[stumptalker]

The government has only been issuing marriage licenses for about 80 years now. What business is it of the government to get involved in a church marriage ceremony? It isn't necessary or wanted.

[John.Galt2012]

The government has only been issuing marriage licenses for about 80 years now. What business is it of the government to get involved in a church marriage ceremony? It isn't necessary or wanted.
You are correct and contrary to popular belief it wasn't for "Health" reasons. It was to raise revenue and prevent interracial marriage...ironic in light of what the Judge in Louisiana did last week.

[SoCal Pubbie]

Let's get out facts straight. State issued marriage licenses in the U.S. date back much father than than 1929. Would you like to see the "Certified Copy of Marraige Record" issued in 1841 by the State of Ohio to one of my ancestors? Or the "Certificate of Marriage" from the same state to another in 1880? (the example shown below is not from my family)

In fact, State involvement in marriage goes all the way back to the 1600s in colonial America.