Her husband, 22-year-old Muhammad Danish Hussien, had also just finished his national service. Their decision, made almost a decade earlier than the average Singaporean marrying age (around 30), shocked family and friends. Some even suspected she was pregnant.
During family gatherings, relatives bombarded her with questions: "Why get married so young? Don't you want to study further, pursue a career before settling down? Do you think marriage is easy?"
Due to their young age, they had to attend compulsory pre-marriage courses and counseling before registering their marriage. Being under 21, Dzakiyyah was ineligible for public housing. This delayed their dream of buying a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat, a milestone many Singaporeans consider the start of married life.
They were forced to rent a studio apartment. "Despite this, getting married was the best decision of my life," she said. "Everyone's experience is different."
For 26-year-old Natthan and 25-year-old Joye Hannah Lee, marriage came early but naturally. They met through church activities in mid-2021. Online chats quickly led to group outings, including a cycling trip that sparked a belief in love at first sight.
"This is the man I'm going to marry," Lee told her mother. By mid-2022, they were officially dating and headed straight for marriage. Natthan checked his school schedule and set a wedding date without hesitation.
They married on 8/4/2023 while Lee was still a university student. She said they were together so often that saying goodbye at the end of the day felt insignificant, and marriage formalized their shared life.
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Natthan Lee and Joye Hannah Lee in their Singapore apartment, August 2025. Photo: CNA |
Natthan Lee and Joye Hannah Lee in their Singapore apartment, August 2025. Photo: CNA
This couple is among the few young Singaporeans marrying as the median age for first marriage continues to rise, from 30.2 to 31.1 for men and 28.2 to 29.6 for women between 2014 and 2024, according to the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSFD).
Conversely, the number of people marrying under 24 dropped from 3,695 in 2020 to 3,105 in 2024, reflecting the pressures and stigma young couples face.
Women who marry between 20 and 24 have a 10-year divorce rate of 24.3%, significantly higher than older age groups. Many young Singaporeans announcing early marriage are often assumed to be "marrying due to pregnancy". This societal perception casts them as unprepared or coerced, even when the decision is well-considered.
This reaction becomes a social stigma, suggesting they are unprepared or forced, compelling many to explain their carefully weighed decisions based on mutual affection and planning.
Nur Dzakiyyah Isaman felt defeated facing the BTO paperwork she couldn't submit due to her age. She and her husband had to budget carefully, maximizing their minimal income.
"Marrying later might offer more financial stability, but you'd have less energy and time together. We chose to make the most of what we have," she said.
Experts observe that young married couples often grapple with shifting goals and financial stress, but age doesn't determine marital success.
Research from the National Institutes of Health Singapore shows that those marrying before 24 have a higher divorce risk, often facing financial strain, lack of life experience, and social pressure.
Jeremy E. Uecker, a sociologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA), suggests that voluntary marriage between 22 and 26 can increase life satisfaction due to social support and a sense of responsibility, while reducing risky behaviors like excessive drinking.
However, marrying in one's early 20s can lead to psychological stress from lack of preparation, higher divorce rates, and long-term health impacts. Uecker also notes that sometimes, those with pre-existing mental health issues may choose early marriage as an escape from difficult circumstances.
For women, early marriage doesn't offer long-term benefits without economic and emotional support. According to the US Census Bureau, only 23% of women and 13% of men aged 20-24 have ever been married, with three-year marriage retention rates of 78% for women married in their teens and 86% for those in their early 20s. The Add Health study shows that early marriers have similar stress levels to single people, but 20-30% lower than unmarried individuals with social problems or risky behaviors.
Ngoc Ngan (CNA)
