China announced measures to simplify the marriage registration process and reduce financial burdens on couples, in an effort aimed at encouraging more marriages and ultimately boosting the country’s declining birth rate.
The new measures will allow couples to register their marriage in the cities where they live and work, rather than traveling back to their hometowns, according to state broadcaster CCTV. This policy specifically targets younger generations, many of whom have moved far from their registered hometowns for education or employment.
Previously, couples faced logistical and financial hurdles if the bride and groom came from different regions. For instance, a couple living and working in Beijing but registered elsewhere had to return to their hometowns for marriage registration, a costly and inconvenient process.
The reform follows pilot programs that proved successful, prompting authorities to extend the new registration rules nationwide.
Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said it will combat practices such as high “bride prices” and extravagant wedding ceremonies, which impose substantial financial burdens on families and create social inequality. In China, a “bride price” is traditionally paid by the groom’s family to the bride’s family as a gesture of respect and support.
These measures come as China’s marriage rate declined by about 20 percent last year, while the country recorded its third consecutive year of population decline. Young people cite financial pressures—including the high cost of housing and expensive childcare and education—as significant barriers to marriage and parenthood.
Beijing hopes that simplifying bureaucracy and reducing financial pressures will encourage more young couples to marry and have children, helping to reverse the country’s demographic challenges.
