Québec, September 9, 2024. – For 2023, the number of marriages in Québec is estimated at 22,700, nearly as many as in the previous year (22,908). Of these marriages, 97% were between a man and a woman, and 3% were between two men or two women. These percentages have been rather stable since marriages between same-gender couples were authorized in 2004. Marriages between couples of different genders decreased very slightly (-1%) to 21,950. Meanwhile, the number of same-gender marriages increased to 730 (+4%) and exceeded the previous high recorded in 2018 (708).
This information comes from the bulletin Les mariages au Québec en 2023 published by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Number of marriages, Québec, 1971–2023
Note
Same-gender marriages are included as of 2004.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec.
People are less likely to get married than before and do so at a later age
The propensity to get married—which was already very low in the past few years—declined again slightly. Only 25% of men and 29% of women would marry at least once before their 50th birthday if age-specific nuptiality behaviours remained at 2023 levels.
In 2023, the average age at first marriage was 33.7 years for men and 32.3 years for women. Since 1971, these numbers have increased by 8.1 and 8.8 years, respectively.
Mean age at first marriage by gender, Québec, 1971–2023
Note
Same-gender marriages are included as of 2004.
The data are based on the concept of gender. The categories “Men+” and “Women+” mean that non-binary persons have been distributed between men and women.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Who do couples choose as officiants to marry them?
Ministers of religion (affiliated with a religious society recognized by the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec) performed 35% of marriages in 2023, making this category of officiant the most popular choice. This percentage stood at 30% for designated officiants (mayors, municipal councillors, municipal officials, or “one-day officiants” such as friends or family members). The proportion of notaries was only slightly higher than that of court clerks, at 18% and 17%, respectively. Preferences in terms of officiants in 2023 were comparable with the previous year.
Marriages by category of officiant, Québec, 2002–2023
Note
Same-gender marriages are included as of 2004.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Tables on marriages and nuptiality in Québec have also been updated.
For 25 years, the Institut de la statistique du Québec has been producing, analyzing, and disseminating official, objective and high-quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec