Bradford
Pakistani marriage in Bradford
Bradford in numbers
Bradford had 166,846 Muslim residents at the 2021 Census, 31% of everyone living there. That is about 4.7 times the England and Wales average of 6.5%.
The Census also counted 139,553 residents of Pakistani heritage in Bradford (26% of residents), about 9.6 times the England and Wales average of 2.7%. Of the 96 council areas we cover in England and Wales, it ranks 3rd for this group. This is the Census ethnic group, which counts people of all faiths, though most British Pakistanis are Muslim.
166,846
Muslim residents
31%
of Bradford
139,553
of Pakistani heritage
3
mosques listed below
Source: ONS Census 2021 (tables TS030 religion, TS021 ethnic group and TS012 country of birth), usual residents.
Muslim life in Bradford
Bradford has one of the highest shares of Muslim residents of any UK city. Its Pakistani Kashmiri community dates back to the 1950s textile mills. The city is often called the 'curry capital of Britain'. Bradford's Muslims include well-known scholars, business owners and local politicians.
Mosques in Bradford
- Bradford Grand Mosque (Horton Park)
- Al-Jamia Suffa-Tul-Islam
- Faizan-e-Madina Bradford
Areas with large Muslim communities
Pakistani marriage in the UK
Pakistani migration to Britain began primarily in the 1950s and 1960s when workers from Punjab, Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were recruited to work in textile mills, steel foundries, and the transport sector. Communities established in the Midlands and North of England are now home to British Pakistani families going back three or four generations, especially in Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester.
Pakistani marriage customs in the UK typically include a formal proposal (Rishta) often initiated through family networks, an engagement ceremony (Mangni), the Mehndi celebration, the Nikah ceremony, and the Walima reception. Many British Pakistani families maintain the tradition of involving extended family in the matchmaking process while younger generations increasingly seek partners through professional platforms.
Languages often spoken at home: English, Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri, Pashto.
How it works in Bradford
- Step 1
Create a free profile
Tell us about your faith, family and what you want in a spouse. You must be 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Step 2
Find people near you
Set your filters to Bradford or the wider area, plus sect and background, then send a like or a short compliment.
- Step 3
Talk with your wali involved
Chat opens once they accept. Invite your wali to get copies of the messages you send, and report or block anyone in one tap.
Questions about Pakistani marriage in Bradford
How many Pakistani Muslims live in Bradford?
The 2021 Census counted 139,553 residents of Pakistani heritage in Bradford, 26% of residents. This is the Census ethnic group, which counts people of all faiths, though most British Pakistanis are Muslim. The same Census recorded 166,846 Muslims in the area.
Is UK Muslim Marriage free for Pakistani Muslim singles in Bradford?
Joining is free and you can browse, like and chat with matches without paying. Optional Silver, Gold and Diamond memberships start at 99p a week and give you more likes, compliments and profile boosts. Memberships renew until you cancel, and you can cancel any time in the app.
How are profiles checked?
Our team reviews every new profile and photo before other members can see it. Members can also upload a UK photo ID and a selfie, which we check by hand, to get a Verified badge. You can report or block anyone from their profile or your chat.
Can my wali or parents be involved?
Yes. You can invite your wali, a parent or another guardian from the app. If you choose, they get an email copy of each message you send, so Pakistani Muslim families can stay involved from the first conversation.
Pakistani marriage in other cities
Other communities in Bradford
See also Muslim marriage in Bradford and Pakistani marriage across the UK.
Looking for a Pakistani spouse in Bradford?
Create a free profile in a few minutes. Every profile is reviewed, and your wali can be involved from day one.