20 Important Things to Consider Before Getting Married

Marriage often begins with excitement, hope, and that quiet sense of “we’re really doing this.” There’s love, laughter, plans scribbled in the margins of everyday life… and also a few pauses that deserve attention.

Are we ready for the ordinary days as much as we are for the big ones?

How do we show up when things feel messy, tiring, or uncertain?

Before vows and celebrations, it helps to slow down and notice what already exists between two people. The conversations that feel easy, the disagreements that don’t, the values that guide decisions, and the habits that shape daily life.

These things to consider before getting married aren’t about perfection; they’re about awareness. Because commitment isn’t built on romance, but on understanding, patience, and willingness to grow together.

Why it’s important to think carefully before getting married

Thinking carefully about marriage isn’t about doubt or fear; it’s about care. Love can feel certain, warm, and deeply reassuring… but daily life has a way of revealing things slowly.

How do you handle stress together, or quiet disappointment?

What happens when expectations don’t match reality?

Pausing to reflect on things to consider before getting married helps create clarity, not pressure. It allows space for honest conversations, softer understanding, and realistic hope.

Marriage isn’t just a promise made in a moment; it’s a series of choices made over time, with patience, respect, and intention.

20 important things to consider before getting married

When you decide to get married and think you have found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, the decision to get married should not be difficult.

However, when you look at marriages with an approach of practicality and rationality, you may realize that sharing your life with someone else can mean a lot of changes that need to be discussed before you decide to make your union official and legal.

1. Love

It is crystal clear that love is one of the vital elements needed in any form of a relationship. This applies to marriage, too. Analyzing your feelings and being sure about them are the first few things to do before marriage.

Without you loving your spouse or your spouse loving you (for who you are), the marriage is not likely to last, unfortunately. Before you say “I do,” be sure that you genuinely love your partner and that they love you for who you are.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Ask yourself if you love who your partner is today, not who you hope they’ll become
• Notice whether you feel emotionally safe being fully yourself around them
• Reflect on whether love shows up in actions, not just words

2. Commitment

While love can be fleeting, commitment is a promise to keep loving each other. Commitment is all about staying by your partner’s side, no matter the circumstances. It means going through “thick and thin” with your partner. 

If you are not committed physically, mentally, and spiritually to your partner, you might want to reconsider your decision to tie the knot. Whether or not two people are committed to each other tops the list of things couples should talk about before marriage.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Discuss what “staying through hard times” realistically looks like for both of you
• Pay attention to how you both respond when things feel inconvenient or uncomfortable
• Ask whether you’re willing to choose the relationship even when feelings fluctuate

3. Trust

Trust is one of the most important elements of a successful marriage. Trust is the most crucial determinant of the health and longevity of a marriage.

Research highlight: Trust in romantic relationships is shaped by attachment styles, past relationship experiences, and relationship beliefs. This study found that anxious and avoidant attachment styles predict lower trust, with anxious attachment influencing trust through beliefs about individuality, while avoidant attachment directly reduces trust.

If couples can do what they say and say what they do, they create an atmosphere of trust and reliability in knowing their words and actions mean something to their significant other.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Notice if you can rely on each other’s words without constant reassurance
• Observe how conflicts are handled without secrecy or manipulation
• Reflect on whether honesty feels natural, even when it’s uncomfortable

4. Effective communication

How to know each other before marriage?

By now, you should know that effective communication is one of the crucial elements of marriage. A gap in the communication structure of a marriage can often lead to a failed relationship.

You are in a healthy marriage when you can openly express your deep feelings and avoid burying hurt or anger. There are various things to know about each other before marriage, and communication is a great tool for that.

No partner in a relationship should feel shy or timid about communicating their feelings at any point. Neither of you should have second thoughts about sharing your needs, desires, pain points, and thoughts. 

Talking about effective communication is one of the important things to do before getting married.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Practice sharing feelings without blaming or shutting down
• Notice whether both of you feel heard during disagreements
• Check if tough conversations lead to understanding, not avoidance

5. Patience and forgiveness

Nobody is perfect. Arguments, fights, and disagreements can be common among couples. 

If you communicate effectively with your partner, you will be able to see things from your partner’s perspective.

Patience and forgiveness will always remain the essential elements of a marriage. You need to consider whether you and your partner have these two virtues for each other and for yourselves. 

One needs to be patient and forgiving, even with oneself, to sustain a lasting relationship with one’s spouse.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Reflect on how quickly resentment builds after conflict
• Observe whether apologies are sincere and followed by changed behavior
• Ask if you allow room for mistakes, growth, and grace

6. Intimacy

One of the important elements of marriage is the intimacy that lays the foundation for any marriage or romantic relationship. Intimacy is not just physical. Being intimate also has an emotional aspect.

So, what do you need to know before marriage?

What are the things to learn before marriage to understand your partner better and establish intimacy?

Talk openly with your partner. For things to talk about before marriage, you can discuss your needs and desires as the first step to establishing intimacy.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Talk openly about emotional and physical needs without fear or shame
• Notice whether affection feels mutual and respectful
• Reflect on how safe vulnerability feels in the relationship

7. Selflessness

Selfishness in a relationship is like a wrecking ball that shakes the foundation of a marriage.

Most marriages break down due to badly managed marriage finances, lack of commitment, instances of infidelity, or incompatibility, but selfishness in relationships can lead to resentment, pushing the relationship to the verge of extinction.

Selfish people are dedicated only to themselves; they show little patience and never learn how to be successful spouses.

Wondering what to know before getting married? Make sure your spouse is not selfish and can put your needs on priority with theirs.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Observe whether compromises go both ways
• Notice how decisions are made when needs conflict
• Ask if your partner supports you without keeping score

8. Respect           

Respect is one of the fundamental elements of a good marriage. Before you decide to tie the knot, it is important to consider that you and your partner have mutual respect. 

Respect is essential for a healthy marriage, as it can help you get through tough times and disagreements, and consider your partner’s perspective in big and small decisions.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Pay attention to how disagreements are handled in public and private
• Notice whether boundaries are acknowledged and honored
• Reflect on whether appreciation is expressed regularly

9. Friendship is vital

The secret to a long-lasting partnership is friends before you become husband and wife.

Some people might enter a marriage with people they either don’t know or aren’t comfortable with. These people could just be in love with the idea of being married and not the person they are marrying.     

As important as it is to have other qualities in a relationship for a healthy marriage, it is just as important to be each other’s best friends as well. 

Play games and have fun together. Build a boat for treasure with the love of your life in your favorite spin slot. Your favorite games and hobbies will help you bond and begin your journey of friendship.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Ask yourself if you genuinely enjoy everyday moments together
• Notice whether laughter and play exist alongside responsibility
• Reflect on whether you’d still choose each other without romance

10. Financial discussions are a must

It’s not uncommon for couples to divorce a few months after getting married because they can’t agree on finances.

Money topics are not easy to discuss, especially when you’re just getting to know each other. Moreover, the way you approach financial management in your marriage directly influences your marital quality.

However, don’t make the mistake of entering marriage before understanding how you’ll share your finances. One of the benefits of getting married is the opportunity to acquire and share assets.

Before you get married, plan how you will share expenses, because you’ll eventually live together and everyone will have to contribute.

Decide whether you’re both going to work till retirement or whether one of you will venture into business or take care of the growing family. If you plan well, you’ll avoid those arguments that may threaten your marriage.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Have open conversations about spending, saving, and debt
• Agree on how shared expenses will be handled
• Discuss long-term financial goals without avoidance

11. Your intimacy needs must match

Sex is not the most important thing in a relationship or marriage, but it does have its own place. When your intimacy needs are not compatible, it won’t be easy for the two of you to enjoy lovemaking.

If you do not believe in premarital sex, make sure you speak to your partner about your needs and wants before getting married.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Talk honestly about frequency, comfort levels, and expectations
• Notice whether differences are discussed respectfully
• Reflect on whether intimacy conversations feel safe and judgment-free

12. Know what your partner feels about kids

While everyone dreams of getting married and growing a family, some people may choose not to have kids. Your partner can be one of them, and you won’t know about it until you bring up the topic.

The conversation about kids tops the list of things couples should do before getting married. This topic can become a grave concern in the future. You must also not get married to your partner, thinking they will eventually change their mind.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Clearly discuss whether you both want children or not
• Talk about timelines, parenting values, and responsibilities
• Avoid assuming feelings will change later

13. Know how you feel when you’re alone with your love

Being all alone with your partner and knowing how you think about it is super important for getting married. Take a trip together, staying at a resort, and spending some time together, especially right before getting married or engaged, can help you get a better idea about each other.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Spend extended time together without distractions
• Notice whether silence feels comfortable or tense
• Reflect on how conflicts surface when routines settle in

14. Pre-marriage counseling

This is one of the essential pre-marriage tips to consider. But most of us conveniently tend to overlook it.

Many times, couples getting married have a hard time deciding what to do before getting married or what to talk about before marriage. Pre-marriage counseling is the best way to gain deeper insights into things before getting married, including legal matters.

For many couples, sitting down for counseling or taking classes (yes, it’s a thing) helps them be better prepared for marriage and the challenges that may come after the wedding.

Talking to expert marriage counselors can give you insights into topics such as money management and conflict resolution. A reliable, unbiased mediator will help you understand each other’s expectations and desires.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Be open to third-party guidance without defensiveness
• Use counseling to discuss topics you usually avoid
• Notice whether insights lead to growth, not blame

15. Better yourself as an individual

Marriage is when two people decide to become one. This means that the two of you have decided to live your life together, share everything in joint ownership, and be each other’s better half. And what kind of partnership would it be if one of you can’t even manage themselves well?

Before even thinking about getting married, contemplate your issues and try to work them out. These are the things to consider before getting married. So, one of the critical pre-marriage tips is to destroy your bad habits. Invest time in taking care of yourself.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Take responsibility for your emotional triggers
• Work on habits that could strain the relationship
• Prioritize personal growth alongside partnership

16. Learn life skills

Getting married means that at some point, you will have to move in together with your partner and get by on your own feet. That is why learning how to do certain things is very practical.

Marriage is not all about spending all your free time cuddling and watching movies together. It’s also about doing chores and running errands. You’ve got to do your part of the work, and you’ve got to do it right.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Share household responsibilities without resentment
• Be capable of managing basic daily tasks independently
• Discuss expectations around chores and routines

17. Your partner does not complete you

One of the important things in marriage that you must know is that your partner does not complete you. While you may enjoy their company and love them, you have to be your person before anything else. 

If you feel you cannot be with yourself and lack self-love and care, you must add this to the list of things to consider before getting married.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Notice whether your identity exists outside the relationship
• Maintain friendships, interests, and self-care
• Reflect on whether love enhances your life, not defines it

18. Be aware of the expectations

However, a marriage can be very different from a relationship. When you are in a committed relationship, you know what is expected from you, and your partner is aware of your expectations of them. 

Expectations of each other are important things to know before marriage. How they want you to treat their family, how you want them to treat yours, and how much time you expect each other to spend together are some of the expectations that should be clear before you get married.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Clearly discuss expectations around family and time together
• Talk about boundaries with extended family
• Revisit expectations regularly as life changes  

Watch this TED Talk where therapist Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile shares how redefining relationship rules can lead to healthier, stronger connections:

19. Discuss what different situations mean to you both

What happens if someone cheats in a marriage?

How do you decide if one of you thinks the marriage is over?

Having a few tough conversations before getting married can help you make a better, more informed decision about whether you want to do it and how to navigate the tough times if and when they arrive.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Talk through difficult scenarios before they happen
• Agree on values around loyalty, separation, and repair
• Notice whether tough topics lead to clarity, not fear

20. Do not marry potential

You know your partner is a good person. However, they are not exactly who you wish to spend the rest of your life with. You may love them, but you have certain expectations that they do not meet. 

In that case, this is one of the most important things to consider before getting married. It would help if you did not marry them for their potential, but for who they are.

If you marry them for who they can potentially be, you not only set yourself up for disappointment, but you also set unrealistic expectations for them that they may not be able to meet.

Here’s how to know if you’re truly ready:

• Accept your partner as they are right now
• Let go of expectations rooted in future change
• Ask yourself if you’d still choose them if nothing changed

The bottom line

Marriage isn’t about having every answer figured out; it’s about being willing to keep asking the right questions together. Some answers come easily, others take time, patience, and a few honest pauses along the way… and that’s okay.

Thinking through “what are the things to consider before getting married?” helps create awareness, not fear. It invites openness, shared responsibility, and deeper understanding.

No relationship is perfect, but thoughtful choices build stronger foundations. When love is paired with clarity, respect, and intention, commitment becomes less about pressure and more about promise… a steady, meaningful step forward, together.

Getting married? Set your relationship up for long-term success.

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When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

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Rachael Pace Author

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships... Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less