We tell others including the state that we're married, not the other way around.Marriage as a natural state -- which is where our conversation started -- predates both the institution of marriage and the state. On this, we agree.
The state does not exist to serve one basic human society but to regulate the competing interests of the multiple basic societies it comprises. The state cannot competently regulate these competing interests unless it has the power to regulate the basic society from which the competing interests flow.
Agreed.
The state cannot competently regulate these competing interests unless it has the power to regulate the basic society from which the competing interests flow.
Sure it can. The state upholds the rights of the 'basic societies'. When they aren't bothering others, they are left alone.
For example: A state needn't issue marriage licenses to prosecute theft.
Do you have any examples that back your theory?