Marriage in the Philippines is undergoing a quiet transformation—one that is being shaped not only by national trends but also by the evolving values of the country’s youngest adults. According to newly released government data, registered marriages declined by 7.8 percent in 2023, dropping from 449,428 in 2022 to 414,213. The crude marriage rate (CMR) also fell from 4.0 to 3.7 marriages per 1,000 population, underscoring a broader shift in how Filipinos approach commitment and family life.
These national figures reflect more than just numbers—they mirror a generational shift in attitudes, particularly among Gen Z Filipinos, who are increasingly questioning traditional expectations and redefining what marriage means to them. A recent survey focused on this demographic found that only 40 percent of Gen Z respondents say they want to get married someday. Of those, a significant 60 percent prefer to marry after the age of 35, well beyond the age norms followed by earlier generations.
The findings indicate that Gen Z Filipinos are approaching marriage with greater intentionality,” said Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, Founder of Arkipelago Analytics. “Rather than following traditional timelines, many are prioritizing emotional readiness, personal goals, and long-term compatibility,” she noted.
This later timeline speaks volumes. Where older generations may have seen marriage as a rite of passage in their twenties, Gen Z appears to view it as a long-term, deliberate commitment—something to be pursued with maturity and stability rather than haste or obligation.
The survey also revealed that 55 percent of Gen Z respondents do not feel any pressure to get married, suggesting a growing emphasis on personal choice and emotional readiness. For many, the decision to marry—if at all—is deeply rooted in trust, partnership, and shared values.
When asked why they would consider marriage, most Gen Z respondents emphasized emotional and relational reasons. The most cited motivation was to share life with someone they deeply love and trust, followed closely by the desire for a lifelong teammate and sexual compatibility and physical intimacy. Fewer respondents said they wanted to marry to raise children, build a home, or meet family and societal expectations. Notably, only small percentages identified religious beliefs or legal and financial stability as their primary reasons for marrying.
The changing face of marriage is also visible in regional and seasonal trends. The highest number of registered marriages in 2023 occurred in CALABARZON (14.6 percent of the national total), followed by the National Capital Region (12.5 percent)and Central Luzon (11.5 percent)—regions with dense populations and growing urban centers. In contrast, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the lowest number of marriages, accounting for just 0.5 percent of the total. Meanwhile, February remained the most popular month to wed, aligning with Valentine’s Day celebrations and romantic symbolism.
Taken together, these findings suggest that while marriage remains a valued institution for many Filipinos, it is no longer viewed as a default life path—especially by the country’s younger generation. Gen Z’s perspectives on marriage reflect a more introspective, emotionally intelligent approach to relationships, emphasizing mutual trust, autonomy, and timing over tradition or pressure.
As Gen Z continues to come of age, their preferences and principles are likely to reshape the future of family life in the Philippines. Marriage, for them, is not disappearing—it’s simply being redefined.