31.08.2026 11:11
In an effort to increase falling marriage rates in China, marriage registration procedures have been moved to unusual locations. Couples can now complete their marriage procedures in banks, hospitals, airports, and even nightclubs in some regions. It was announced that the number of marriages in the first half of 2026 decreased by 7.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
As the decline in marriage numbers in China continues, extraordinary steps are being taken to encourage couples to marry and facilitate official procedures. In different parts of the country, marriage registration is no longer only conducted in government offices.
Under the new practices, marriage registration services are offered to couples at many locations, from banks to hospitals, from airports to metro stations. One of the most striking practices has been marriage ceremonies held in a nightclub.
MARRIAGE REGISTRATION ERA AT THE BANK
On August 6, the first marriage registration point operating inside a bank in China was opened in the Hexi district of Tianjin.
At the point established inside the bank, couples' marriage procedures are carried out by official officials. It was stated that the practice was initiated to make it easier for couples to access procedures.
MARRIAGE CEREMONY AT A NIGHTCLUB
One of the most unusual examples of the practice emerged in Shanghai. A nightclub in the city, in collaboration with the local civil affairs unit, hosted marriage certificate ceremonies for couples.
Temples, tourist areas, parks, and metro stations in different parts of China have also begun to be used for marriage procedures.
NIKAH PROCEDURES AT THE HOSPITAL
A women's and children's health hospital in Zibo city, Shandong province, also began offering marriage registration services on August 20.
Here, couples can benefit from pre-marital health check-ups and pre-pregnancy counseling services, as well as marriage registration.
At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, a marriage registration point was opened in January. Thus, the airport became the first airport in China where marriage certificates are issued.
MARRIAGES DECREASED BY 7.5 PERCENT
Behind the steps taken by the Chinese government is the decline in the number of marriages in the country.
According to official data, approximately 3.28 million couples registered their marriages in the first half of 2026. This figure represents a 7.5 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
In the same period, divorce registrations increased by 3.9 percent, rising to approximately 1.38 million.
THE REQUIREMENT TO RETURN TO ONE'S HOMETOWN TO MARRY HAS BEEN REMOVED
China also changed the rules regarding marriage registration in May 2025. With the regulation, the requirement for couples to return to the region where they are registered to marry was removed.
With the new system, couples can now register their marriages in different regions with their ID cards. While hundreds of marriage registration points have been established across China outside government offices, marriage certificates have also begun to be issued in open-air and tourist areas.