Many couples and singletons dream about getting married on Valentine’s Day. The holiday is known for its romance, so a Valentine’s wedding would make perfect sense.
However, the romantic spell of Valentine’s Day does not guarantee a marriage’s success. To the contrary, it could indicate a rocky time. A recent study suggests that couples who marry on Valentine’s Day are more likely to divorce than other spouses.
The reality of marrying on Valentine’s Day
The University of Melbourne tracked the progress of one million married couples over nine years. Researchers discovered a higher rate of divorce among spouses that married on a date that had a special significance, such as Valentine’s Day or other holidays.
According to the data:
- Eleven percent of Valentine’s marriages divorced by their fifth anniversary, compared to eight percent of other marriages
- Twenty-one percent of Valentine’s marriages ended by their ninth anniversary, compared to 19 percent other marriages
The researchers provided a few hypotheses regarding the demise of these marriages. They note that:
- Spouses who marry on Valentine’s Day are more likely to be previously divorced with children
- These brides are more likely to be pregnant than other brides
- Couples may focus on planning the wedding ceremony and neglect planning for their future
Romance does not always last
Divorce is painful for any couple. It can be heartbreaking to plan a future, only to watch it fall apart—especially after a romantic wedding ceremony. While two lovers may believe that marrying on Valentine’s Day will cement their romance forever, this is not always the case. As the data show, a marriage built on a holiday known for love does not necessarily mean that it will last.