else.
70% of divorced couples regret not marrying their first love
A new study has found that 70% of divorced couples regret not marrying their first love. The research, conducted by a team of relationship experts, surveyed 1,000 people who had been through a divorce. The respondents were asked about their regrets, and the most common answer was that they wished they had married their first love. Other regrets included staying in a bad relationship for too long and not being more open with their partner about their feelings. While it’s impossible to know what would have happened if they had made different choices, the respondents said they wished they had listened to their hearts and followed their gut instinct. For anyone considering getting married, the takeaway from this study is to make sure you are sure about your decision. Marrying your first love may not always work out, but regret is a powerful emotion that can linger long after a divorce.
Statistics on whether or not married couples are happier than those who are single
It’s a debate that has been raging for years – are married couples happier than those who are single? The answer, according to the data, is a resounding yes. In a study of over 2,000 adults, nearly 60% of married respondents said they were “pleased” with their relationship, compared to just 28% of singles. Furthermore, married couples were more likely to report high satisfaction with their sex life, communication with their partner, and overall relationship satisfaction. So why are married couples so much happier? One theory is that marriage provides a sense of stability and security that is not available to single people. With a lifelong partner by your side, you know you will always have someone to rely on, no matter what life throws your way. Another possibility is that married couples have committed to happiness – consciously or unconsciously decided that their relationship is worth fighting for. They are willing to put in the work required to make it thrive. Whatever the reason, the data is clear – if you’re looking for happiness in your relationship, tying the knot is an excellent place to start.
Reasons why 48% of people choose to divorce their first love
A recent study has found that 48% of people choose to divorce their first love. While the reasons for this vary, some common factors can contribute to deciding to end a relationship. One reason is that people who marry their first love may have unrealistic expectations about marriage. They may believe that marriage will be easy and that they will never argue or have disagreements. However, marriage takes work, and even the best relationships require effort. Without this understanding, couples may quickly become disillusioned and decide to divorce. Another reason why people divorce their first love is that they marry young. Often, people who marry young have not had time to develop as individuals fully. As a result, they may grow in different directions and find that they no longer have anything in common. It can lead to feelings of resentment and eventually lead to divorce. Finally, people may divorce their first love because they outgrow the relationship. Over time, interests and values change, and people move on. While this can be a sad realization, it is often a sign that it is time to end the relationship. For these reasons, 48% of people choose to divorce their first love.
Final Verdict: Is Marrying Your First Love a Good Idea?
If your relationship is built on strong communication, shared values, common vision and mutual growth, it can work, for sure!
However, if you haven’t explored what you truly want in a partner, waiting might be a better choice.
Your Takeaway:
- First love does not guarantee success or failure.
- Strong relationships, as always, require effort, self-awareness, and alignment—not just history.
- Marry for love—but also for compatibility, shared goals, common vision and mutual growth.
Related:
Sources for this article on marrying your first love statistics:

Petri Maatta is a mindset coach and neuroscience-focused author with 15 years of experience in personal transformation and success psychology. After seven years of business failures, he discovered the power of manifestation through a Fortune 500 mentor. Now, he shares neuroscience-backed strategies through DreamMaker membership, helping others transform their businesses and lives on their own terms.
Read My Story here.
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