The article analyzes the changes in the marriage rate in Moldova over the study period. It was revealed that against the background of a general trend of gradual decline, a significant drop in the number of marriages was recorded in 2020, which is largely due to measures to counter the spread of COVID-19 infection. Along with this, other factors are considered that have an adverse effect on the dynamics of marriages in the republic. The dynamics of marriage rates against the background of a general decline in the population and an unfavorable age-sex structure of young generations entering childbearing age is becoming one of the characteristics that explain the expected low fertility in the future.