NZ Marriage Trends 2024: Fewer Weddings, More Personalised Ceremonies

Valentine's Day remains a popular wedding date, with 12,272 couples choosing to exchange vows on February 14 since records began in 1848.

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has shared insights into New Zealand’s marriage trends while celebrating Valentine's Day 2025.

In 2024, a total of 20,383 marriages were registered in New Zealand, marking a decline from 23,043 recorded a decade ago in 2014. A growing trend towards personalised ceremonies emerged, with 17,795 couples opting for bespoke weddings featuring individualised vows and flexible locations. By contrast, only 13% of couples chose registry ceremonies, which involve standard vows and must occur during business hours—a drop from 21% in 2014.

The age profile of newlyweds has shifted, reflecting a trend towards marrying later in life. In 2024, only one-quarter of couples were aged 29 or younger, compared to one-third in 2014. Additionally, 47% of newlyweds were aged 30 to 39, up from 38% in 2014. Notably, 740 couples aged 70 or older tied the knot, demonstrating that love knows no age limit.

Valentine's Day remains a popular wedding date, with 12,272 couples choosing to exchange vows on February 14 since records began in 1848.

The Department of Internal Affairs administers marriage licences, which can be obtained online through marriages.services.govt.nz. Applications are processed within three working days.

These figures highlight evolving wedding preferences and demographic shifts among New Zealanders, with personalised ceremonies becoming the preferred choice for modern couples.