Divorce Trends in China Spark New Business Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Wedding photographer Tan Mengmeng’s career once centered on capturing the joy of couples on their big day. However, as marriage rates in China continue to decline, Tan, like many others, is shifting focus to a growing trend: divorce. Official data shows a sharp decline in marriages, dropping from around 13 million in 2013 to under 7 million in 2022. Despite a slight recovery in 2023, the number of divorces continues to climb, with a 25% rise recorded last year.

The 28-year-old photographer from Henan province recognized the business potential after observing long lines at government offices handling separations. Since expanding her services to divorce photography, Tan has captured over 30 couples, immortalizing moments of both heartbreak and, in many cases, celebration. “Joy and sorrow are both worth recording,” she notes, pointing to the changing attitudes in China towards marriage and divorce.

For many years, Chinese society attached a strong stigma to divorce, with traditional values emphasizing family unity. However, younger generations now prioritize personal freedom, career development, and a willingness to end marriages that no longer bring happiness. This cultural shift has opened new business opportunities for photographers like Tan, who help couples commemorate the end of their relationships.

Other services have emerged alongside divorce photography. Companies now offer to ceremonially destroy wedding mementos, providing emotional closure for individuals looking to move on from their past. Liu Wei, who runs such a service in a factory outside Beijing, says his business has destroyed wedding photos for over 2,500 couples since 2021, with demand continuing to rise.

The increase in divorces reflects broader demographic challenges in China. An aging population, coupled with the legacy of the one-child policy, has led to fewer women of marriageable age. Additionally, high work pressure and living costs contribute to declining marriage rates. These factors, combined with changing social norms, suggest that the divorce market may continue to grow.

Tan remains optimistic about the future. She offers a unique incentive for couples who might reconcile, providing an 18% discount on new wedding photos if they remarry. As divorce rates rise, entrepreneurs like Tan are finding innovative ways to turn societal changes into profitable ventures.