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Over the past few decades, the median age at which people get married has steadily climbed. According to one report, “The median age at first marriage has risen steadily from a low in the 1950s of about 20 for women and 22 for men to 28.1 for women and 30.5 for men in 2020”. There are many reasons for this, from societal norms to economic concerns. However, even though the median age is rising, plenty of people still get married at a young age.

If you’re someone who is looking to get married at a young age, typically below age 25, then it’s important to determine if you’re actually ready. Below are some questions you can ask yourself to help determine your readiness.

How Well Do You Know Your Partner?

The first thing you’ll want to ask yourself is how well you actually know your partner. Marriage is a long-term commitment, and it’s essential that you know the person you’re going to marry as well as you can. The more you know about someone, the better you can decide if this person is a compatible match for the years to come.

For example, how does this person respond in times of crisis? Do they have any health concerns? Are they able to effectively communicate what they want from a relationship? There are some things you can only learn about a person after you’ve known them for enough time, which is one reason why you shouldn’t rush into a marriage too soon.

Are You Mentally Prepared?

Next, think about your own mental preparedness. Getting married means moving onto a more independent phase of your life with your partner. Some studies suggest that people aren’t emotionally developed until the age of 25. This means that if you’re younger than 25, you could still have some room to grow in terms of mental preparation.

If you’re still at a point in your life where you rely heavily on your parents, you may not be ready for marriage yet. Think about what life would be like when it’s just you and your partner and whether you’re ready to handle all the responsibilities that come with this new lifestyle.

Are You Financially Prepared?

A big consideration before marriage is both your and your partner’s finances. In many cases, when two people get married, they combine their financial situations. This means both the good and the bad, like a combined income but also combined debts. What is the partner’s financial situation, and is it something you’re ready to take on?

One option you may want to explore before getting married at a young age is a prenuptial agreement. According to Laura Gillis, a prenup lawyer, “Prenuptial agreements, also called premarital agreements or a “prenup,” are legal contracts that couples sign before getting married. This contract outlines the distribution of assets and liabilities in the event of a divorce or separation. It can also cover issues like spousal support, property division, and the rights and responsibilities of each spouse during the marriage.”

Take the time to explore your financial situation before getting married. Take stock of your income along with your combined debts, such as school loans or credit card debts. In some cases, it may make more sense to put off marriage until you are both in a more financially secure position.

Do You Have an Education Plan?

For students, you’ll want to consider how getting married will impact your education plans. As an example, if you are both still in school, will you continue to pursue your education after graduation? Or will one of you leave school to get a job while the other continues studying? How will you decide who studies and who seeks employment?

Your education is important and can set you up for long-term success in your chosen career field. If getting married at a young age disrupts these plans or makes it harder to earn your degree, you should consider delaying marriage until after you graduate.

Do You Know Where You’ll Live?

Some couples need to consider where they’ll live once they get married. Maybe you both currently have roommates and would need to find your own apartment after getting married, or maybe one of you still lives with your parents. Will you be able to find a location that is suitable for both you and your partner in terms of commuting to work or distance to family? Will you be able to afford rent or a mortgage together in your desired location? Getting a suitable living condition worked out can take some time, which is why many people delay getting married.

Would You Benefit from Waiting?

Finally, ask yourself if you really need to get married now. While you may love your partner and wish to get started on your life together, you may benefit from a delay. Delaying could allow you more time to learn about your partner, get your financial situation in order, and feel more secure in your decision. And, if your partner is right for you, it doesn’t matter if you get married now or later.

Take the time to consider all these factors before you decide whether or not to get married. It’s a big decision and one you don’t want to rush into, especially at a young age. Sometimes, even a small delay can be significantly beneficial and make life after marriage much easier.