Wedding Celebrations and Registration Services Embrace Unique Settings in China

On May 18, 2025, twelve couples, adorned in wedding attire with Lingnan-inspired elements, participated in a collective wedding ceremony in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The event was organized by the Guangzhou Civil Affairs Bureau and the Huangpu district government.

In a separate initiative, a civil affairs bureau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is planning to offer marriage registration services at a local music festival this weekend. This will allow couples to obtain their marriage certificates conveniently while creating lasting memories.

The music festival, held in Shuimogou district of Urumqi, will feature a temporary marriage registration site set up by the local civil affairs bureau's marriage registration office. The site will operate from 3 pm to 6 pm on Saturday. Couples can register on-site by presenting their identification and required documents, provided they meet the marriage registration criteria.

This marks the first time the city has integrated marriage registration into a music festival. According to a staff member from the civil affairs bureau, the initiative aims to provide convenience and create unforgettable experiences for couples. Although the location is unique, the registration procedures will adhere to legal requirements.

Similar events have occurred in other Chinese cities. Earlier this year, a music festival in Xiangshan county, Zhejiang Province, saw the issuance of marriage certificates to ten couples and a group wedding ceremony. Documentation verification is still handled at the bureau, while the certificate presentation at the festival enhances the celebratory atmosphere.

The recent revision of China's marriage registration regulations, effective May 10, has simplified the registration process and allows couples to register anywhere in the country, regardless of their household registration location.