The number of marriages in Italy continues to decline. Data from Istat point out that, in 2023, were celebrated 184.207 marriages, a drop of 2,6% compared to the previous year.
In the first eight months of 2024, the reduction was even more pronounced, at -6,7%. At the same time, second marriages and civil unions showed growth, reflecting changes in the country's family and social patterns.
Decline in marriages and changing patterns
First marriages, which account for 75,9% of the total, recorded a sharper decline (-4,3%) in 2023. This decline is linked to the increase in free unions (live together more happily), which more than tripled between 2000 and 2023. The transformation in the process of transition to adulthood also has an influence: today, young people prioritize living together before getting married, studying or seeking financial independence.
Furthermore, low fertility since the 1970s has reduced the number of people of marriageable age, contributing to the structural decline in marriages.
Second marriages on the rise
In 2023, 44.320 marriages involved at least one spouse with previous marital experience, the highest number ever recorded. This category represents 24,1% of all marriages in the country.
The increase in second marriages is attributed to marital instability and the introduction of quick divorce in 2015. The civil rite is predominant in these cases, used in 95% of second marriages.
Civil unions on the rise, but with signs of stabilization
Same-sex civil unions grew by 7,3% in 2023, totaling 3.019 celebrations. However, preliminary data for 2024 indicate a slight slowdown (-2,1%). Northern regions, such as Lombardia e Emilia-Romagna, lead, with 7,1 unions per 100 thousand inhabitants.
The increase in civil unions reflects advances in social inclusion since the implementation of Law No. 76 of 2016, which regulates same-sex unions in Italy.
Mixed marriages and new family patterns
In 2023, 16,1% of marriages involved at least one foreign spouse, with emphasis on the province of Bolzano (28,9%). Among mixed marriages, 71,3% occur between Italians and foreigners, the majority being formed by Italian men and women of Romanian, Ukrainian or Brazilian.
Among naturalized Italians, mixed marriages have increased significantly, indicating a higher level of social integration.
Trend: more separation of assets
Separation of assets was adopted in 74,3% of marriages in 2023, maintaining the upward trend observed since 1995.
