Marriage is over. It will just take another 40 years. If the Church understood this, they would forgo civil compliance and marry the parties under the laws of the church and let the civil marriage fail due to non compliance. Very few states recognize “common law marriage.”
The "marriage contract" that states require via the marriage license is a money grab by the State. It is effectively a TAX on marriage.
It was back in the 17th or 18th century that the then king of England decided to tax marriage as a way of enriching his coffers. This was adopted by other countries including ours, obviously.
The entire purpose of the state marriage contract (marriage license) is to apply law at time of divorce, for the disposition of assets and care of children - if any - so that they do not become a burden to the state (taxpayers.)
I've long advocated for eschewing a state marriage license and having the religious ceremony only.
I'm at the point that marriage isn't worth it. It's been corrupted so thoroughly that I sincerely doubt anyone really knows what it is, nor cares. A divorce rate that's near 60% pretty much seals that conclusion.
Personally if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't. With the exception of my two wonderful sons having been produced through a failed marriage, I wouldn't do it. I'd be much happier, richer, and doing what I want.
Men, just don't do it. I'ts NOT worth it.