However, the number of deaths in the city also showed a drop, from 2195 in 2003 to 2035 last year.

An upward trend in the number of marriages conducted in Dundee continued, with a rise from 584 to 622.

Mr Law said the reason for the continuing popularity of marriage ceremonies can be attributed to an increasing demand for civil weddings.

During 2003 civil weddings rose by 25% on the previous year and that trend continued last year.

While the number of religious wedding ceremonies in 2004 only went up by four to 339, civil weddings increased by 14% from 249 to 283.

The reason for the upturn in demand for civil weddings is a product of the Marriage (Scotland) Act 2002, which gave couples a much wider choice of venues for their wedding. Venues can now apply for a “period approval” which allows civil marriages to be conducted at the premises for a period of three years.

Alternatively, couples can apply for a “temporary approval” to cover a civil ceremony at an unusual or personal venue.

Many Dundee couples have chosen to be married in the garden of their homes and other venues booked with the city registrar have included Crombie Country Park, Dens Park and Tannadice Park football grounds, Dundee Law, Broughty Ferry beach and the Sidlaws.