Marriage - the facts

There were 270,400 marriages in the UK in 2008 – approximately two thirds were civil weddings. (Office of National Statistics)

The divorce rate is highest in the 25-29 age group. (Office of National Statistics)

85% of all couples in the UK are married. (2001 National Census)

More than 95% of women and 91% of men will have married at least once by the age of 49 in the UK. (United Nations Report)

74% of people think that being married is the most desirable way to live. (Mori poll)

9 out of 10 teenagers under 16 say they ‘want to tie the knot one day.’ (Bliss magazines poll of 5,000 teens)

The average length of marriage for couples who divorce is 11 years. (Office of National Statistics)

Does marriage preparation really make a difference?

Studies show couples who prepare for marriage have a much greater chance of developing the skills they need to cultivate a happy marriage that lasts a lifetime. ...Read more

 

How you can get involved

home-registrarRegistrars

The Register Office is the gateway for thousands of couples who chose to get married in a civil ceremony each year. Find out how you can work with The National Couple Support Network to provide couples with information to help them access support in preparing for marriage. ... Read more

 

home-church-leaderChurch leaders

For many couples, the local church is the first port of call when arranging their wedding. The National Couple Support Network can help you as a church leader to provide marriage preparation for engaged couples in your area. ... Read more

 

home-ncsn-co-ordinatorBecome a Co-ordinator

The National Couple Support Network is looking for volunteers to take up the exciting role of NCSN Co-ordinators to offer marriage preparation to engaged couples in every registration district across the UK. ... Read more

 
 
video

Are you engaged?

You will find lots of useful ideas
and helpful hints to help you and
your partner prepare for
marriage on our sister site
Prepare for Marriage.

Find a Co-ordinator
in your area

Find out if there is an
NCSN Co-ordinator
in your local area
Find a Co-ordinator