Marriage rate declines to all time low in England and Wales

Marriage decline driven by economic pressure & changing gender roles

New research from 77 Diamonds reveals that marriage rates have reached near-historic lows in England & Wales, marking a cultural shift in how modern couples view love, commitment, and tradition. But what is causing this change, and what does it mean for the future of marriage and wedding celebrations?

Marriage rate in decline

In 1972, the England & Wales marriage rate for opposite sex couples stood at 17.3 – meaning 17.3 people per 1,000 members of the population got married that year*.

After decades of steady decline, this figure dropped to 7.2 in 2019. Following a dip during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, which should largely be ignored due to the strict limitations placed on weddings and other celebrations, the most recent data from 2022 shows a modest recovery to 7.9 per 1,000 people.

While this suggests a partial rebound, it remains less than half of the 1972 figure from some fifty years ago.

Interestingly, same-sex marriage rates have shown a slight increase. Between 2014 and 2021 (minus the 2020 pandemic year), the same-sex marriage rate for England & Wales stayed static at 0.2, rising slightly to 0.3 in 2022.

Why is the overall marriage rate declining?

There is no single way of explaining the decline in marriage rate, but there are a number of likely contributing influences that we can explore:

Economic Pressures

Rising living costs, housing challenges, and student debt may have prompted more couples to delay or even forgo weddings, choosing instead to spend their money on housing, raising children, or funding their desired lifestyles.

Changing Gender Roles and Social Norms

England & Wales, alongside much of the world, have seen a visible shift away from what might be considered patriarchal traditions. Many couples now see marriage not as an obligation, but as a personal choice grounded in individual preferences rather than societal expectations. When outside expectation is removed from the equation, it makes sense that some couples who would previously have married are now choosing not to.

We should also consider the stigma which once existed around having children outside of marriage has more or less vanished from society in England & Wales, allowing many to start families without feeling the pressure to marry first.

Individualism and Autonomy

Younger generations increasingly value authenticity and celebrate non-conformity. This mindset encourages couples to tailor their relationships to reflect their own values instead of falling into line with what might be expected by older generations.

Decline in Religious Affiliation

Organised religion, not least Christianity, plays a much smaller part in the national culture than it did fifty or even thirty years ago. With fewer people now identifying with religion, marriage is less of an absolute requirement.

How Wedding Traditions Are Evolving

While the overall rate of marriage declines, we are also seeing a significant change in wedding traditions among those who do still choose to marry, with younger generations redefining what a wedding looks like in 2025. Key trends include:

Personalisation

Ceremonies are increasingly unique, often reflecting a mix of cultures, belief systems, and personal values. Many couples now opt for non-religious or secular celebrations that better align with their lifestyles, and view the wedding ceremony as a celebration of their relationship far more than a celebration of marriage itself.

Micro Weddings

Originally a pandemic necessity, smaller gatherings have exploded in popularity for the intimacy they allow and the significant reduction in cost. It seems more couples are choosing quality over quantity and prioritising meaningful experiences with their closest loved ones.

Eco-Conscious Celebrations

From digital invitations to sustainable attire and décor, environmentally conscious choices are now a hallmark of modern weddings. ‘Less is more’ has become a guiding principle, which means trappings of opulence or extravagance are far less common than they may have once been.

Cross-Cultural and LGBTQ+ Celebrations

As societal attitudes evolved, weddings have become more inclusive, with a wider range of cultural practices and identities mixed in to represent the lives, values, and backgrounds of the couple. Defined traditions and hard lines are becoming a thing of the past.

Co-founder of 77 Diamonds, Tobias Kormind, commented:

“Marriage is no longer a one-size-fits-all institution, and no longer an inevitable milestone of love. Among couples who do choose to marry, their celebrations are increasingly shaped by individual beliefs, financial realities, and modern values. As a brand dedicated to capturing personal stories through jewellery, we see these shifts not as a decline, but as an evolution and expansion. Love is the most personal story humans can tell, and we are proud to be part of helping people tell their own.

Today, people have the freedom to define love on their own terms. Whether choosing to marry or not, there is more space than ever for self-expression, meaningful gestures, and for rewriting traditions in ways that feel true. This freedom allows couples to honour their journey in whatever way speaks to them, whether through a quiet ceremony or a bold celebration.

Jewellery continues to play a powerful role in the lives of those in love. While fewer people may be buying traditional engagement rings or wedding bands, the act of giving and wearing jewellery remains one of the most intimate and lasting ways to say ‘I love you’ – and has been so for millennia. From anniversary gifts to special pieces that mark major personal milestones, jewellery captures emotion in a way that words sometimes cannot. It is a symbol of connection, a legacy worthy of being passed down generations.”