Can People with Down Syndrome Date and Get Married?
Love is universal. Chromosomes don’t limit the desire for connection, companionship, and marriage; it’s part of being human.
Since October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we’re taking time to challenge some of the most common myths about what life with Down syndrome really looks like. One question we hear often is:
“Can someone with Down syndrome get married?”
The answer is a resounding yes.
People with Down syndrome can and do date, fall in love, and get married. Just like anyone else, they experience attraction, build meaningful relationships, and dream of sharing their lives with someone special.
In this blog, we’ll explore what dating and marriage can look like for people with Down syndrome, some of the unique considerations families may face, and how real-life love stories — like Matthew and Lucia’s — show what’s possible when we support inclusion, independence, and high expectations.
Dating & Relationships: What’s Possible
People with Down syndrome have the same emotional needs as anyone else, including the desire for love, companionship, and connection. Many individuals with Down syndrome date as teens or young adults, form long-term relationships, and pursue the same kind of committed partnerships their peers do.
Like all relationships, those involving individuals with Down syndrome require:
- Trust and mutual respect
- Healthy communication
- Emotional and physical boundaries
- Support from families or mentors
While there are many similarities, dating may look a little different depending on support needs for the individuals. That being said, the emotional experience: the butterflies, the joy, and the learning moments, is very much the same.
Families often play a key role in teaching and modeling relationship skills, such as:
- How to communicate feelings and needs
- How to handle conflict or misunderstandings
- What boundaries and consent look like
- How to be a supportive and respectful partner
With guidance, individuals with Down syndrome can grow into confident, loving, and committed partners.
Can People with Down Syndrome Get Married?
Yes, people with Down syndrome can and do get married.
Across the world, there are couples with Down syndrome living independently, working jobs, managing households, and celebrating anniversaries. These partnerships are just as real and meaningful as any other.
That said, there are some unique considerations when it comes to marriage for individuals with Down syndrome:
- Legal capacity: In some cases, individuals under guardianship may need legal review to obtain a marriage license.
- Benefits & finances: Marriage may affect eligibility for certain government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, so financial planning is essential.
- Ongoing support: Many couples still benefit from support in daily living, relationship counseling, or community check-ins, and that’s okay.
The key takeaway? Marriage is not off-limits for individuals with Down syndrome; it’s simply a goal that requires thoughtful support and planning, just like it would for anyone.
Matthew & Lucia: A Real-Life Love Story
At GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh, one couple’s story has captured hearts and inspired thousands.
Matthew and Lucia have known each other since childhood. Their families helped guide them through dating, setting boundaries, communicating, and growing together, just like any parents would for their teens. From early dinner-and-a-movie dates to ballroom dancing lessons, they built a strong foundation rooted in love and respect.
As Matthew’s mom Michelle puts it:
“We had to teach them how to date. We had so many conversations with Lucia and Matthew about the same things, together and separately. There were SOOOO many teachable moments through all of this.”
And it all paid off.
In the fall of 2023, Matthew proposed to Lucia at the GiGi’s Playhouse National Leadership Conference… and she said yes!
Matthew and Lucia’s relationship is beautiful, not because it’s perfect, but because it shows what’s possible when we meet people with high expectations and loving support.
“Marriage might not be on everyone’s list of dreams, but it’s definitely on his,” Michelle writes.” I will continue to do what I can to help him have the life he wants.”
Building the Skills for Meaningful Relationships
At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe that preparing individuals with Down syndrome for adulthood includes more than just job readiness or independent living; it includes helping them build the skills to form genuine, lasting relationships.
Through programs that focus on communication, social interaction, self-advocacy, and confidence, participants gain tools that support every part of life, including friendships, dating, and in some instances, even marriage.
Whether it’s through GiGi’s Kitchen, GiGiFIT, or spending time with peers through programs like Fantastic Friends, GiGi’s provides a space where connections can grow naturally.
Love Isn’t Limited — Help Us Spread The Message
By now, it’s clear:
Yes, people with Down syndrome can get married, and many already have.
We’ve seen what dating, love, and commitment can look like when individuals are supported with respect, education, and high expectations. Love is not limited by diagnosis. With the right foundation, people with Down syndrome can experience all the joy, connection, and commitment that marriage has to offer.
This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, let’s go beyond awareness and challenge outdated assumptions. Let’s believe in what’s possible and support it with action.
Want to help more love stories blossom?
Recent Posts
