Marriage has long been seen as the pinnacle of commitment, but as time goes on, the landscape of marriage and what it means to us is changing. From couples considering the idea of “social media prenuptial agreements” to individuals pondering “marriage sabbaticals” to focus on personal growth, relationships are being shaped by new priorities, greater flexibility, and evolving legal rights.
We surveyed 1,000 UK respondents to reveal how attitudes toward marriage are changing, the traditions that remain a core pillar in modern relationships, and differing opinions on personal wellbeing, fairness, and choice, just as much as romance.
Is marriage still the goal? Exploring different perspectives
For generations, marriage has been seen as an ‘ultimate goal’ for many couples, and the results of our study show that tradition appears to be holding strong.
While cohabitation offers more flexibility than marriage despite a lack of legal rights, our findings reveal that 58% of people would still want to get married even if they had the option to cohabit with the same legal rights as marriage. The highest result was seen among those between the ages of 18-24, with 69% agreeing. In contrast, those between the ages of 45-54 were least likely to want to get married, with only 52% stating that they would still marry.
The emotional and cultural weight of marriage remains significant, with the results suggesting that, for many, the formal act of marriage still represents something irreplaceable. Only 21% of respondents said they would consider cohabiting with full legal rights instead of tying the knot. So, while modern relationships are evolving, it remains clear that the institution of marriage continues to carry meaning that goes beyond paperwork.
Despite this, 63% of people believe that cohabiting couples should have the same legal rights as married couples, highlighting that for some, this type of commitment is not about the legal benefits; it’s about choosing how to define your relationship on your own terms.
Why do we marry: is it love, security, or societal expectation?
When asked why people chose to marry, love and emotional commitment were the key reasons for over 1 in 2 (52%) people, citing this as the driving force behind their decision. Starting or raising a family followed with 29%, highlighting that marriage still plays a central role in how many envision their future.
A further 24% of people cited stability and long-term security, with many viewing marriage as a foundation for building a shared life. Interestingly, a smaller portion admitted they married simply because their partner wanted to (8%). Taking a closer look at the results, men (11%) were more likely to marry because their partner wanted to than women (5%).
Should prenups as standard be the new norm for marriages?
Prenuptial agreements have long been associated with the rich and famous, but is the legal protection they provide something the wider public is increasingly keen to embrace?
Our research shows that 2 in 5 (41%) people believe prenups should be a standard part of marriage contracts. Interestingly, those between the ages of 25-34 (59%) were twice as likely to think prenups should come as standard as those over the age of 55 (27%).
In addition to the financial protection prenuptial agreements bring, many people believe that couples should have ‘social media prenups’.
With more relationships now playing out on digital platforms, 39% of people believe couples should have a ‘social media prenup’, formally agreeing on what can and can’t be shared online, particularly following a breakup. Those within the 25-34 age bracket felt strongest, with 69% agreeing. Taking a closer look at the dividing opinions, men (44%) were more likely to believe in the idea of a social media prenup than women (33%).
For many, protecting their reputation in the digital age is becoming just as important as securing their finances.
Living together vs. staying together
Cohabitation often comes with its own set of challenges. While living together can deepen the emotional bonds within a relationship, it can also make it harder to leave a relationship when it’s no longer working.
A staggering 68% of respondents admitted to staying in a relationship longer than they wanted to. Of those who have experienced this, 29% stayed for emotional reasons, 20% for financial reasons, and 19% due to a shared living environment. Those between 25 and 34 years old were 40% more likely to have stayed in a relationship longer than they wanted than 55+ year olds.
And then there’s the sleep divorce – the practice of sleeping separately for better rest. Over 1 in 2 (56%) people are either open to this idea or already sleep apart, recognising that separate sleeping arrangements can actually improve overall wellbeing, even if it feels unconventional.
Technology’s role in modern marriages
According to our survey, more people believe that dating apps and online relationships have improved marriages (30%) than worsened them (28%). Additionally, 59% of 25-34 year olds feel they have had a positive impact, five times the percentage of individuals aged 55+ (12.25%).
Of those who feel dating apps have improved marriages, by making it easier to find compatible partners (16%), increasing the pool of potential partners (15%), and helping to normalise diverse relationship styles (13%).
By contrast, 14% of people believe dating apps have made it harder to commit to a relationship, while a further 13% think these apps make it easier to meet people outside of a monogamous relationship. It’s clear to see that the digital age is changing how we form and maintain relationships, for better or for worse.
Redefining expectations: monogamy and “marriage sabbaticals”
For many people, monogamy – often expressed in the traditional vow to ‘forsake all others’ – has been considered one of the most important factors when committing to a marriage. But as time goes on, more and more people question whether lifelong commitment to one partner is realistic.
According to the data, nearly 1 in 3 people (31%) believe that monogamy is no longer a ‘realistic’ ideal in modern relationships. This perspective is especially common among younger adults, with almost 2 in 5 (42%) of those aged 18–24 expressing this view – the highest proportion among all age groups.
Views on monogamy are broadly similar between men and women, though men are slightly more likely to believe it’s still a realistic ideal, with 69% saying so, compared to 67% of women.
The idea of redefining traditional relationship structures extends beyond monogamy. One in four people (24%) say they’re open to a “marriage sabbatical” – a temporary break from the relationship focused on personal growth rather than separation. Interest in this concept is particularly strong among 25–34 year-olds, with 47% in favour, compared to just 8% of those aged 55 and older.
Marriage is no longer the only way to show love and commitment. Whether it’s through legal rights for cohabiting couples, changing views on monogamy, or accepting the idea of personal sabbaticals, today’s relationships are about more than just a piece of paper. It’s about choice, flexibility, and finding what works best within each relationship.
As we continue to reshape our views on relationships and commitment, one thing is certain – there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to love.
