Which statement about the ages of first-time brides and grooms in the United States is true?

• A. They are younger than in the past.
• B. They are about the same as in the past.
• C. They are older than at any other time in U.S. history.
• D. The data show no clear trend.

Answer: (C)

The pattern here is that the age at which people marry for the first time has been rising in the United States for many decades. Data from the Census and other demographic sources show that both women and men now marry later than in the past, and in recent years the median age at first marriage has reached its highest levels on record. For example, women commonly marry in their late twenties, and men in their early thirties, whereas several decades ago the typical ages were about five to ten years younger. This overall upward trend is linked to factors like longer years in education, pursuing careers, financial considerations, and changing social norms about when to marry. Because of this sustained rise, the statement that first-time brides and grooms are older than at any previous time in U.S. history best reflects the data.