In a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community, the number of same-sex marriages across England and Wales reached record highs in 2022. Data released during Pride Month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights impressive growth since same-sex marriage was legalized in 2014.
Detailed Statistics
The ONS statistics show that 98 same-sex couples got married in Oxfordshire in 2022 — up from 64 marriages in 2019, marking the highest figure since legalization. Nationally, the number of same-sex marriages surged to a record 7,800 in 2022, which represents a 10% increase over previous years.
Benjamin Cohen, co-founder of Out4Marriage, celebrated the data, stating: “Far from devaluing the institution of marriage as some opponents claimed at the time, same-sex marriage has enhanced and preserved the institution of marriage in our country.”
Demographic Patterns in Marriage
Marriage demographics have evolved significantly in recent years. For heterosexual couples, the average age at first marriage reached its highest historical level in 2022, with the median first-time marital age for men and women standing at 32.7 and 31.2 years old, respectively. This trend toward older first marriages reflects broader societal changes.
However, this shift did not go unchallenged. The Marriage Foundation, a national charity advocating for marriage, voiced concerns over this trend. Research Director Harry Benson argued that delays in marriage could undermine its importance in society.
Cohabitation and Civil Partnerships
Cohabitation before marriage also continued to rise, reaching record levels. According to ONS data, nine out of 10 couples were living together prior to marriage in 2021 and 2022, the highest rate since 1994.
This trend aligns with the views of The Equal Civil Partnerships Campaign, which highlights civil partnerships as a “viable alternative” to marriage. The group has called for greater support and recognition of civil partnerships by the Government and other institutions.
Oxfordshire Marriages
The rise in marriage figures is not limited to same-sex couples. Opposite-sex marriages in Oxfordshire also saw an increase, with 3,180 ceremonies recorded in 2022 compared to 2,880 in 2019.
The steady improvement in marriage statistics marks an essential step forward, coinciding with the celebrations of Pride Month. These shifts, underscored by the ONS data, underscore progress in both LGBTQ+ rights and the changing marital landscape in England and Wales.
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