Québec, September 17, 2025. – There were 23,000 marriages registered in Québec in 2024, only marginally more than in the previous year (22,700). The propensity to get married remains very low in Québec: only 25% of men and 29% of women would marry at least once before their 50th birthday if 2024 nuptiality behaviours continued. The average age at first marriage was 33.4 years for men and 31.9 years for women in 2024, down slightly from 2023.
These findings come from the bulletin Les mariages au Québec published today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec. This bulletin was released along with preliminary data on marriages and nuptiality in Québec in 2024.
Number of marriages, Québec, 1971–2024
Note
Same-gender marriages are included as of 2004.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec.
A look back at 20 years of same-gender marriages
The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the first same-gender marriages in Québec. Their number has increased since they became legal in March 2004. In 2024, 743 same-gender couples were married, the highest number in the past two decades. As has been the case over the past few years, slightly more female couples got married than male couples, with 382 marriages between two women versus 361 marriages between two men. The opposite situation was initially observed in the years after same-gender marriage was legalized.
Same-gender marriages account for 3% of all marriages in Québec, and this proportion has remained relatively stable over the past few years.
Number of same-gender marriages, Québec, 2004–2024
Notes
Same-gender marriage was legalized on March 19, 2004.
A person’s gender refers to their personal and social identity as a man, as a woman, or as a non-binary person (meaning a person whose gender is outside the male-female gender binary). The “Men+” and “Women+” categories mean that non-binary persons have been distributed between men and women.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and 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.