NEW census data has revealed that from 2019 to 2020 marriages in Wirral dropped by just under 70%.

The figures have revealed that there were 85,770 marriages in total in England and Wales in 2020, a decrease of 61.0% from 219,850 in 2019; the lowest number of marriages on record since 1838.

Every area in England and Wales experienced a decrease in marriages from 2019 to 2020. Most areas saw more than a 50% decrease in overall marriage numbers in 2020.

For Wirral, in 2019 Census data reveals that there were 979 marriages and in 2020 there were just 304. This is a 69% decrease.

In 2020, marriages were affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including the temporary closure of wedding venues and registration offices; additional restrictions including the number of guests may also have impacted marriages.

Marriage rates have fallen to their lowest on record

A statistician for Census said: "Restrictions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have had a marked impact on the number, timing and characteristics of marriages taking place in 2020 compared with previous years.

"Marriage rates in 2020 have more than halved compared with 2019 and have fallen to their lowest on record. While August is usually the most popular month to marry, in 2020 there was a shift to September and October respectively for opposite-sex and same-sex couples.

"While divorce proceedings were also impacted by the pandemic, for the first time, marriage rates were lower than divorce rates. Future analysis will show whether there is a rise in marriage rates in 2021 as restrictions were lifted."

To view the data, visit here.