Is there a 'right age' to get married?

No, it all depends on when you meet the right partner. In my brother's case, he's 57! He's getting married this weekend to a lovely woman, who is already a big part of our family. He just never met the right person until 4 years ago. We're having the ceremony in a country house hotel library, overlooking Lake Windermere, then if weather permits we're all going for a ride around the lake before the reception.

When it's right for both of them, not because of any social pressure and not with a mental reservation.

Does anyone remember that feeling if intense irritation from 40 / 50 years ago on being asked by older people 'Are you courting yet?'

We married at 23 and are 2 years off our Golden Wedding. We'd been at school together. Ditto one of my DS (though they were a bit older when they married). The other DS and his wife didn't meet until they were older.

People are so different in the rate at which they mature and in their financial situation (and when they meet the right person) I don't think you can say there's an ideal age. When they both feel it's the right time, maybe?

B Your first post makes a very pertinent point.

Ariadne - ...and still having adventures.

When you meet 'the one'. In our case, 21 and 25.

In answer to the title question, my answer is no, at least not in terms of biological age once you're past the age of consent.

I wonder why he feels it necessary to 'acknowledge' such a thing? Is he 'acknowledging' it to himself or to someone else? And why? [Puzzled]

I was 18, DH was 21 when we got married, 47 years ago. We are such good friends, as well as lovers, so I think it worked out OK! Tough at the start, though, with so little money, and a baby!

I had just turned 17 when I met DH, 19 when we married 2.5 years later. I have sometimes regretted being married but I have never, ever regretted choosing him.