More than 200 couples tie the knot during Lantern Festival

Hong Kong on Wednesday saw more than 200 couples married, as the day - the Lantern Festival - is considered a time to celebrate romantic love and is often described as the traditional Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day.

According to figures from the Immigration Department, 223 couples tied the knot today, with bookings for the marriage registry in Tseung Kwan O all snapped up after receiving 23 reservations.

A couple who had been dating for seven years seized the opportunity last November when the marriage registry office opened today's reservations.

“We hoped to support each other through thick and thin,” they told reporters.

Meanwhile, a bride told reporters that the Lantern Festival has always been a special day for lovers, and tying the knot today adds an extra touch of joy to their marriage, making it even more fulfilling.

Another couple, dating for about five years, also chose today to get married as they find the Lantern Festival a perfect occasion to celebrate love.