"Why More Child-Free Women Over 40 Are Saying ‘I Do’—For the First Time"

Let's be real: life doesn’t come with a pre-set timeline, no matter what society tells us. For many child-free women over 40, the idea of marriage was never off the table; it was just waiting for the right time (or maybe the right person). And now, cultural shifts are giving more women the freedom to choose what they want, when they want it—including tying the knot later in life.

A Growing Trend: First Marriages Over 40

While it's traditionally been expected that marriage happens in your 20s or 30s, an increasing number of women are embracing first marriages in their 40s, free from the pressures of building a family. As of 2022, about 17.7% of women aged 40-44 in the U.S. were child-free, a number that has steadily risen in recent decades​

Statista

For these women, a later-life first marriage doesn’t come with the baggage of societal expectations or the pressure of “keeping up” with a family-focused lifestyle.

What’s fueling this shift? Part of it is practical—many women over 40 have reached stability in their careers, own homes, and have personal savings. They’re able to make decisions with confidence and without rushing into marriage. Plus, with improvements in healthcare and longer life expectancy, the 40s are truly just the beginning for many of us!

Why Wait? The Advantages of First Marriages Later in Life

Waiting to marry until after 40 can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s why:

1. You know what you want (and what you absolutely don’t). At this stage, you’re confident, independent, and less likely to compromise on the things that matter most.
   1. You bring a wealth of life experience. By now, you’ve traveled, achieved career goals, and cultivated deep friendships. All this adds depth to your relationship and keeps you grounded.
   2. Less pressure to “check off” life events. Without the looming pressure to have children or conform to society’s timeline, you can genuinely enjoy being married and focus on your partnership.

   Stats and Trends in First Marriages Over 40

   Research shows that later-life marriages are a growing trend. Between 1990 and 2019, first-time marriage rates for women over 40 increased by over 30%​

   Bowling Green State University

   Many of these women are child-free by choice, breaking the mold and proving that life after 40 can be just as full of firsts as any other decade.

   In fact, sociologists have found that more people today are rejecting conventional timelines, a trend that could continue as more women prioritize career and personal growth over traditional family structures.

   Is This the Right Time for You?

   If you’re over 40, child-free, and considering marriage for the first time, now could be the perfect time. With the maturity, stability, and self-awareness that come with age, you can build a marriage based on genuine compatibility, trust, and shared values.

   Ready to Pop the Question—Or the Champagne?

   Whether you’re thinking about marriage or simply enjoying the single life, it’s all about doing what feels right. The beauty of today’s world is that you get to decide your path, on your terms.

   Shop the Look of Freedom: Explore Styles for Every Stage

   Looking to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe? Check out this collection of jewelry that celebrates every chapter. 

   Love Your Lifestyle, Child-Free and Confident

   Stay stylish, stay true to you! Browse our curated selection of phone cases and accessories that reflect your independent spirit.

   
   

   #MarriageOver40 #FirstMarriage #ChildFreeWomen #LateLifeMarriage #LiveOnYourTerms #IndependentWomen