How to Know You're Ready for Marriage

Is love enough—or is there more to the story?

Love is an essential part of any successful marriage, but experts agree it shouldn't be the only reason.

We all know the stories: the whirlwind romances, the grand proposals, the belief that love conquers all. And love is important. It's the spark that brings people together, the reason you smile at your phone, the fuel behind spontaneous road trips and late-night conversations. But when it comes to marriage—the long-haul commitment of building a life together—love might not be enough on its own.

So, how do you know when you're really ready to tie the knot? Let's take a look at what matters most when considering marriage beyond butterflies and bouquet tosses.

Is Love the Right Reason to Get Married?

Love is an essential part of any successful marriage—but experts agree it shouldn't be the only reason. As therapist Dr. Cortney Warren points out, "Love is necessary for a healthy relationship, but it is not sufficient" (Psych Central). A marriage based solely on emotion may falter when real-life stressors—money issues, health concerns, family dynamics—enter the picture.

In fact, many couples discover that the deeper qualities of a marriage aren't always romantic. Commitment, compatibility, and communication play vital roles. So, while you should absolutely love your partner, it's wise to pause and ask: Do I feel ready for the kind of partnership that marriage demands?

What Really Makes a Marriage Work?

Let's talk about the less glamorous but crucial ingredients that help marriages thrive:

Emotional maturity is a big one. Are you able to talk about tough topics without shutting down or lashing out? Do you know how to apologize and take accountability? According to Business Insider, couples who show high levels of emotional intelligence—such as managing their emotions and demonstrating empathy—are more likely to succeed in long-term commitments.

Another must-have is shared values and life goals. Love can bring two people together, but if one of you wants three kids in the suburbs and the other dreams of a child-free life abroad, you'll face serious friction. A shared vision doesn't mean agreeing on everything, but it does mean having aligned priorities when it comes to finances, family, lifestyle, and the future.

And yes, communication skills are non-negotiable. Do you feel heard and respected in conversations with your partner? Can you navigate disagreements without turning them into shouting matches or silent treatments? As therapist Dr. Kelsey Latimer explains, being able to work through conflict constructively is one of the most important signs that you're ready for a lifelong partnership (Brides).

Are You Marrying for the Right Reasons?

Let's get honest for a second. Some people get married because their friends are getting married. Or because their family expects it. Or because they think a wedding will "fix" what's broken in the relationship. None of those are good enough reasons.

As author and relationship expert Mark Manson writes, "Marriage should be the cherry on top of an already happy and functioning relationship" (Mark Manson). If your connection is full of ups and downs, if you feel anxious or unsure about the future together, it's worth examining those feelings before walking down the aisle.

How Do You Know You're Ready?

There's no perfect test, but there are some strong signals that you're on solid ground:

You genuinely want to get married—not to meet an expectation, but because you want this next step. You and your partner have had meaningful conversations about the hard stuff: money, kids, careers, sex, boundaries, even religion. You've seen each other through tough times, not just Instagram-worthy vacations. And perhaps most importantly, you still like each other. Not just love—like. You enjoy spending time together. You laugh. You support one another's growth.

Being ready for marriage also means recognizing that relationships are dynamic. You won't always feel head-over-heels, and that's okay. What matters is that you're committed to continuing the work—together.

Should You Wait a Little Longer?

If you're having doubts, don't ignore them. Doubt doesn't mean the relationship is doomed, but it's a sign to slow down and evaluate. Do you feel pressure to move forward due to age, family, or social media timelines? That's a red flag to take a breath.

Give yourself permission to wait. Sometimes, a little more time and a few more conversations are exactly what's needed to feel secure in your decision. There's no award for marrying by a certain age—but there's a lot to gain by marrying when you're truly ready.

Take the Next Step (Even If It's Not Marriage—Yet)

If you're wondering whether it's time to pop the question—or press pause—you're not alone. Every relationship is different, but having honest conversations early on is key to setting yourself up for a strong, connected future.

That's why we created the Ready Set Relationship Early Marriage Workshop. Our three-part series is designed for couples just like you: thoughtful, curious, and ready to explore what a lasting commitment really looks like. We cover communication, conflict resolution, boundaries, and how your family background can shape your relationship today.

These workshops are part education, part experience—and totally worthwhile. Before you book a venue, book some time for your relationship. It's one of the best investments you can make.

You don't have to have all the answers. But you deserve the tools to ask the right questions. Check out our upcoming workshops here and take the next step together.