Northern Ireland marriage on the rise

During National Marriage Week (7-14 February 2012) Evangelical Alliance is celebrating the fact that Northern Ireland bucks the trend when it comes to marriage. Whilst in Great Britain the number of marriage ceremonies has fallen annually since 2004, we have seen a continual increase since 2009 – despite our current economic climate. 

There were 7,931 marriages in 2009 rising to 8,156 in 2010 – a rise of 3%. During the first three quarters of 2011 marriages rose by 5% from 6,097 to 6,383. During the same period the number of civil partnerships dropped 25% from 91 to 69. (1)

Peter Lynas, director of Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland commented: “It's great to see more people getting married, even when times are tough financially and people might have been tempted to avoid the cost of a wedding. There is overwhelming evidence that those who marry live longer, healthier, happier lives.” (2)

The Registrar General’s Report also shows that the vast majority of marriages, 70%, are conducted in churches. This shows how the institution of marriage is intimately connected to, and supported by the church. 

Peter Lynas continued: “The majority of people in Northern Ireland still see the church as relevant to the biggest day of their lives. Churches and faith groups do most of the pre-marriage counselling and are a great source of support for those who are struggling. It is encouraging to see churches at the centre of community life.”

The most recent statistics also confirm that the average age to walk down the aisle is on the increase. The average age of a groom in Northern Ireland is 33, and a bride is 31. (1)

Peter Lynas continued: “People seem to be waiting longer to get married, but when they do it is a more considered decision and so those who marry later tend to stay married longer.”

The data also shed light on some interesting regional trends. The youngest marriage partners are to be found in Ballymoney, and the oldest in Carrickfergus. The most popular venue is also found in Carrickfergus, at the Clarion Hotel. (1)