Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins PhotosThe majority of Gen Zs and millennials questioned in a survey wish to get married in a Catholic church, new data shows. A substantial 60 per cent of unmarried Catholics want to marry in a Catholic Church including 63 per cent of those aged under 35. Of Catholics who married outside of a church venue, 40 per cent would have chosen to have their wedding officiated by a Catholic priest if that option were available. Less than half of Catholics, at 47 per cent, are aware that it is possible to have a wedding ceremony in church without also having a Mass. Less than a quarter, or 23 per cent, of Catholics are aware of convalidation ceremonies – a church wedding after a civil ceremony.

Source: The Irish Times February 14, 2026 17:08 UTC