The 10 Worst States for Marriage (And the Best)

Best States for Marriage Research Summary

The best state for marriage is Georgia, where the average wedding costs only $19,142 and only 1.35% of married couples got divorced last year.

The worst state for marriage is Montana, where the average wedding costs $23,000 and only 2.3% of married couples got divorced last year.

Hawaii has the least amount of couples getting divorced, at only 0.93% last year.

Arkansas has the cheapest average wedding costs, at only $12,426.

Getting married can be one of the most significant decisions of your life—whether it turns out to be a blissful journey or a challenging experience.

From the ceremony planning to the marriage itself, many factors can contribute to success or failure. Sometimes a dream outdoor wedding may be marred by unexpected rain, while the financial pressure of an extravagant celebration can strain even the strongest relationships.

Additionally, the dynamics of marriage are influenced by various aspects, including finances, family support, and geographical location. To better understand these factors, we analyzed data to identify the states where marriage may be more precarious. The findings suggest that some states might be better off saying, “I don’t.”

How We Determined This

We evaluated each state based on three key factors:

Average wedding cost
Divorce rate
Annual rainfall in inches

First, we gathered average wedding cost data from ValuePenguin. Weddings can be expensive; even if you live happily ever after, it’s beneficial if the financial burden doesn’t linger.

Next, we examined each state’s divorce rates using the most recent ACS Census data to determine the percentage of ever-married couples who reported a divorce within the past year. While love may be in the air, the reality is that a marriage ending often indicates deeper issues at play.

Finally, we considered annual rainfall in inches. While rain is often seen as a sign of good luck on your wedding day, it can also lead to muddy aisles and soggy celebrations.

1. Georgia

Georgia

Average Wedding Cost: $19,142
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.35%
Rainfall: 50.72 inches

Georgia ranks as the worst state in the U.S. for weddings, with 1.35% of all married Georgians experiencing divorce last year. While this figure may not seem substantial, it translates to a noticeable risk over the long term. Additionally, couples should prepare for a potentially rainy wedding day.

2. Louisiana

Louisiana

Average Wedding Cost: $16,842
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.28%
Rainfall: 60.09 inches

Louisiana is a close second. Although the average wedding costs a relatively low $16,842, couples should be cautious about planning outdoor events, as the state sees an average of 60.09 inches of rain annually, second only to Hawaii.

3. Maryland

Maryland

Average Wedding Cost: $27,498
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.18%
Rainfall: 44.64 inches

In Maryland, the average wedding cost is a hefty $27,498. The combination of a relatively high divorce rate and less-than-ideal weather conditions raises concerns for couples hoping for a fairytale wedding.

4. Connecticut

Connecticut

Average Wedding Cost: $29,499
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.07%
Rainfall: 50.39 inches

Weddings in Connecticut are even pricier, averaging $29,499. While the divorce rate is slightly lower than Maryland’s, the weather is similar, earning Connecticut its fourth-place ranking.

5. Alabama

Alabama

Average Wedding Cost: $15,056
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.38%
Rainfall: 58.28 inches

Alabama, known as “Sweet Home Alabama,” may not be the best place to tie the knot. With one of the highest divorce rates in the nation, potential couples might want to reconsider.

6. Massachusetts

Massachusetts

Average Wedding Cost: $30,489
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.00%
Rainfall: 47.88 inches

In Massachusetts, couples spend an average of $30,489 on their wedding. With a divorce rate of 1%, the high wedding costs make it a significant financial commitment for couples who may not have the best odds.

7. Hawaii

Hawaii

Average Wedding Cost: $25,747
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 0.93%
Rainfall: 63.7 inches

Hawaii is a stunning wedding destination, but couples should weigh the high costs and significant rainfall against the allure of a tropical wedding.

8. Arkansas

Arkansas

Average Wedding Cost: $12,426
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.60%
Rainfall: 50.78 inches

Arkansas has the highest yearly divorce rate in the nation. This statistic raises questions about the state of marriages in Arkansas, making it a less desirable location for couples seeking long-lasting unions.

9. Virginia

Virginia

Average Wedding Cost: $23,966
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.18%
Rainfall: 44.39 inches

Virginia falls short in all three categories, with average wedding costs being moderately high, the weather being less than favorable, and a mediocre divorce rate.

10. Delaware

Delaware

Average Wedding Cost: $23,416
Percent of Married Couples Who Got Divorced Last Year: 1.14%
Rainfall: 45.68 inches

Delaware rounds out the list with a narrative similar to Virginia’s, lacking in affordability, favorable weather, and a promising divorce rate.

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Ultimately, the state where you choose to marry doesn’t guarantee marital bliss or lead to inevitable divorce. However, certain states do have higher divorce rates that may serve as a warning.

If you’re eyeing those high divorce rates and considering potential career paths, you might find opportunities in fields like couples counseling or divorce law.

The Worst States for Weddings

Rank	State
1	Georgia
2	Louisiana
3	Maryland
4	Connecticut
5	Alabama
6	Massachusetts
7	Hawaii
8	Arkansas
9	Virginia
10	Delaware
11	Tennessee
12	Washington
13	Kentucky
13	Indiana
15	Mississippi
16	New Hampshire
16	Alaska
18	Florida
18	North Carolina
18	New Jersey
21	Rhode Island
22	South Carolina
23	Maine
24	Texas
25	Pennsylvania
25	Missouri
27	West Virginia
28	Oregon
29	New York
30	Oklahoma
31	Wyoming
32	Vermont
32	Colorado
34	California
35	Idaho
36	Utah
37	Illinois
37	Ohio
39	Kansas
40	Michigan
41	Arizona
41	Nevada
43	Minnesota
44	Wisconsin
45	Nebraska
46	New Mexico
47	Iowa
48	North Dakota
49	South Dakota
50	Montana

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.