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 the COVID-19 infection. Along with this, other factors are considered that have an adverse effect on the dynamics of marriages in the republic. The data on nuptiality in the territorial context, among men and women in different marriageable age groups, as well as the ratio of potential grooms and brides among Moldovan youth, are compared. The dynamics of marriage rates against the background of a general decline in the population and an unfavourable age-sex structure of young generations entering childbearing age is becoming one of the characteristics that explain the expected low fertility in the future.