Pictured above Ynonne Hannah Fuze Celebrant, captured perfectly by Laura Kemp Photography
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) have released their yearly life vital events report for 2024 – we take a dip into the numbers to give you the headlines on all the marriage stats
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) recently released their yearly report on vital life statistics in Scotland for 2024, which included the number of marriages that took place.
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
There were 26,955 marriages in Scotland in 2024, 202 more than in 2023. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of marriages in Scotland decreased. Marriages rose in 2022 when ceremony restrictions were lifted before returning to pre-covid levels in 2023 and 2024. There were 1,086 same-sex marriages in 2024.
There were 796 civil partnerships registered in 2024, the highest number since 2006. There has been a continued increase in the number of civil partnerships each year from 2021, following much smaller numbers of same-sex civil partnerships from 2015 onwards after the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Following a legislation change in 2021 which allowed mixed-sex civil partnerships, most civil partnerships in Scotland have been for mixed-sex partners, at 83% in 2024. The number of mixed-sex civil partnerships has been increasing each year, and reached its highest of 661 in 2024. The number of same-sex civil partnerships has been increasing since 2021, but numbers are still much lower compared to pre-2014 levels.
Ceremony Types
The most common types of ceremonies after civil ceremonies were Humanist at 8,142 ceremonies, Church of Scotland at 1,252 ceremonies and Roman Catholic at 647. Around 12,381 or 46% of marriages were civil ceremonies. The remaining 14,574 were carried out by religious and other belief bodies.
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 3000+ FIVE STAR RATED REVIEWS reviews and our Podcast channel, Say I Do With Fuze Podcast, covering all topics humanist ceremony related and beyond.
Same Sex
1086 same sex marriages took place in 2022 with the split 406 male couples and 680 female. In addition, the marital status of each party was 923 single, 133 divorced and 3 widowed.
Age
The average age of people getting married has been increasing since the 1990s. During the 1980s, the average age for females was 26.6 years and for males was 28.9 years. In 2024, the average age for females was 37.8 years and for males was 40.0 years.
Above picture credit: Unplash.com
Cival Partnerships
The total number of Civil Partnerships that took place in 2024 was 796. Following the 2021 law change to allow mixed sex couples to enter into a Civil Partnership , this has continued in popularity with 661 mixed-sex Civil Partnership taking place in 2024 versus 590 in 2023. The other same sex breakdown was 67 for male and 68 for female.
Pictured above Debbie Daly Fuze Celebrant, captured by 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
See the FULL 2024 REPORT HERE
The I DO Review – Unscripted Celebrant Sessions
Check out our new series where Fuze Ceremonies Humanist Celebrants informally, and unscripted, chat about all things weddings and give practical advice and thoughts on how to make your humanist wedding ceremony, and more, truly unforgettable – click image below to watch!
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!
