I'm confused - I thought you were saying you didn't need a legal marriage, that a personal commitment between you and God is okay? But marriage before a JP is a long way from a verbal agreement with God IMHO. There are a lot of reasons why one would choose to be married before a JP.
I am saying a legal marriage is required for the Benefits the state allows you to have concerning Taxes, Insurance, etc..HOWEVER a ceremony pledging your love and commitment to GOD is a total different thing IMHO because you are asking him to bless a union that will ensure the commandments of a biblical marraige.