The trend towards older age at marriage continued in 2002. The median age at marriage for men was 31 years, rising from 26 years in 1982. For women and median age rose to 29 years in 2002 from 24 years in 1982.
The Median age at first marriage also rose. In 2002 it was 29 years for men and 27 years for women. Twenty years ago the respective median ages at first marriage were 25 years and 22 years.
First marriages and remarriages
In 2002 marriages in which neither party had been previously married comprised of 66% of all marriages registered. A further 18% were first marriages for one partner and a remarriage for the other and 15% were remarriages for both partners. The proportions were similar to those recorded in 1982.
Children and Marriage
In 2002, 31% of grooms remarring had children from a previous marriage.
Cohabition prior to marriage
The increasing trend to cohabit prior to entering a registered marriage continued in 2002. Marriage data for 2002 indicated 73% of couples cohabited prior to marriage. Family Survey showed that 20 years ago only 30% of couples had lived together prior to marriage.