Many Chinese couples are keen to tie the knot on the auspicious date of Aug 8, 2008.

Eight is considered a lucky number, which brings good fortune and happiness. In addition, the Beijing Olympics will begin on Aug 8.

Marriage registration departments in several districts of Beijing have taken measures to handle an expected increase in registrations on that date.

Beijing couples who wish to have the date 08-08-08 printed on their marriage certificate can file for early registration beginning today, the Beijing municipal bureau of civil affairs said Wednesday. Early applications will also be accepted online between July 7 and Aug 5.

Registration departments will print these marriage certificates in advance.

On August 8, couples can still register in person to receive their marriage certificates.

"Any couple for the registration on the day can fulfill their wishes as long as they successfully make reservations in advance," Li Ziwei, director of the marriage registration department of the bureau, said.

"With the appointments, much time will be saved to handle each registration, from the usual average of 10 minutes to one or two minutes," Li said.

The registration department will also open early on August 8. Couples can walk in beginning at 6 am.

(China Daily June 20, 2008)