China's newly updated marriage registration rules officially took effect on Saturday, making the process more streamlined and allowing couples to register their marriages anywhere in the country, regardless of their household registration (hukou) locations.
In Beijing alone, over 1,400 couples registered on the first day, with about 31.9% being cross-regional—meaning at least one partner was not a local hukou holder—according to China Central Television (CCTV).
A marriage registrar in Sichuan Province noted a rise in registration numbers compared to previous periods, as reported by Chengdu Daily.
Although offices were only open during the morning on Saturday, Shenzhen still recorded 439 marriage registrations, according to data from the local Civil Affairs Bureau shared by Shenzhen Fabu.
The updated rules eliminate the long-standing requirement of presenting household registration books. Now, couples only need to provide ID cards and sign a declaration confirming they are not closely related and are unmarried, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Couples are now free to register their marriage at any qualified registration office across China, regardless of where their household is officially registered.
One couple, Huang Qiqi from Guizhou and Li Chenxi from Wuhan, shared their story with Global Times. Having lived and worked in Beijing for eight years, they chose to marry there on their sixth anniversary. Initially unsure if the new rules would be in effect, they made several calls to confirm. Upon arrival, they were reassured by signs and enthusiastic staff, who said they were witnessing a historic change. Huang recounted a lighthearted moment when the staff asked for their household registration book out of habit—then all laughed, realizing it was no longer required. In the end, just ID cards and three red-background photos were needed, making the process simple and fast.
According to Chengdu Daily, removing the hukou-based jurisdiction has enhanced both efficiency and convenience. What used to take up to 15 minutes per couple can now be completed in under 10.
The new policy also extends to couples where one party is a resident of Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan—or a foreign national—paired with a mainland Chinese citizen. These couples can now complete marriage-related services at any eligible registration office on the mainland, regardless of the mainland partner's hukou location, the Ministry of Civil Affairs confirmed.
This regulatory shift is part of a wider effort by Chinese authorities to simplify public services, especially for citizens living outside their hukou region.
In support of the new system, Shenzhen has introduced a hybrid "online + offline" appointment process, expanded appointment slots, reallocated personnel, and extended office hours. Walk-in registrations are still possible for those without online bookings, provided they bring the required documents.
Chongqing authorities also mobilized volunteers and opened more service windows to ensure smooth operations, according to People.cn.
To enhance accessibility, multiple government departments are offering marriage registration services free of charge. This includes photos, health checks, legal advice, and counseling services for couples and families.
Elsewhere, Hangzhou saw a rise in cross-regional registrations. One county moved its registration office to a top-rated tourist area, offering newlyweds various perks like discounted meals, lodging, and entrance fees, along with access to scenic outdoor registration spots.
Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202505/1333785.shtml
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