Pandemic causes historic decrease in marriages across the country

Statistics have revealed COVID-19 lockdowns across Australia have done anything but lock people down, with national data showing a record-breaking decrease in marriages.

The data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows 2020 recorded the largest annual decrease in registered marriages on record.

The statistics also took top place for the lowest number of registrations reported since 1961.

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There were 78,989 marriages registered across the nation in 2020, which is a whopping 30.6 per cent decrease compared to the year prior, as all states and territories recorded a decline.

COVID-19 restrictions may have made tying the knot more difficult for Australians, as marriage numbers fell in late March of 2020 during the peak of the pandemic.

"Marriage numbers fell in late March as lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings and travel bans impacted marriage plans, with numbers then remaining low throughout winter and spring," ABS Director of Health and Vital Statistics James Eynstone-Hinkins said.

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Victoria, which experienced the longest period of COVID-19 restrictions, recorded the largest decline in newlyweds with a 41.9 per cent decrease.

Marriage numbers in the ACT were impacted the least, recording only a 12.7 per cent drop.

Despite the dramatic plunge, about 80,000 newlyweds remained undefeated by restriction implications.

However, experts warn the small increase of about two per cent shown in divorce rates isn't completely indicative of the unprecedented year's impact, as divorces are only reported once finalised after a period of separation of at least one year.

This suggests the impact of divorces through the pandemic will only be visible over the next few years.