Nevada Marriages Last Shorter Than Most Due to Young Population and Quick Weddings

Census Bureau data reveals that the median length of marriages in the U.S. is 20 years. The median length of marriage for each state depends on differences in the age demographics of its population. Nevada’s median length of marriage is 17.7 years.

In the Northeast, where residents tend to be older on average, marriages generally last longer. Vermont reports the highest median duration at 22.6 years, followed closely by Maine and Wisconsin, each at 22.5 years.

In contrast, states with younger populations show shorter marriage durations. The shortest median marriages are in Alaska (16.3 years), Nevada (17.7), and Texas (17.8).

Nationally, Americans are marrying later in life. The median age for first marriage is 30.2 years for men and 28.6 years for women, marking an increase compared to previous decades.

Nevada stands out in marriage trends, largely due to Las Vegas as the nation's leading destination for quick, themed weddings. This reputation contrasts with its earlier history. For much of the 20th century, particularly Reno, Nevada was known as the divorce capital of the world. In 1931, the state reduced the residency requirement for divorce to six weeks, far shorter than in most states, enabling rapid dissolutions. This prominence declined in the late 1960s as no-fault divorce laws spread nationwide, making quick divorces accessible everywhere. Nevada maintains a relatively straightforward divorce process today, but its former dominance has faded. The state has since embraced its role as a premier wedding destination, with Las Vegas chapels offering fast, around-the-clock ceremonies. This transition from quick divorces to impulse weddings reflects Nevada's evolving position in national marriage patterns.

Oklahoma has the highest divorce rate in the country, with 9.7 divorces per 1,000 people. Rhode Island had the lowest rate, with 5.1 divorces per 1,000.

These variations demonstrate how demographic factors, particularly age distribution, play a key role in marital longevity across states. Federal agencies collect this information to forecast funding needs for programs involving spousal benefits, assess the impact of family-related policies, and inform future planning.