The National Records of Scotland (NRS) have released their yearly life vital events report for 2023 – we take a dip into the numbers to give you the headlines on the 2023 marriage stats
Pictured above captured perfectly by Camera Shy Photography
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) recently released their yearly report on vital life statistics in Scotland for 2023, which included the number of marriages that took place. The following statistics are now at a similar level to that seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marriages
26,753 marriages were registered in Scotland in 2023, and now back at a similar level to that seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. 719 civil partnerships were registered in 2023, the highest number since 2006. 82% of these were mixed sex.
Similar to the previous year (2022) the status of each party also makes for interesting reading. 75.3% of males were bachelors, 1.9% were widowers, 22.3% were divorcees and 0.6% were previously in a civil partnership. The female break down was 77.1% spinsters, 1.7% divorcees, 20.8% widowers and 0.5% were from a civil partnership.
Ceremony Types
7,691 Humanist marriages took place along with 4,629 other non christian marriage ceremonies, bring the total to 12,320 of Humanist and other non christian marriages recorded in 2023, an increase of 1,772 on 2022.
The Church of Scotland conducted 1,459 marriages with the Roman Catholic Church conducting 723. And civil marriage ceremonies make up the rest with 12,251 recorded.
Humanist ceremonies continue to grow in their popularity year after year. Too often, other ceremony types are delivered in the same tone, by the same sort of officiant, using the same tired script, skimming over the most important element of the ceremony – the individuals at the heart of it. Humanist ceremonies give couples more choice and flexibility and are 100% legal in Scotland as Humanism has been a recognised belief body since 2005. The Fuze Foundation is recognised as this.
Here at Fuze Ceremonies we have been creating unique and bespoke Humanist Wedding Ceremonies since 2012 and tied the knot for thousands of happy newlyweds – We have 70 celebrants in our team covering the length and breadth of Scotland. We boast in excess of 2100+ FIVE STAR REVIEWS reviews and a NEW Podcast channel, Say I Do With Fuze Podcast, covering all topics humanist ceremony related and beyond.
Same Sex
655 same sex marriages took place in 2022 with the split 325 male couples and 532 female. These numbers include those who have converted their previous Civil Partnership to a legal marriage of which there were 40. In addition the remaining status of each party was 857 single, 135 divorced and 8 widowed.
Above pictures credited: Karol Makula Photography
Age
In 2023 the average age of a male who married for the first time was 35.3. and 33.7 for a female, both around the same as last year. The average age has now been in the 30’s since 1999 for a male and 2006 for a female with the average age increasing every year. You would have go all the back to the 1970s to see the average age of men and women getting married in their 20’s.
38 males and 78 females between the age of 16-19 were married in 2023. 6,826 males and 6,969 females aged between 30-34 were married, which continues to be the most popular age bracket. At the other end of the scale, 3,966 males and 2,901 females aged 55+ were married.
Above picture credit: Duncan Ireland Photography
Civil Partnerships
The total number of Civil Partnerships that took place in 2023 was 719. Following the 2021 law change to allow mixed sex couples to enter into a Civil Partnership , this has continued in popularity with 590 mixed-sex Civil Partnership taking place in 2023 versus 529 in 2022. The other same sex breakdown was 73 for male and 56 for female.
ABove picture credit: Tommy Hamilton Photography
Getting Ready To Get Legally Married In Scotland
Not only is Scotland stunningly beautiful, it is also one of only a few countries where couples are free to marry anywhere their hearts desire. Our team of Celebrants are authorised by the Register General of Scotland to solemnise marriages and are chosen for their creativity, energy, personality and genuine love of life. Each member of the team has benefited from our comprehensive Celebrant training programme and is fully insured and disclosed.
The National Records of Scotland website details every step to be taken and the forms needed to apply for a marriage licence. Of course our amazing Celebrant team will guide you all the way during the process and talk you through this important element of your big day.
Check out our blog – You’ve said ‘YES’ to your Celebrant – DON’T forget the legal stuff!!
Fuze celebrant Wendy Dallas keeping the happy couple and witnesses right during their wedding
Add our smiles to yours
No two couples are the same so no two ceremonies should be the same. At Fuze we work alongside our couples to make their ceremony script is unique, personal and bespoke. It’s your day your way with us, so let us add our smiles to yours. To check our amazing celebrant’s live availability for your special date click here!
See the FULL REPORT HERE
Say ‘I DO’ With Fuze Podcast
Check out our Podcast channel as we bring you a series to help you plan and get the most from your humanist wedding ceremony.
