Technically, I believe God recognizes a marriage between two people when they pledge to God to become “one flesh, ‘til death.”
In society, however, most people would not consider it a marriage until there was some official recognition of that. I think God wants us to honor the laws of the land (until they contradict Him), and so I believe He would like one to be married in the eyes of man, also.
We have enough rebels in our society; we should love God and honor Him by showing people we are law-honoring citizens (until it is a direct contradiction of God’s laws).
That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!
And, of course, I am referring to man and woman. It’s ridiculous to even have to make that clarification, but in today’s society, I suppose I must!