The Case for Getting Married Young

It used to be the norm for women to get married in their early 20’s. It was seen as the proper thing to do, to settle down, have some kids and get about your business of starting a family.

Things have progressed rapidly since generation X and Australian women are getting married continually later in life as the years go on.

According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, in 1975 the median age for a woman’s first marriage was 21 years. Figures from 2013 suggest that this median age is now 28, indicating a seven year jump over 38 years.

This may be attributed to the growing number of tertiary-level educated women who are opting for career development and financial security prior to marriage, with similar claims suggesting that growing divorce rates may be a factor.

Amongst this debate is Mary Lamb, nee Brandstetter who is one of a handful of young Australian women kicking this trend.

To Mary these figures mean nothing.

“Age wasn’t even a thing for me, it was more that I had found the right person and we were just lucky to find each other young.”

The 21-year-old university student married her equally young groom less than a week ago, and doesn’t mince her words when it comes to the idea that career development is a legitimate reason for postponing marriage.

“We live in a time where women want to be different to the ones around a few decades ago. They want to be independent and free and prove that they do not need a man to be happy. Their goals have changed, they want to become successful in their own career.”

“Women who intentionally marry later in life probably think they wouldn’t be able to focus of their career if they had a husband, but personally, I feel like I have nothing to prove. I am married and yet I am still doing my own thing and will continue to do so.”

She explains the shift as a reaction to changes in the prerogatives of modern day millennials.

“People my age just have different priorities. They want to have fun and experiment by trying new things and enjoying their freedom. Marriage would simply sound like prison to a generation who refuse to be tied down.”

Mary admits that early marriage is not for everyone, but encourages her peers to enjoy being single and look forward to marriage once they find the right person.

By Amy Sullivan