Short answer
It depends on timing and need. In the Hanafi school, if you have the money for Hajj when people from your country set out for it, Hajj is fard and comes first. Before that time you may spend the money on marriage. If you fear falling into zina without marriage, marriage comes first.
Hajj becomes binding when one owns its cost at the time people of his land set out for it. Money spent on marriage before that time is spent lawfully and Hajj is not owed. When the need for marriage is pressing and there is fear of sin, marriage takes priority.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
Both are acts the religion values. The Prophet ﷺ told young people who can afford it to marry, as it guards the gaze and chastity, and the Quran makes Hajj a duty on the able. Hanafi jurists balance them by asking when the Hajj duty became fixed on you, and how urgent your need to marry is.
- You have the money in Hajj season: Hajj is fard. Go, unless you truly fear sin without marriage.
- You have the money months before: you may use it for marriage, a home or other needs. If the money is still there when the season comes, Hajj is due.
- Strong fear of zina: marriage comes first, as it is then the more urgent duty.
- Can afford both: do both, Hajj first if the season is near.
- Today's registration: many countries need applications or deposits months ahead. Muftis differ on whether that date counts as "setting out", so ask about your case.
A simple wedding costs far less than many families think, and a modest nikah fulfils the sunnah. Do not delay a fard Hajj for an expensive wedding, and do not delay a needed marriage for years of saving. See who must perform Hajj.
Ask a mufti about your own case. This answer explains the general ruling. When the details of your situation matter, as they do here, ask a qualified mufti and give them the full facts. Where to ask a scholar.
The evidence
Quran, Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:97
فِيهِ ءَايَٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَٰتٌۭ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًۭا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًۭا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ﴿٩٧﴾
In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.
Hajj is owed once one is able.
Quran, Surah An-Noor 24:32
وَأَنكِحُوا۟ ٱلْأَيَٰمَىٰ مِنكُمْ وَٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَإِمَآئِكُمْ ۚ إِن يَكُونُوا۟ فُقَرَآءَ يُغْنِهِمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ ﴿٣٢﴾
And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
Marriage is encouraged.
Sahih al-Bukhari 5065
Sahih... يا معشر الشباب من استطاع منكم الباءة فليتزوج ...
"O young people, whoever of you can afford marriage should marry."
The encouragement to marry for those who can.
Where the ruling is recorded
- Radd al-Muhtar (Ibn Abidin), Kitab al-Hajj, opening section. Spending Hajj money on marriage before or after the time people set out.
- al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, Kitab al-Manasik, first chapter. Ownership of the cost at the time of departure makes Hajj binding.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.