Civil Ceremonies Continue To Grow In NI

Civil ceremonies have become increasingly popular in Northern Ireland over the past decade, with 2012 seeing them account for almost one third (31%) of all marriages.

Last year over 8,400 marriages took place in Northern Ireland, while the number of divorces recorded was just over 2,400.

The findings follow the release of the provisional 2012 marriage, divorce and civil partnership statistics today by the Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

The report also found that the average age of brides and grooms continues to be approximately five years older than two decades ago.

Last year the average groom was nearly 34 years old and the average bride almost 32.

Divorce numbers continue to fall. In 2012 just over 2,440 divorces were finalised in Northern Ireland, less than the peak of 2,913 recorded in 2007.

Despite the continuing defeat of gay marriage at Stormont, last year saw some 101 same-sex civil partnerships registered.

Saturday 25 August 2012 was the most popular day to get married in 2012, with just over 113 couples tying the knot on that date.

Dr David Marshall from NISRA said: "Last year saw more than 8,400 marriages in Northern Ireland. An interesting point is that around one quarter of those took place outside a religious building or registry office in an Approved Venue. Civil marriages at such venues only became possible following a change in the law in 2004."

(IT/CD)