The History of Mail Order Brides: Then and Now

Every year, around 10,000 Americans marry mail order brides. It might sound surprising at first, but this practice has existed for hundreds of years. And today, the search for the best mail order brides has mostly gone online. 

Men who want to find mail order brides now prefer dating platforms designed specifically for international relationships. For instance, if someone dreams of meeting a woman from Eastern Europe, SofiaDate is a popular mail order bride platform known to connect men with beautiful Slavic ladies. Men interested in Asian women might visit SakuraDate, famous for its stunning and loyal Japanese ladies. And those seeking love in Latin America often choose LatiDate, a platform filled with charming Latin brides.

But where did this phenomenon begin? What exactly is a mail order bride, and how did this practice turn into what it is today? Let’s step back in time and cover the long history of mail order brides.

What Exactly Are Mail Order Brides?

The term “mail order brides” describes women who advertise themselves to potential husbands in other countries. In the past, it used to be that men would select these women from actual printed catalogs. But today, they meet mail order brides online using international dating websites. This change from paper catalogs to digital platforms has fundamentally changed how men find a mail order bride.

If you’re wondering where this happens today, there are plenty of modern mail order brides sites that make it easy to connect across borders and get into serious relationships. It’s a digital revolution of a centuries-old tradition. After all, love has always crossed oceans and continents because true connection knows no borders.

But how did this global matchmaking trend even begin in the first place?

Early Beginnings in the 17th–18th Century 

The history of mail order brides goes way back to the 1600s. 

In North America, early settlers and colonists faced a severe lack of women. To solve this, colonies like Jamestown began arranging for women to come from Europe to marry settlers. These were some of the earliest mail order wives. These brave women traveled across the Atlantic to marry men they'd never met and hoping for a better life in a new world.

One famous example was the "King’s Daughters," or “Filles du Roi,” from France. Between 1663 and 1673, the French king sponsored nearly 800 young women to sail to Quebec. Their task was to marry French settlers and help populate New France.

Expanding to the American West in the 19th Century

The tradition continued into the 19th century, especially in the American West. Men moved westward during the Gold Rush, many of them hoping to strike rich. But they soon discovered a problem: few women lived in the western territories. 

Lonely men placed ads in newspapers asking for brides from the East Coast or overseas. In return, thousands of adventurous women answered. These ladies were willing to leave everything behind to marry strangers and start anew.

By the late 1800s, mail order brides had become a familiar part of American life. Real mail order brides from this era often faced challenging conditions. Yet many found successful marriages and helped form new communities.

Catalog Marriages and World Wars in the Early 20th Century

By the early 20th century, mail order brides had become even more common. Newspapers regularly featured ads from women seeking husbands abroad. Magazines and catalogs soon became popular tools for matchmaking. These precursors to today’s mail order brides sites were actually quite in-depth, often listing detailed descriptions and photos to help men find potential brides overseas according to their preferences.

The World Wars gave the trend even more momentum. Soldiers stationed abroad met foreign brides, especially in Europe and Asia. After the war ended, these women traveled to the U.S. or Canada as foreign brides. Marrying a foreign mail order bride soon became very common, especially in military communities.

The Rise of International Matchmaking Agencies in Late 20th Century

By the late 1900s, international dating agencies had popped up. 

These companies used printed catalogs and letters, which were helping men find real mail order wives from distant countries like the Philippines, Ukraine, and Colombia, among others. These women became especially popular as many American men preferred their conservative family values, beauty, and devotion that they could not find in their homeland.

During this era, mail order spouse services changed a lot. Men no longer relied solely on catalogs. Instead, international matchmaking agencies offered organized tours. Men actually traveled overseas, where they met potential brides face-to-face before marriage.

The Internet Revolution Brought Mail Order Brides Online

Everything changed again when the internet arrived. Around the 1990s, men started using the web to find mail order brides online. Digital technology made international dating easier, faster, and more interactive. Men and women chatted through emails and online chats, which allowed for seeing each other on video calls.

Soon, specialized dating websites emerged to serve those looking to find overseas brides. These platforms allowed users to filter by location, age, appearance, and more. 

Men who wanted to meet foreign women could now browse profiles and connect instantly, which made international romance much more accessible.

Modern-Day Mail Order Brides

Today's mail order brides are different from past stereotypes. Many people think modern mail order brides marry purely for money or a visa. But in reality, many are educated, independent women seeking real love. They use reputable international dating sites and apps to meet men from abroad, usually building genuine relationships first.

Modern websites have strict security policies so that users meet real mail order brides instead of scammers. These platforms provide translation tools, video chat, and even in-person meetings, with couples able to connect authentically.

Scientific Insights Behind Mail Order Brides

Scientists have extensively studied the phenomenon of mail-order brides. 

Sociologists explain that this practice thrives due to globalization and economic inequality. Women from developing countries often see marriage abroad as a chance for stability and better opportunities. At the same time, men from wealthier countries look for partners who share those personal values that they find lacking at home.

Studies suggest mail order marriages have a surprisingly high success rate. A report from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showed that international marriages from on platforms with free mail order brides have lower divorce rates compared to domestic marriages. Researchers think it is due to careful matching processes, clear communication, and the couples' strong determination to making it work.

Why Do Men Choose Mail Order Brides Today?

Men who choose a mail order spouse today often have clear motivations. Common reasons include:

• Fascination with overseas ways of life. Many men admire foreign cultures and seek partners who believe in values like family loyalty, respect, and warmth.

• Classic relationship values. They often feel disillusioned by Western dating culture and prefer women who value family, marriage, and long-term relationships.

• Desire for new life events. International relationships offer excitement, new experiences, and personal growth.

Is It Legal and Ethical?

Many people question if mail order bride practices are legal and ethical. In reality, it's perfectly legal in most countries: these include the United States, Canada, and much of Europe. Governments regulate these marriages carefully so that both parties consent freely and willingly.

Ethically, it all boils down to transparency and honesty. Modern mail order bride platforms strongly focus on user safety and authenticity. Good websites clearly state intentions, expectations, and provide tools for communication to make sure that the future relations work in the long run.

Final Thoughts

The practice of mail order brides has lasted centuries. It has adapted to scientific advancements, changes in tradition, and greatly benefited from globalization. Despite misconceptions, most modern mail order brides seek love, stability, and happiness, just like anyone else. Online platforms have made international dating easier and safer than ever before. They offer a chance to create meaningful relationships across borders.

In short, the mail order bride phenomenon remains popular today because it helps people from different parts of the world find love and trusted companionship. Whether through historical letters, catalogs, or modern digital platforms, the desire to find love abroad has been limitless.