What to Do if You Want to Get Married But Your Partner Doesn't

Let’s be honest, it’s never an easy topic when it comes to discussing commitment, particularly if your partner doesn't want to get married. 

Lots of people are really into marriage; for many of us it’s one of those pipe dreams we hold from childhood. That's why we've asked relationship expert, Anna Williamson, to give some sound advice on what to do if your partner doesn't want to get married. 

Some of you will be thinking "I don't want to get married," yet will have a partner who is hoping to tie the knot. Meanwhile, others will be worrying "but my partner doesn't want to get married" - so every couple is completely different.

It's important to remember that each relationship is unique. Whilst some people simply don't believe in marriage, other people tell us that "my partner doesn't want to get married again," as they have been married in the past and don't want to repeat the process. Whatever the reason, there are questions you can ask each other - and yourselves - to get to the root of the issue. 

Whether you're on the fence about tying the knot, or if you and your partner are on opposite sides of the debate, this article should help you to navigate the dilemma as a team and come to a fair resolution.

So, for couples asking themselves "what if your partner doesn't want to get married?" Anna's advice should help confused couples work out the next step towards clarity. 

• Who is Anna Williamson? 
• Explore Why Partner Isn't Keen on Marriage
• Be Honest About What Marriage Means to You
• I Want to Get Married But My Partner Doesn't: How to Compromise
• When Your Partner Doesn't Want to Get Married: Key Tips

Who is Anna Williamson? 

Anna Williamson is a British TV presenter, podcaster and certified relationship expert, best known for helping couples navigate the ups and downs of love. She rose to fame on shows like Celebs Go Dating, where her candid yet compassionate advice quickly made her a trusted voice for those seeking romance or looking to strengthen their relationships.

With a background in counselling and coaching, Anna blends expertise with warmth, offering practical tips to help couples communicate better and reignite their spark, whether they're newlyweds or years into their marriage.

Beyond her on-screen work, Anna is also a bestselling author of relationship self-help books like Breaking Mad and How Not to Lose It, which tackle emotional wellbeing with her signature down-to-earth approach. Married herself, she often shares relatable insights from her own experiences, making her guidance feel personal and achievable.

For anyone feeling the pressures of marriage - be it wedding planning stress or navigating the realities of married life - Anna Williamson is a go-to expert who brings honesty, empathy and a touch of humour to every conversation.

Now that everyone's acquainted, let's hear Anna's expert advice for couples that are struggling to decide the next steps!

Explore Why Your Partner Isn't Keen on Marriage

"Personal circumstances can have a huge sway," Anna explains. "Perhaps there are financial concerns around getting hitched, or perhaps emotionally it is something which carries a bit of a negative connotation? 

"I know some people who visibly balk at the idea of getting married due to growing up in a family where there has been relationship breakdown, heartache, perhaps they have even been married before themselves, and therefore have formed a different attitude around formally committing to somebody.

"The problem is when one partner really wants to get married and the other doesn’t. As my darling grandma used to say: 'You can’t fit a round peg in a square hole!'

"There really is no right or wrong way to commit to someone, but what is important is that both people are on the same page and have the same ideas and goals about what their future looks like."

Be Honest About What Marriage Means to You 

"It’s also really important to be honest with yourselves about what marriage means to you," Anna continues. "If one partner really has set their heart on it then perhaps that really is a deal breaker. There might be certain cultural or religious beliefs that are an important factor, there might be certain family traditions, or just a real personal belief on the importance of the sanctity of marriage. 

"On the complete flipside, there are many people who just don't see the value in marriage, don't understand the importance and don’t see it as being the ‘be all and end all’ definition of their relationship. 

"Many people live happily as a committed couple without being legally bonded with a ‘piece of paper’. The key is knowing what is important to you as an individual, and what is important to your partner and to you both as a couple, as well as where you both see your future heading."

I Want to Get Married But My Partner Doesn't: How to Compromise

"There are some key conversations that need to happen between a couple to work out if marriage is something you both want, or if it’s not going to happen for you," says Anna. "You need to decide if there is a way through such a conundrum if you want different things - can you reach a compromise? What does that look like for you?

"When you’re ready to settle down, have an open and honest conversation with your partner, ask each other what you both expect out of your partnership and be willing to listen to what each other truly wants without any judgement.

"Ask yourselves what does marriage mean to you? What does marriage look like to you? What is the importance of marriage? Are you looking for more security, recognition of your relationship status, or do you simply just want to ‘put a ring on it’ and declare that you are newlyweds?

"Could you stay in your relationship if you don’t get married? Could there be a compromise to be made in any way? For example, buying a house together, agreeing to start a family together, committing to each other in other ways…

"Establish your priorities in your relationship. Work out where getting married features as a priority to you both. It’s perfectly understandable to feel upset if you want to get married and your partner isn’t so keen, and vice versa, but remember it doesn’t mean they don’t love you, it could well be a variety of other reasons. 

"What’s important is that you properly communicate your feelings and thoughts around marriage, and see whether there is a good middle ground for you both. Commitment is based on love and trust, if you have those ingredients then your relationship can absolutely be a fulfilling one whether you are married or not."

When Your Partner Doesn't Want to Get Married: Key Tips

For those in a hurry, let's recap Anna's key takeaways. So, if - like many other couples - you're in the position of when you want to get married but your partner doesn't, here are Anna Williamson's expert tips on what to do. 

• Understand the Reasons: Ask your partner why they don't want to get married, and try to practice active listening to get to the root of the reason. 
• Be Honest: Speak your truth about your feelings on marriage - it can help to make sure your partner sees your side. 
• Prepare to Compromise: Understand what part of marriage means the most to you, and discuss how you can achieve that in other ways. Equally, be clear on what you aren't willing to sacrifice. 

So there you have it - what to do if your partner doesn't want to get married, according to an expert. We hope that helps! 

If you're keen to development your communication in your relationship, why not decide on some resolutions to make for your relationship?