In Italy, the average age at which men first get married has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. This reflects broader trends across much of the developed world, where both men and women are choosing to postpone marriage until later in life compared to previous generations.
The rising age of first marriage for Italian men
According to data from ISTAT (the Italian National Institute of Statistics), the average age at first marriage for Italian men in 2019 was 35.7 years old. This represents an increase of over 5 years compared to thirty years earlier in 1990, when the average age was 30.5.
The table below shows how the average age at first marriage for Italian men has progressively increased over the past three decades:
| Year | Average age at first marriage for men |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 30.5 |
| 2000 | 32.1 |
| 2010 | 34.3 |
| 2019 | 35.7 |
As the table shows, the average age has increased by over 5 years from 30.5 in 1990 to 35.7 in 2019. This reflects a steady long-term trend towards men marrying later.
Regional variations
While the national average age at first marriage for Italian men is now over 35, there are some significant regional variations across the country.
In general, men in the more economically developed northern regions of Italy tend to marry later. For example, in 2019 the average age at first marriage was:
- 37.2 years in Lombardy (northwest Italy)
- 36.8 years in Piedmont (northwest Italy)
- 36.3 years in Emilia-Romagna (north-central Italy)
In contrast, men tend to marry younger in the less prosperous southern regions. For example, in 2019 the average age at first marriage was:
- 34.5 years in Campania (southern Italy)
- 34.3 years in Calabria (southern Italy)
- 34.1 years in Sicily (southern Italy)
So while the national figure is 35.7 years, regional variation ranges from over 37 years in parts of northern Italy down to around 34 years in parts of the south.
Why are Italian men marrying later?
There are several social and economic factors that help explain why Italian men are postponing marriage to later in life compared to the past:
Increased education and career focus
Over the last few decades, younger Italian men have become increasingly likely to pursue higher education and invest time establishing their careers before considering marriage. Spending longer in education reduces the time available for seeking a wife.
Weakened social pressures
The traditional social expectation that men should marry relatively young has weakened significantly. Italian society is now more accepting of men remaining unmarried into their 30s or beyond.
Economic uncertainty
High youth unemployment and job insecurity makes men feel less financially secure. This leads many to wait until they are older and more established before marrying.
Increased cohabitation
Rising numbers of Italian couples now live together in de facto relationships without officially marrying. For some, marriage may eventually follow once they feel more ready.
Housing costs
High housing costs, especially in cities like Rome and Milan, are a barrier for young singles considering marriage. Sharing housing costs as a married couple requires financial security that often comes later in life.
What is the average age gap between Italian husbands and wives?
Traditionally, Italian husbands tended to be older than their wives. However, the average age gap between spouses has narrowed over time.
Data from ISTAT shows that in 2019, the average age difference between Italian husbands and wives getting married for the first time was:
- 2.6 years for marriages in northern and central Italy
- 3.4 years for marriages in southern Italy and the islands
So while husbands still tend to be a few years older on average, the age gap is small compared to the past when men would commonly marry much younger women.
The “amoreggiamento” tradition
Southern Italian culture had a long tradition known as “amoreggiamento” which involved men seeking to marry younger women, ideally around 20 years old. This practice has faded over time, with partners now closer in age.
How does Italy compare internationally?
Italy’s average male age at first marriage of 35.7 years is similar to many other developed countries. For example:
- In Australia, the average man marries at 32.1 years.
- In the United Kingdom, the average age is 35.8 years.
- In Japan, the average age is 31.1 years.
- In Canada, the average age is 35.2 years.
So while Italy is at the older end of the spectrum, many Northern European and Anglosphere countries have similar averages around the mid-30s. The main exceptions are Eastern European nations where men continue to marry quite early, typically in their late 20s.
How has marriage changed in Italy?
Beyond men’s rising age at first marriage, there are several other key changes in Italian marriage patterns, including:
Declining marriage rate
The absolute number of marriages in Italy has declined over the last four decades, from around 390,000 per year in 1977 to around 190,000 in 2019. Overall marriage rates have approximately halved.
Increased divorce rate
While still low by European standards, Italy’s divorce rate has steadily risen since divorce was legalised in 1974. Around 50% of marriages are now estimated to end in divorce.
Fewer remarriages
Remarriage after divorce has become less common. An increasing share of divorced Italians remain single or cohabit rather than remarrying.
Less marriage inequality
The large gaps between male and female marriage ages have equalised over time. Differences in average ages across regions have also narrowed.
Less family involvement
Arranged marriages and dowries have been replaced by autonomous choice of partners based on romantic love, with less family control or involvement.
More childless couples
An increasing share of married Italian couples now remain childless (around 25% in 2020). Having children is no longer seen as an essential part of marriage.
Conclusion
In summary, Italian men are now waiting until their mid-30s on average before marrying for the first time. This reflects broader social trends towards delayed marriage and family formation, driven by increased education and career pursuits, economic uncertainties and evolving cultural attitudes. While regional differences persist, the long-term shift towards later marriage for men has been Italy-wide.
Marriage patterns are also changing in other ways, with declining marriage rates but rising instability through divorce. Yet marriage remains an important social institution, even if practiced and perceived differently than in the past. Most Italian men do eventually marry – just not as young as their fathers and grandfathers once did.