Recession sees marriage rate rise

The recession may have brought misery to many but it appears to have led to joy for others by encouraging increase in the number of marriages.

The trend could be a result of people seeking greater stability at a time of uncertainty
Register offices and churches have reported a rise in marriages and civil partnerships since the onset of the economic downturn.

Experts say the trend could be a result of people seeking greater stability at a time of uncertainty.

Chrissie Stainton, who has been a registrar in Poole, Dorset, for 16 years said she had never known a surge like it.

"It's beyond belief," she said. "It is always busy after Christmas but we are struggling to fit people in. For some reason, weddings do seem to be on the up."

At one venue in Poole, Compton Acres gardens, bookings are up 70 per cent compared with last year.

Tara Howard, managing director of the Langtry Manor Hotel on Bournemouth's East Cliff, said: "It has been amazing. We have been rushed off our feet.

"We have had them queuing up for appointments to be shown around. We are well up on what we were this time last year for the year ahead."

Professor Cary Cooper, a social scientist at Lancaster University, said: "The increase in marriages makes sense. If you're feeling insecure, as people are now, then you are going to want to try to bring some stability to their lives.

"During a period of economic growth, when you have a more entrepreneurial climate, people are more me-oriented. But when times get tough, and you are out there on your own, you are going to look more for security in relationships."

However, the overall proportion of people getting married has declined in recent years.

Source: Telegraph