Young Couples in Singapore Embrace Marriage Before Age 25

In a notable shift from prevailing trends, some couples in Singapore are choosing to marry before the age of 25, defying societal expectations and statistics. Among them is 20-year-old Nur Dzakiyyah Isaman, who wed Muhammad Danish Hussien in 2024, nearly a decade earlier than the median age for marriage in the country. As they settled into married life, the couple faced challenges related to their young ages, including mandatory marriage preparation classes and restrictions on housing applications.

Ms. Dzakiyyah and her husband had been dating for two years when they decided to commit, guided by their religious values. However, because she had not yet turned 21, they encountered hurdles in applying for a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, a common aspiration for newlyweds in Singapore. Despite these challenges, Ms. Dzakiyyah described her decision to marry as “the best decision” of her life, emphasizing the joy of having her partner by her side.

For Chloe Yap, marriage came naturally after becoming pregnant at 20, although she later suffered a miscarriage. Reflecting on her decision to marry young, she noted that without the pregnancy, she and her partner might have postponed their plans indefinitely. “If I didn’t get pregnant … I think we would have dragged on for a very long time before settling down,” Ms. Yap said, highlighting her desire to be a present parent, a sentiment shaped by her upbringing.

Another couple, Natthan and Joye Hannah Lee, met during a virtual church camp in June 2021. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading them to marry on April 8, 2023, when Mr. Lee was still a university student. “We loved being together so much that it didn’t make sense to keep saying goodbye at the end of the day,” he shared, illustrating the couple’s strong emotional bond.

These stories reflect a small but growing trend in Singapore, where the median age for first marriages has been steadily increasing. According to a report from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the median age for grooms rose from 30.2 years in 2014 to 31.1 years in 2024, while brides saw an increase from 28.2 to 29.6 years during the same period. The number of marriages among those aged 24 and below has also declined, with Department of Statistics (SingStat) figures showing a notable drop in younger grooms and brides since 2020.

Despite the decreasing trend in young marriages, couples who wed early often face scrutiny and challenges. Many report assumptions that their unions stemmed from unplanned pregnancies. Ms. Dzakiyyah noted that their application for a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat was delayed because of her age, which further complicated their plans for the future.

To address the needs of younger couples, the MSF offers the Marriage Preparation Programme for Young Couples. This initiative provides essential resources, including consultations and workshops tailored for couples where one partner is aged 18 to 21. Such support aims to equip young couples with skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of marriage.

Though marrying young presents unique challenges, many couples find it rewarding. A Thinavarshini, who married at 20, expressed her desire to start a family early, believing it would allow her to remain energetic and engaged in her children’s lives. “People view early marriages as if it’s very bad, like we’re going to ‘spoil’ our career and studies. But when you have a supportive family and partner, it’s going to be good,” she remarked.

Financial stability often emerges as a significant concern for young couples. Ms. Yap shared her experience of marrying at 21 while her husband was still serving in National Service, which limited their time together and income. Similarly, Ms. Ho Zhi Hui and her husband Wu Shao Yang faced financial pressures, having to budget carefully for their wedding and home renovation while raising a child. “We were young and quite broke, so we planned quite in advance,” Ms. Ho stated.

Statistics reveal that younger couples face higher divorce rates within their first decade of marriage. Data from SingStat indicates that almost one in four women who married between the ages of 20 and 24 divorced within ten years, while for men, the rate was nearly three in ten. These figures suggest that younger couples may experience greater pressures, including financial stress and differing life goals.

Despite this, experts assert that age alone does not determine marital success. Dr. Shannon Ang, an assistant professor of sociology at the Nanyang Technological University, pointed out that a significant portion of younger marriages do last beyond the ten-year mark. Around 60 to 70 percent of these unions survive, demonstrating that well-prepared couples can create lasting relationships.

Even as young couples encounter skepticism from peers and family, they remain committed to their choices. Ms. Dzakiyyah recalled feeling “underestimated” by some relatives, while Ms. Zhuo Jiayi, who married at 23, emphasized that societal opinions did not dictate their path. “We felt that we had reached a certain level in our relationship and we believed we could proceed into this marriage,” she said.

Ultimately, young couples recognize that marrying early can involve trade-offs, but they embrace the journey with open communication and commitment. Many opt for scaled-down wedding celebrations and find ways to manage finances jointly. Ms. Yap articulated the balancing act of early parenthood, stating, “If you were to marry later, you would be more financially prepared. But that’s your battle to choose.”

As these couples navigate their early marriages, they share a common belief: the decision to wed young is deeply personal and should be approached with clarity and intention. The stories of couples like Ms. Dzakiyyah and Mr. Lee illustrate that while the path may be challenging, it can also lead to fulfilling partnerships filled with growth and shared experiences.