Some of the city's marriage registries may eventually close as prospective brides and grooms take advantage of the relaxed marriage laws, said director of Immigration Lai Tung-kwok yesterday.
Speaking on Commercial Radio, Mr Lai said he expected the number of people using marriage registries would 'definitely decrease' with the amended marriage ordinance, which allows couples to take their vows at any time, anywhere in Hong Kong.
'If you ask me, I think there will definitely be fewer people using our registries, but how many will choose to use the new method and how many stick to the old, I can't say,' he said. 'We will have to see the public reaction. The main thing is that this will give brides and grooms a choice.'
Mr Lai, who is also Registrar of Marriages, said if some registries were closed, affected staff would be transferred to other departments.
He said that while 132 lawyers had been appointed civil celebrants last week, a further 300 applications had been received. How much the lawyers charged would depend on market forces and the specific requests of their clients, he said.
'It may be much more expensive than getting married at the registry, but I think each couple will think about their own budget and their wishes,' he said.