Over half of UK divorcees had doubts on their wedding day and 65% even considered abandoning their partner at the altar, a study has revealed.

The survey of 1,604 divorced UK adults by lawyers Slater and Gordon showed that the top reasons for going through with the marriage included feeling embarrassed about the cost of the wedding, experiencing pressure from family and thinking doubts were just nerves or jitters.

Other reasons the divorcees went through with their wedding ceremonies included “just hoping it would work out”, feeling too guilty to abandon their partner on the day, or thinking their spouse would change their behaviour once married.

49% of people admitted they were unsure before the wedding that their marriage would last, with 15% of those surveyed saying they were so wracked with doubt that they felt physically sick in the weeks before their wedding.

Divorce lawyer Amanda McAlister, of Slater and Gordon, said: “It is incredibly common for people to go into marriages with doubts. There can also be a lot of optimism at the wedding, but this can fade with time.

"We also have some clients who say they had an early instinct their marriage might not be successful and now regret not listening to that doubt,” she added. “I would advise anyone considering marriage to think carefully. It is important to be clear about what your expectations are of marriage and your partner in advance of exchanging vows.”

Newly released stats on divorcees found 65% considered leaving their partner at the altar and examines the reasons they went through with it