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Weddings at 'lowest ever' level Weddings at 'lowest ever' level
(about 1 hour later)
Fewer couples are choosing to tie the knotThe number of adults choosing to marry has fallen to the lowest level since records began according to new figures. The number of adults choosing to marry is at its lowest level since records began, according to new figures.
The Office for National Statistics says the marriage rate for England and Wales in 2005 was the lowest since figures were first collated in 1862.The Office for National Statistics says the marriage rate for England and Wales in 2005 was the lowest since figures were first collated in 1862.
There were 244,710 couples tying the knot in 2005, compared with 273,070 in 2004, and 242,764 in 1896.
One factor thought to be behind the drop is a change in the law to discourage so-called sham marriages.
In 2005 only 2.4 % of unmarried men tied the knot, down from 2.7% the previous year.In 2005 only 2.4 % of unmarried men tied the knot, down from 2.7% the previous year.
For women, the marriage rate in 2005 was also down. One factor thought to be behind the drop is a new law to discourage so-called sham marriages.
And the total number of people getting married was at its lowest for over a century - 244,710 tied the knot in 2005, the fewest since 1896.
The figures also showed the continuing trend for couples to marry when they are older. In the 10 years since 1995, the average age to marry has increased to 36 for men, and 33 for women.The figures also showed the continuing trend for couples to marry when they are older. In the 10 years since 1995, the average age to marry has increased to 36 for men, and 33 for women.
Across the UK, weddings were down 10% in 2005 compared with the previous year.Across the UK, weddings were down 10% in 2005 compared with the previous year.
Marriages fell in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the first time in three years.Marriages fell in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the first time in three years.
We have more people waiting longer and living together for longer before they marry RelateWe have more people waiting longer and living together for longer before they marry Relate
A Church of England spokesman said: "The figures are worrying, as the Church teaches that marriage is the best option for couples to grow together in mutual support.A Church of England spokesman said: "The figures are worrying, as the Church teaches that marriage is the best option for couples to grow together in mutual support.
"We would like to see fuller figures on marriage that explain the recent fall, after two years of increase, and that take account of the growing appeal of getting married abroad.""We would like to see fuller figures on marriage that explain the recent fall, after two years of increase, and that take account of the growing appeal of getting married abroad."
The relationship support agency Relate said the statistics might show the state of marriage, but not that of committed couples.The relationship support agency Relate said the statistics might show the state of marriage, but not that of committed couples.
A spokesman said: "We have more people waiting longer and living together for longer before they marry.A spokesman said: "We have more people waiting longer and living together for longer before they marry.
"That's because they want to be sure that they want the same things and that the marriage will be stable and healthy.""That's because they want to be sure that they want the same things and that the marriage will be stable and healthy."