15 reasons why more women are saying ‘I do’—to themselves

The concept of marriage is evolving. While partnership remains a beautiful goal for many, a growing number of women are turning the tradition on its head. They’re planning ceremonies, buying rings, and saying “I do”—to themselves. This practice, known as sologamy or self-marriage, is more than a fleeting trend; it’s a powerful statement of self-love, acceptance, and autonomy.

The self-marriage movement is gaining global momentum. Although official statistics are scarce, event planning and travel companies report a surge in interest for self-marriage packages. A SoloTravel report highlights that 72% of American women are embarking on solo journeys and experiences focused on self-celebration, with self-marriage ceremonies emerging as a key trend within this market. This begs the question: why are more women choosing to commit to themselves?

To Celebrate Self-Love and Acceptance

At its core, self-marriage is the ultimate act of self-love. It’s a formal declaration that you are worthy of love, commitment, and celebration, independent of a partner. It’s about accepting yourself, flaws and all, and promising to be your own biggest supporter. This act helps solidify a foundation of self-worth that is not dependent on external validation.

To Reclaim Personal Power

For centuries, marriage was often an economic or social necessity for women. Sologamy flips that script. By marrying themselves, women reclaim their personal narrative. It’s a declaration of independence and self-sufficiency. As life coach Sasha Cagen, author of Quirkyalone, puts it, it’s about “celebrating your own life and choosing to live it on your own terms.”

To Heal from Past Relationships

A self-marriage ceremony can be a deeply healing ritual, especially after a difficult breakup, divorce, or a series of disappointing relationships. It marks a fresh start, allowing a woman to formally close a painful chapter and commit to a healthier, more loving relationship with herself before potentially entering a new partnership.

To Challenge Social Pressure

The societal pressure to “settle down” by a certain age is immense. The Pew Research Center reports that 37% of adults say they feel a lot or some pressure from society to find a partner and 31% say they feel pressure from their family.

Sologamy is a bold rejection of this timeline. It says, “My life is whole and complete right now, as I am.” It shifts the focus from finding “the one” to being “the one.”

To Mark a Significant Life Milestone

Women are achieving more than ever before. Graduating with a Ph.D., buying a first home, starting a business, or overcoming a major illness are all monumental achievements. A self-marriage ceremony can be a way to honor these personal victories and the journey of self-discovery that accompanied them.

To Prioritize Personal Growth

Committing to yourself means promising to invest in your own well-being and growth. This can involve vowing to pursue your passions, travel, learn new skills, or prioritize mental and physical health. The ceremony acts as a powerful anchor for these intentions, serving as a reminder of the promises you’ve made to yourself.

To Embrace Singlehood Joyfully

Being single is often portrayed as a temporary, undesirable state. Sologamy reframes singlehood as a valid and fulfilling life choice. Psychology Today reports that single people often have stronger social networks and engage more with their communities. By celebrating their single status, women give themselves permission to thrive, not just wait.

To Create a Personal Ritual

Humans have always used rituals to mark important transitions. A self-marriage ceremony is a modern ritual that a woman can design entirely for herself. Whether it’s a large party with friends and family or a quiet, private moment of reflection, the ceremony is tailored to her unique personality and values.

To Redefine Commitment

Sologamy expands the definition of commitment beyond romantic partnerships. It acknowledges that the most important relationship you will ever have is the one with yourself. This commitment involves promising to be patient, kind, and forgiving with yourself through all of life’s ups and downs.

To Stop Waiting for a Partner to Feel Special

Many people wait for a partner to experience life’s big moments—a fancy dinner, a beautiful trip, or a celebration. Marrying yourself is a promise to stop waiting. It’s a commitment to creating your own happiness and celebrating yourself without needing someone else to initiate it.

To Build a Stronger Foundation for Future Relationships

Experts suggest that a strong sense of self is important for healthy partnerships. By formally committing to self-love and understanding her own needs, a woman can enter future relationships from a place of wholeness, not neediness. She is better equipped to establish healthy boundaries and choose a partner who complements, rather than completes, her.

To Acknowledge Financial and Emotional Independence

With more women becoming financially independent, the traditional view of marriage is less relevant. A 2023 analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that women’s participation in the workforce remains strong. Self-marriage is a way to celebrate this hard-won independence and acknowledge one’s ability to create a secure and fulfilling life on one’s own.

To Make a Statement About Female Empowerment

The rise of sologamy aligns with broader feminist movements. It’s a political and social statement that women are complete individuals, not defined by their marital status. It champions the idea that a woman’s value is inherent and not tied to her relationship with a man.

To Have Fun and Celebrate Life

Let’s not forget—a self-marriage ceremony is a celebration! It’s a chance to throw a party, gather loved ones, wear a beautiful outfit, and celebrate life. It’s an expression of joy and gratitude for the person you have become.

To Set an Example for Others

When a woman marries herself, she often inspires others. She shows friends, family, and even younger generations that happiness and fulfillment come from within. She demonstrates that there are many paths to a joyful life and that self-worth is the most important foundation for any of them.

A Commitment to Selfhood

The growing trend of self-marriage is a reflection of a significant cultural shift. It signifies a move away from external validation and toward a deep, internal sense of worth and completeness. Whether seen as a radical act of feminism, a therapeutic ritual, or simply a joyful celebration, sologamy is a powerful reminder that the longest and most important commitment we will ever make is to ourselves. It’s about promising to be your own partner, advocate, and greatest love, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part.

The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love

The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love

Love is a complex, beautiful emotion that inspires profound behaviors. We express our love in various ways, some universal, while others are unique to each individual. Among these expressions, there are specific actions women often reserve for the men they deeply love.

This piece explores 15 unique gestures women make when they’re in love. From tiny, almost invisible actions to grand declarations, each tells a story of deep affection and unwavering commitment. Read on to discover these 15 things women only do with the men they love