This thesis investigates what social characteristics are related to attitudes about the ideal age at marriage and willingness to live with a nonmarital romantic partner, and if the influence of particular social characteristics vary by the age of the respondent. These questions are addressed using data from the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR). Results indicate that the characteristics of age, gender, race/ethnicity, household income, family structure and relationship quality, religious affiliation, religious attendance, religious faith, and dating are significantly related to union formation attitudes. Additionally, the characteristics of family structure and relationship quality and religious attendance vary by the age of the adolescent.