Background and purpose: Marriage is beginning of family and the cause for reproduction and genetic survival. One of the most important criteria for evaluating the physical and mental health of individuals is the age of marriage. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude of youth towards marriage in Ghaemshahr, Iran.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 267 unmarried young individuals aged 18-38 in 2014. The samples were selected using random sampling. Data was collected by a questionnaire consisting of three sections: demographic characteristics, attitudes, and the criteria for choosing a spouse.  The data was then analyzed in SPSS V.22.

Results: Some factors including economic (mean score: 3.78), social (3.65), individual (3.53) and cultural (3.25) were the main variables that could predict and explain the attitude of youth towards marriage. Among economic, social, individual and cultural factors, the employment status, taking responsibility, not finding an appropriate spouse, and religious beliefs were more important, respectively. The main criteria for choosing a spouse were loyalty and moral commitment (mean score: 4.82). No significant relationship was found between demographic variables and the attitudes of studied individuals towards marriage.

Conclusion: According to this study, the attitude of youths towards marriage is formed by a combination of economic, social, individual and cultural factors. Thus, appropriate policies are recommended to promote marriage while prioritizing economic factors.