5,000 Couples Tie the Knot in China's Largest Group Wedding Since PRC's Founding

A grand group wedding ceremony took place on September 22, 2024, in Beijing, China. A total of 5,000 couples exchanged vows across 50 locations, marking the largest group wedding organized by Chinese authorities since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Themed "a celebration by families and the nation to witness happiness together," the event aimed to promote marriage customs reform and advocate for a new culture of marriage and childbearing. The couples, dressed in traditional Chinese wedding gowns, exchanged gifts and solemnly read their vows, pledging to stay together and grow old together.

This symbolic event also addressed the issue of high betrothal gifts, which often place a financial burden on young couples and affect their happiness. The couples called for simplified wedding procedures and opposed extravagant ceremonies, advocating for reducing the cost of marriage and increasing the marriage rate.

Demographic expert He Yafu attributed the declining marriage rate in China to the high cost of weddings, particularly in rural areas where the practice of high betrothal gifts is more common. He believes that this group wedding will encourage simplified wedding practices and reduce the financial burden on couples.

The venue in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region saw the largest number of couples, with 300 newlyweds participating in the ceremony. The event was a testament to the changing social landscape in China, where couples are increasingly seeking simpler and more meaningful ways to celebrate their union.