A popular nightclub in Shanghai is partnering with local authorities to offer official marriage registration services. This unique collaboration between INS Land nightclub and the Huangpu District Civil Affairs Bureau aims to counter China’s declining marriage rates by appealing to young people.
The INS Land venue, a hotspot for youth since its 2023 opening, will host the ceremonies on Friday and Saturday nights from November 14 to 22. The initiative provides a romantic and unconventional setting for couples to formalise their union.
Couples can secure their spot for the event through the nightclub or government social media channels. Successful applicants will receive exclusive tickets to Tomorrowland’s indoor music show, along with their official registration.
Read: China’s ‘Marriage Tourism’ Push Reverses National Decline in Weddings
The ceremony itself will feature custom performances and a co-branded marriage certificate. This blend of entertainment and official procedure represents a novel approach to civic services.
China allows couples to marry anywhere in the country to boost marriage numbers amid a demographic crisis, with local governments catering to marriage tourists https://t.co/YKWhVGfi3n pic.twitter.com/5PWMXId4rK
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 7, 2025The announcement quickly went viral on Chinese social media, sparking a heated public discussion. Many users praised the innovative concept, with one supporter stating, “Nightclubs are a romantic space for young people. I hope my important life moments can be as special and fun as this.”
However, other commentators expressed strong reservations about the approach. One critic argued, “This approach turns marriage into entertainment, overlooking the responsibility and solemnity it should carry.”
This initiative directly responds to a significant demographic challenge. Recent government data shows only 6.106 million couples registered marriages in 2024. This figure represents a dramatic 20.5% drop from the previous year and the lowest number since 1980.
The declining trend is attributed to multiple factors, including rising economic pressures and evolving social attitudes. Consequently, the government is testing new measures like this partnership to make marriage more attractive and accessible to younger generations
