Destination weddings can influence the numerator
CDC explicitly notes that a marriage is counted in the state where the couple got married. A state that attracts ceremonies can record marriages involving nonresidents.
That makes the table a valid record of ceremonies per resident population, but not a pure measure of residents’ propensity to marry.
Crude state rates do not adjust for age
States differ in the share of residents at ages when marriage is more common. Dividing by the total population does not remove that age-structure difference.
A ranking therefore combines behavior, demographics, reporting, and wedding destination effects. It should not be marketed as a ranking of relationship quality or the best place to date.
Use the source table for the current year
CDC’s interactive state page links annual tables and explains the measure. Because provisional figures can update, a copied ranking should always name its year and retrieval date.
For first-marriage age, use Census ACS ranking tables instead. Marriage rate and median first-marriage age are separate measures from different systems.