[Stop Legal Plunder]

As a matter of fact one does not have to have a license to "marry" since two persons who cohabit for a period of time are married in a sense.

Common law marriages aren't recognized in all states.

[RobbyS]

In 1960 they weren't recognized anywhere. I think Louisiana was the last to abolish it. But then came the
60s and its reinstitution. This is in response to the tremedous number of couples who don't bother to have a formal marriage and just sort of "jump over the broomstick together."