Why Montana Is a Top State for Marriage — and Divorce

Montana is one of the best places to get married and to stay married. It’s included on lists repeatedly, and it's one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Montana is also one of the least expensive places to get married. 

When it comes to marriage, most people don’t want to think about the possibility of divorce, but divorce is a real possibility. Montana has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country. According to the CDC, Montana’s divorce rate is 2.3 divorces per 1,000 people living in the state, which is lower than that of most of our neighbors. South Dakota has the same divorce rate as Montana.

Montana’s Divorce Rate: Among the Lowest in the U.S.  

Not only is Montana one of the best states for getting married, but if you happen to be headed for divorce, Montana is the cheapest state in the country for divorce. According to SplitUp, Montana ranks as the cheapest state for divorce.

The Real Cost: Why Divorce Is Surprisingly Cheap in Montana 

An average divorce in Montana will cost $6,170 on divorces. New Mexico, North Dakota, Maine, and West Virginia round out the top five for the cheapest average divorce costs.  

READ MORE: Montana's Divorce Rate Compared to Neighboring States

The states with the most expensive divorces are California, New York, Texas, Connecticut, and New Jersey. An average cost for a for a divorce in California is double the cost of Montana at $14,435. 

Montana is also the only state in the country where neither person needs to attend the ceremony, thanks to Montana’s proxy marriage laws.

READ MORE: Getting Married In Montana? Don't Even Attend. Legally

So, when it comes to both marriage and divorce, Montana is still one of the best states ever.