Since the launch of the national campaign ‘Paraguay Marries: United by Love, Protected by the Law’ at the end of June 2025, more than 2,000 couples have signed up as of July 14. The marriage initiative, led by the Ministry of Justice through the General Directorate of Civil Registry (REC), offers free access to civil marriage across the country.
The campaign comes at a time when marriage rates in Paraguay are declining. Ministry of Justice figures show marriages dropped from over 20,800 in 2017 to 17,568 in 2024. So far in 2025, only around 6,500 weddings have been recorded, while divorces surpassed 2,000 last year. These trends, combined with Paraguay’s declining fertility rates, highlight the importance of public efforts to support marital stability, and strengthen the family as the cornerstone of society.
Strong public interest in marriage initiative
Public interest in the initiative has been strong, with 2,000 couples registered by July 10: 895 from Central department, 318 from Asunción, and 224 from Alto Paraná. The campaign aims to formalise 3,000 civil unions by the end of the registration period on August 31, 2025.
From September, community weddings will be held in all 17 departments and the capital. “These will be 100% free of charge for those registered,” said Maximiliano Ayala, director of the Civil Registry at the campaign’s launch in June. He added that exact dates and locations will be announced once scheduling is finalised.
A nationwide effort to promote legal union
Designed to remove economic and bureaucratic barriers, the initiative particularly targets couples who have lived in common-law relationships. Ayala also highlighted the legal security marriage provides, including access to healthcare, inheritance, property rights, credit, and social benefits.
The campaign is supported by the Office of the First Lady, Leticia Ocampos, along with religious organisations including the Catholic Church, the Family Worship Centre (CFA) and Más que Vencedores (More than Victors). These groups will offer optional educational sessions to participating couples, focusing on the responsibilities and commitments of marriage.
Aiming to strengthen families, and legal protections
Beyond the legal and social benefits, the marriage initiative campaign aims to make the weddings memorable. Private companies are offering hairstyling, makeup services, and appliance raffles to newlyweds.
Ayala underscored the unprecedented nature of the initiative: “This is the first time a national campaign has been held and it is 100% free,” encouraging further participation.
Couples interested in joining can register via WhatsApp at (0984) 771-151. They will receive full details about requirements, and next steps right away.
