Latest Australian Wedding Statistics
By Jan Littlejohn
The number or couples opting for the services of a wedding celebrant has increased in the past year with the figure rising to 65 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Additionally, people are waiting longer to take the wedding plunge with the 2008 median age for first marriages being 27.7 years for women and 29.6 years for men. This is an increase of around three years for both sexes. This age increase has been attributed to various external factors including attitude shifts in both the wider community and individuals, one of the most significant being the number of couples who chose to live together prior to marriage, which rose to 77.7 per cent.
Other significant statistics is that in the year of 2008 there were more marriages and fewer divorces, also according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Figures released in recent days showed that the number of marriages increased by 2.1 per cent while divorces fell 1.6 per cent, both compared to 2007. This translates to over 118,000 registered marriages and more than 47,000 divorces granted in Australia during 2008.
This figure of registered marriages is the highest in 20 years although the crude marriage rate, that is marriages per 1000 people, has declined since 1989 to 5.5 people from 7 people. This compares to the 2008 crude divorce rate of 2.2, the lowest in the last 20 years.
In a humourous side note, the increase for the number of marriages for 2008 has been attributed to the number of weddings held on the 08/08/08.
As far as the most popular months for a wedding go, November was the winner in 2008 with over 15,000 marriages. March and October held second and third most popular respectively. These latest statistics are thought to indicate the emerging change of attitudes for a wedding ceremony. Many people think it is traditional to get married in a church, but really your service can be just as special and spiritual exchanging your wedding vows at one of the many stunning locations available on the northern beaches surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.
A ceremony, conducted by a marriage celebrant, not only allows you to choose a beautiful location, it also allows you to say ‘I do’ using your own choice of words. Perhaps a poem you have written for each other or saying your vows to a piece of music that has special meaning to you both. Whether you choose to have a romantic sunset elopement on one of our gorgeous Northern Beaches or an elegant affair with a multitude of guests, you will want to choose the perfect ceremony for your perfect day.
Why Choose Jan Littlejohn for your ceremony?
With 7 years experience and over 700 marriage ceremonies – I offer a fresh approach to assist couples to create a wedding or commitment ceremony that is full of warmth and intimacy. Happy couples have described me as very Professional, personable, friendly, flexible and enthusiastic. On a personal level, love walking my dog Jack and shopping! To ensure you get the perfect ceremony on your perfect day, call or email me now on
0425 284 330
