China eases marriage rules to encourage more couples to say 'I do'

BEIJING -- China has revised its marriage registration rules, reducing paperwork and giving couples greater flexibility in choosing where to register their union, as part of a wider push to encourage more young people to tie the knot.

The new regulations, the first revision since the marriage registration ordinance was enacted in 2003, will take effect on May 10, 2025.

Under the new rules, mainland couples will only need their identification cards and a signed declaration affirming they are not currently married and are not closely related by blood within three generations to register their marriage. Previously, they also had to present their household registration books.

The new regulations also lift the restriction on where couples can register their marriage, which previously required them to do so at the registration office in their places of permanent residence.

This change is expected to save time and reduce costs, particularly as more Chinese citizens choose to live and work outside their registered hometowns.