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Marriage hits lowest rate since records began almost 150 years ago
Last updated at 02:37am on 28.03.08
The proportion of people getting married is now the lowest since records began in 1862 (posed by models)
The proportion of men and women getting married is below any level found since figures were first kept nearly 150 years ago.
And the number of weddings held in 2006 was the smallest since 1895, when the population was little more than half its present level.
The evidence that marriage is withering away at an increasing pace was met with a furious response from critics of Labour's benefits system, which disregards the status of husbands and wives and pays parents extra to stay single.
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis claimed the Government had "fuelled family breakdown" and researcher Patricia Morgan, who coined the phrase "marriage lite" to describe cohabitation, said Labour had succeeded in "eradicating" marriage.
"This is what they have tried to achieve and they should be congratulating themselves," she added.
"But it is a disaster for children, families and society."
The figures, from the Office for National Statistics, said that in 2006, fewer than ten in every 1,000 single adults in England and Wales were married.
Among men the rate was 22.8 in every 1,000, among women 20.5. When marriage-rates were first calculated in 1862 the level was 58.7 for men and 50 for women.
Even during the world war years marriage rates for women never dropped below 40 in 1,000. They fell below 30 for the first time in 1995.
The raw numbers of weddings in the figures for 2006 also tell the dramatic story.
There were 236,980 marriages, the fewest since 228,204 were recorded in 1895, a year in which Oscar Wilde was sent to Reading jail, W.G. Grace scored his 100th century and Queen Victoria had still to celebrate her jubilee.
In 1895, there were around 30 million people in England and Wales compared with more than 54 million now.
The general decline of marriage has been under way since 1972 when there were 426,000 weddings and marriage rates were more than 78 in 1,000 for men and 60 for women.
One in four single women under retirement age is thought to be living unmarried with a partner.
Feeling the pinch even more is the Church - as two-thirds of all weddings in 2006 were civil ceremonies.
Religious marriages numbered fewer than 80,000.
Of the 157,490 civil weddings, 95,300 were held in "approved" premises - stately homes, hotels or even football ground hospitality suites which have been permitted to stage weddings since 1995.
The age of first-time brides and bridegrooms is continuing to increase. Women are nearly 30 while the man is almost 32.
One reason for the plunge in marriage numbers appears to be the crackdown on sham ceremonies undertaken by immigration authorities in 2005.
The Office for National Statistics said yesterday that the restrictions on marriage for non-European citizens introduced in February that year were "one of the many factors that may have contributed to the fall in the number of marriages".
Sham marriages may have been responsible for the blip in wedding figures that pushed the numbers up to more than 273,000 in 2004.
But the tax and benefit system came under most fervent attack. Advantages for married couples have gradually been withdrawn, joint taxation-ended in the 1980s and Gordon Brown withdrew the last tax break for couples, the Married Couples Allowance, shortly after Labour came to power in 1997.
Benefits such as tax credits now favour individuals living with children rather than couples and the bias against couples is thought to have contributed to the growing numbers "living apart together".
Around a million couples are thought to consider themselves an item but to remain living in separate homes.
Labour family policy has for a decade maintained that all kinds of families are equally valuable and ministers have campaigned for all references to marriage to be removed from state documents.
The Tories promised they would provide incentives for couples to get and stay together.
David Davis said: "This is a sad indictment of the Government's policies which have penalised families and fuelled family breakdown.
"Stable families are the best formula for bringing up children and preventing delinquency, anti-social behaviour and crime.
"So a failed family policy is itself a major cause of crime."
He added: "Conservative policies will support the family by shifting the tax burden away from families and giving 1.8million families an extra £2,000 a year."
Researcher and author Mrs Morgan said: "I have been reading the Children's Plan put out by Children's Secretary Ed Balls last year.
"It does not mention marriage once.
"This Government has removed the idea of marriage from research and public documents and from the tax and benefit system.
"It has taken the last remaining benefits, like inheritance tax relief when a spouse dies, and given them to other groups like homosexuals in civil partnerships."
Reader views (53)
Often wondered why the statistics are so skewed against marriage. Now, I'm going through a divorce that has lasted almost as long as our marriage. The courts are accepting all of the wife's accusations as truth and places the burden of proof on me to prove otherwise (against US constitutional "protections." Since I'm also a father the courts brutalizing me base on these accusations with no evidence and no criminal history. Eventually, I will win but it will take years to vindicate myself
- Adnan, karachi pakistan
Why is it that every time when we talk about marriage we only touch some dimensions and come up to conclusions...there are other aspects also ... Like a philosophical spiritual state of mind and body that enlightens and you can see through the pomp of the ceremonies like marriage .And choose to say alone with truth and reality. This has been with all the wise men/women be it today or in the 15th Century,(take Issac Newton ,Galilo for that matter). So it can also be a possibility we have a greater proportion of that category in our society today. But why is that we never go into that calculation?
- Shalini Raparia, India
Rarely to do you hear the real reason the marriage rate continues to drop- men are terrified of divorce, and know that the only way to protect themselves is to stay single. Sad, but quite true. Until divorce laws change, expect the marriage rate to plummet even further.
- Christopher In Oregon, Portland, Oregon, USA
I often wondered why the statistics are so skewed against marriage. Now, I'm going through a divorce that has lasted almost as long as our marriage. The courts are accepting all of the wife's accusations as truth and places the burden of proof on me to prove otherwise (against US constitutional "protections." Since I'm also a father the courts brutalizing me base on these accusations with no evidence and no criminal history. Eventually, I will win but it will take years to vindicate myself...
- John, Honolulu, HI
This is to Ken from Orlando. For crying out loud, grow up, or at the very least keep your mindless, archaic, superstitious guff to yourself!
- Russell, Millwall, England
Kirk (Stockport, UK) you are so on target. Reading these news, especially about the UK, which I am a fan of, is so despairing. However, there are a few comments here, yours included, that prove there is still a remnant of hope, of greatness woven into Great Britian's social fabric. Thank God!
- Cielo, San Antonio, Texas, United States
You say "The figures, from the Office for National Statistics, said that in 2006, fewer than ten in every 1,000 single adults in England and Wales were married.
Among men the rate was 22.8 in every 1,000, among women 20.5."
Which is it, 10 or 20-odd? Unless that first sentence really does mean to say "single" adults, in which case the rate of marriage is zero per 1000, not ten.
Hard to trust numbers like these!
- Bill Adams, Ashland, Oregon, US
I just can't believe how many comments are posted by Americans!
- Claire, London, UK
The big government has destroyed another institution, just ask Paul McCartney. Thanks Libs.
- John, Boston, MA
The most ironic part of the article is the photo of a wedding couple that came with it. The caption said the photo was staged by models. They couldn't even get a photo of a real married couple.
And David from Cinncinnati, the phrase wasn't contradictory. They were using the word "married" as a verb, not an adjective. Single people becoming married not already married.
- Aaron, Texas, USA
from the article:
"fewer than ten in every 1,000 single adults in England and Wales were married".
How could a single adult be married? The only way it could make sense is if they meant that zero in 1000 single adults were married. Copy editor, you job is not done!
- Dan, Houston, TX
After my late ex-wife divorced/fleeced me I discovered her radical feminist university work. It was truly frightening. Men are nothing but sperm donors and cash-cows.
I have met a woman since who wanted a 'serious' relationship and children. It's a shame but my knowledge and experience precludes me ever marrying again. Congratulations to the feminist/Marxists. You win!
- Luke, Derby, England
Hmmm, sign a contract that has a 50% chance of failing, where you lose 50% of your money....
Rich Brown of Cazenovia... British women are beautiful- go there and see. They put normal people on TV not just models, maybe that's where you got that idea.
- Ross, Arlington,Va,USA
Even here in the states, we have a lack of marriage. Just today a friend of mine sent me a text pix of his child in the womb of a girl who he says is 'dating but not seriously'. Its so sad!
I have a few friends that are getting married, and I am engaged and 24... but a lot of time financially you make out better if you are single.
Its all so mixed up.
- Lisa, Houston, Texas
Man did not create marriage- God did. Man has made a mockery of it in every way. Man does not have the answers to society and how to correct it. God does for he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to heal marriages through the single individual. When two single individuals are healed by God, through the blood of Jesus Christ, the two shall become one is solidified. You want to heal society, you want to heal the family return to God and his Son.
- Ken Bourgoin, Orlando, USA
Even here in America, women-folk just ain't what they used to be. They're nice enough, but they all know too many attorneys. I think I'll stick to non-resident live in girlfriends still clinging to hope. It's safer.
- Josh, Portland, Oregon USA
You can see the same thing in the United States with the same tragic results. The ones who suffer the most are children, high poverty rates, high crime rates, low education rates 50 % never finish high school, a very large prison population and high homicide rates. This is a lose lose for any society. Another bench mark is the quality of our leaders that are running for public offices.
- Lynn Pilcher, Missouri City, Texas
For most people, I believe, marriage is either a religious ceremony - and religion has fewer fans now - or a financial or legal exercise. So far as I can see, the only real reason to get married is to protect a man's legal rights over any children. For the rest of us, life is far happier without being lumbered with one person for life.
- Suzanne, London
No wonder so many British women are choosing not to marry, if so many of the comments before me are any indication of the number of misogynists in the British male population. Why would smart, independent women want to contractually bind themselves to men who clearly see them as no more than parasites with privileges?
- Kat, New York City
I am 36 in July, still youthful, straight, single and very proud never to have dated, courted, let alone get married. For me, being single and unattached, is always the best thing to experience and not to have a nagging woman rob me of my life and savings. Marriage adds years to people's appearance. Be warned! No woman, will ever get anything out of me whatsoever.
- Virendra Patel, London, England
No shocker there, the UK and the rest of Europe are collapsing from within. Funny that a country that fancies itself so keen on tradition would let the greatest tradition in history fall by the wayside.
- Jeff, Melbourne, Australia
It's not just women who make out in divorce. I have female friends paying alimony, too.
Why would a woman need marriage for security, when many of us can support ourselves.
Also, men give it up even easier than women.
The only reason to get married is to have kids - two committed parents are still better than one.
- Emily, New Baltimore, MI
What does the following gibberish mean? Single and married at the same time?
"--The figures, from the Office for National Statistics, said that in 2006, fewer than ten in every 1,000 single adults in England and Wales were married.--"
- David Nagel, Cincinntai, Ohio, USA
Be VERY careful Mr Brown from Cazenovia. With the dollar so weak I can just see a Jumbo load of English beauties coming over to get you!
I'd also suggest you have a good look around you before casting aspersions!
- Paul, London
Why would men marry ?Why would men even date? Even this is a risk laden and unpleasant business. Any other men notice the widespread contempt most women have for men? On tv -soaps, adverts, greeting cards, women's mags, the message is "men are useless". I also overheard conversations on girls nights out that were very useful to know, men are just seen as credit cards and wallets to women.
More and more men in the USA already are finding how happy and free bachelorhood is, even if things change its unlikely they will ever marry.
I just face reality and urge other men do the same. You will be called misogynist in an attempt to shame you. Just another offensive false accusation in a long line. ....and the angry response, further proof that bachelorhood is the way to go.
- Sean, London
No wonder, have you seem the faces on English women?
- Richard Brown, Cazenovia, NY USA
These statistics prove once again that mankind delights to do the opposite of God's best for us. The real reason the stats are like this is not because of truly better arrangements, finances, or feminism, but simply because of our own sinful desires. If people can have sex without commitment and society smiles upon it, they will naturally do so. Pleasure is more powerful than tradition. That is why ancient cultures and many today worship pleasure with a passion. The problem is that the god of pleasure blesses for the moment, and brings about unworkable problems in society. That's because the real God of the Bible designed sex to be the powerful, pleasurable tool that was to unite and hold together a marriage relationship. That relationship of pleasure and commitment shows us how He loves us....Jesus loved the world with both passion and commitment with his death on the cross.
- Kirk, Stockport, UK
What are the statistics on the declining births? Shouldn't worry too much there, Gary, it appears there are plenty of single mums on benefits willing to have seven kids (who will grow up on benefits) with five or more different dads (ditto!)
- Paul, London
No man in his right mind will marry now.
The husband is persecuted especially if there are children.
- David, Corpus Christi, Texas
Hey Tony, Roger & Roz
Take another look at the statistics...looks like it is the women are choosing NOT to get married more so than the men.
- Ln, Norfolk
I wonder how statistics would pan out if we examined the intelligence levels of the men who are still marrying these days as compared to those who are not.
- Dittohd, Texas, U.S.
No. Its due to women becoming too selfish.
- Dewayne, US
Yet more evidence that the West is headed on the path towards self-destruction.
Marriage rates are the lowest, while in GB the most popular name of 2006 and 07 is Mohammad.
I hoped that I would not live to see the day when a country as great as Great Britain would be destroyed not by invasion, or by attack, but by the moral decay from within.
- George, Phoenx, AZ USA
It's due to the feminists and the activist judges and their tool of "no fault divorce", whereby only the men pay if the relationship ends.
Where's the incentive there?
- Bud Jtr, Medina USA
Maybe it has something to do with absurd divorce rulings by the out of control liberal Family Courts - can you say gold-diggers a/k/a Heather Mills. If you don't get married you can't lose your estate to a woman looking to win the lottery with alimony. 4yrs at college or 4 yrs of marriage - hmmm - for Heather Mills, the choice was clear.
- Mark, NY, USA
Marriage is a product that no one wants to buy any more. Only divorce attorneys and the courts enjoy the benefits of marriage these days. Once the divorce settlements are all paid out, the poor sap of a groom realises his mistake at being suckered by the woman in the first place.
Hats off to feminism. Men no longer have to buy the whole cow to get milk these days.
- Roger, Slough, UK
Women give it up so easy now...why marry them?
- Tony, Atlanta USA
This hasn't been helped by a Labour government that penalizes those getting married in every way possible -- almost treating it like a disease. Labour does everything for the single mother, but virtually nothing for those who make the marriage commitment. What has happened to Labour's bill to split property between unmarrieds in the same way as marrieds? What's the point of getting married when there are more benefits to being unmarried? That the number of marriages is the lowest in 150 years has everything to do with the government that has been in power for 11 years.
- Phil Jones, London
Yes because 'fashionability' and 'sophisticated arrangements' (whatever those may be), are worth so much more than life...
- Emily, USA
What are the statistics on the declining births. Has Britain reached the same position of Spain in non replacement rates.
- Gary, Tallahasse USA
There's nothing for men to gain out of marriage any longer.
Women had better get used to it.
- Roger, Guildford
Jake, Billings
How does the rest of the world have a more sophisticated arrangement unless you call self extinction enlightened, as that is what will happen when people don't have children.
- Dr Finlays Casebook, London, UK
"It is thought a change in the law in February 2005, which was designed to discourage "sham marriages", contributed to the fall in ceremonies between 2005 and 2006."
Perhaps. Perhaps it's the Heather Mills of the world providing a huge disincentive for men to enter into marriage. Risking loosing your house, your children, and false DV charges is enough to scare any sane man from matrimony.
- Dood Love, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Do you think this is due to us all becoming too selfish?
- Sean, DFW, US
It's got to be due to this global warming epidemic, surely.
- Morgan, London, UK
Easy analysis of this is, Women are too busy, trying to be more like men, and the men are too busy trying being effeminate. Just doesn't work doesn't it?
- Winwang, Hades USA
I think this just proves that the UK is a country of cynics, who think institutions like the Church and marriage are irrelevant in today's world.
- Steve, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Are people no longer committing their lives to each other? Does love no longer exist? Are people simply living single or shacking up with someone until someone better comes along? It's sad that the marriage rate is such a paltry 2%.
- Mike, Owasso, OK USA
wow !! does that mean they have all turned Homo's and Lesbians ?
- Tom Atkins, chilliwck Canada
What the article did not tell me was that for the marriages that are happening today, how many are English and Welsh and how many are other nationalities.
I expect the native borns are getting less and less.
I also would guess that the birth rates for those English and Welsh couples are getting smaller and smaller.
I would also like to know from the marriages that are not just civil ceremonies, what is the division on their religion?
The article raised a lot of questions for me.
- Hera, Eatonton, GA USA
Only in 3rd world countries and the US are people getting married and having children any more. The rest of the world is more enlightened and open to more sophisticated arrangements...
- Jake, Billings
Well most people get married to have kids - and that's just not very fashionable any more! Besides, anyone who is savy will note that you're financially better off if you have kids and you're NOT married...
- Roz, Chamonix, France
Why would any man get married. It leaves you open to being robbed by your wife at any point.
- Dave Wall, London England
