Yang Shuo and Wang Shuhua had a special day yesterday. The young couple was joined in matrimony, and became the first to take part in a new mandatory wedding ceremony under a new marriage law in Shanghai.

In the past, Chinese weddings essentially had two parts: an official process that included health checks and the issuing of a marriage certificate that showed a couple was legally married, and a banquet celebration that most people considered the true wedding.

Beginning in December, couples will have to go through a ceremony presided over by government officials before they are considered legally married.

Getting a jump on the official start was Wang, who appeared beautiful, and her soulmate, Yang. They stepped onto a stage in the Everbright Hotel, where a local official asked if they were getting married on their own accord, if they agreed to treat each other as equals, and if they would take care of each other as well as their parents-in-law - forever.

"Yes," they answered to all the questions.

Since Yang is from Hong Kong, they were not asked if they would abide by the mainland's one-child policy, a question that will be asked of all local couples.

As the 10-minute ceremony came to a close, Yang and Wang smiled as they received a marriage certificate from Vice Mayor Feng Guoqin, who was invited to take part in the first ceremony.

"Marriage is holy for us. We made reservations last week for this ceremony because we believe it would make our marriage more sacred," said Wang, explaining why they wanted to take part in the ceremony, which is optional until December 1.

Anyone from overseas who wants to marry a local resident will have to get married at an office in the Everbright Hotel, while local couples can choose from 19 offices around the city.

Yesterday's ceremony was held in a room lined with a red velvet curtain and decorated with China's national emblem and a red Chinese character xi, which means double happiness, a traditional Chinese wish for a happy marriage.

A small section in front of the stage was reserved for family and friends.

"We hope newlyweds will know more about the rights and duties they have in marriage," said Xie Lingli, deputy director of the city Civil Affairs Bureau, explaining the reason-ing behind the new law.

There are no additional charges for the basic ceremony, but couples, if they wish, can pay for a more elaborate service.

The ceremony is in Chinese, but English and Japanese speakers can get written instructions in their languages.

(eastday.com 09/18/2001)