China recorded 6.76 million marriage registrations in 2025, marking an 11% increase from the previous year according to Ministry of Civil Affairs data released this week. The figures reveal 2.74 million divorce registrations during the same period, with marriage numbers rising by 657,000 couples year-on-year.
This upward trend coincides with nationwide efforts to strengthen family support systems and encourage timely marriage. A key driver appears to be the May 2025 policy eliminating regional registration barriers, allowing couples to marry anywhere in the country without household registration documents. Major cities with significant migrant populations saw particularly strong growth: Shanghai's marriages jumped 38.7%, Shenzhen recorded 28.5% growth, and Fuzhou saw a 20.4% increase.
Local governments have supplemented these reforms with financial incentives. Lyuliang City in Shanxi Province now offers 1,500 yuan ($216) rewards for first-time marriages registered since January 2025. Zhejiang Province introduced wedding consumption vouchers worth up to 1,000 yuan in late 2024, applicable across photography, catering, and tourism services.
Analysts suggest these measures address both demographic challenges and economic priorities, creating new opportunities in the wedding industry while supporting population objectives. The policy changes come as China continues developing comprehensive support frameworks for family development and social stability.
