Iran to set up marriage bureaux

Banks will issue more loans to help with the cost of marriage. Image: Shiva

In an attempt to ensure that young people find suitable spouses and avoid falling into unsuitable relationships, the Iranian government are to introduce a network of marriage bureaux across the country.

The centre aims to advise citizens on appropriate ways of finding a husband or wife, something which is difficult for many Iranians who have little opportunity of meeting the opposite sex socially.

A large number of Iranian marriages, whilst not arranged, are orchestrated by family and friends who look for suitable partners and matchmake. There are also private matchmaking agencies, some of which are run by clerics.

The government used the anniversary of the marriage of Ali to Prophet Muhammed’s daughter Fatima to announce the series of measures aimed at making marriage easier for Iranians, a message which was reinforced during Friday sermons across the country.