China plans solemnisation during marriage registration

China is considering a provision of solemnisation services at marriage registration offices, an official said.

Instead of a brief process of form-filling, approval and certificate issuance that typically can be finished within a minute, the ministry of civil affairs is mulling whether to provide a certificate presenting ceremony at more registration offices in the country, Xinhua reported.

With the couple's consent, a registrar will act as a marriage witness and lead the new bride and groom to read out their wedding vows in a special ritual hall. The couple will be informed of their rights and obligations as wife or husband.

It is hoped that through such solemnisation procedures, newly-weds will get an understanding of their responsibilities and commitments in marriage, the official said.

A free ceremony for marriage registration is now available in Shanghai, Shandong, Hubei and Beijing, and the ministry plans to expand the programme to more places.