Marriage is an extremely important event in the lives of many people worldwide. Specifically looking at Canada, in 2006 there were 150,505 marriages; 2007 had 148,957 couples wed; and in 2008 there were 147,288. Of these numbers, on average approximately 70% each year were officiated by the clergy (See table below).
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Total Marriages | 150,505 | 148,957 | 147,288 |
| Clergy | 72% | 70% | 70% |
| Non-Clergy | | | |
| Judge or Justice of Peace | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Marriage Commissioner | 21% | 21% | 20% |
| Clerk of the Court | 4% | 4% | 4% |
| Not Stated | 1% | 2% | 3% |
As well, approximately 47% of females under the age of 50 entered into their first marriage relationship in 2008. Likewise 44% of males under the age of 50 entered into their first marriage.
However, sadly for some individuals, marriage does not always turn out as planned and can lead to divorce. In 2006, there were 74,654 couples divorced; 2007 marked the year for 73,148 couples who got divorced; and in 2008 there were 70,215 divorces finalized.
| | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Total Divorces | 74,654 | 73,148 | 70,215 |
| - Due to Separation (1 yr +) | 95% | 94% | 95% |
| - Due to Adultery | 3% | 3% | 3% |
| - Due to Physical/Mental Cruelty | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| *Percentage of total divorces finalized in that year. |
Although there were various reasons recorded as to the cause of the divorce, majority of couples stated it was simply the result of being separated for a year or more (See table to left). As well the divorce rate has steadily increased for those couples who have been married more recently.
| | Year of Divorce |
| Year of Marriage | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| 1960 | 0.53 | 0.45 | 0.38 |
| 1965 | 1.13 | 1.07 | 0.69 |
| 1970 | 2.49 | 2.22 | 1.77 |
| 1975 | 4.05 | 3.76 | 3.27 |
| 1980 | 7.16 | 6.37 | 5.45 |
| 1985 | 9.71 | 8.94 | 8.57 |
| 1990 | 12.42 | 11.17 | 10.17 |
| 1995 | 17.21 | 16.06 | 14.85 |
| 2000 | 24.89 | 22.48 | 19.86 |
| 2005 | 4.01 | 19.90 | 30.44 |
| *All numbers rate per 1,000 marriages. |
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