In a bid to encourage more young people to get married and start families, China has announced new measures to simplify the marriage registration process and ease financial burdens on couples.
Under the revised system, couples can now register their marriages where they live, rather than being restricted to their registered hometowns. This change, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, aims to accommodate millions of people working far from home, especially younger generations.
Previously, couples had to travel back to their place of household registration—sometimes thousands of miles away—adding financial and logistical stress to an already declining marriage rate.
China has been struggling with a sharp drop in marriage and birth rates, prompting the government to introduce incentives such as cash rewards and expanded childcare support. Despite these efforts, the country recorded a 20% decline in marriages last year and has seen a shrinking population for three consecutive years.
Additionally, authorities are cracking down on traditional but costly wedding customs, such as the high “bride price” demanded from grooms’ families. While the practice is meant to show respect and support for the bride’s family, it has become a financial strain, further discouraging marriage.
Economic uncertainty, rising housing costs, and expensive education fees have also contributed to young people’s reluctance to marry and have children.
With these reforms, Beijing hopes to reverse these trends and create a more marriage-friendly environment in the world’s most populous nation.
