Is it that "Common Law" Stuff, A "Common Law Marraige"?
HTF did that get started and why?
Government got involved in marriage because of tax issues. Prior to the US Civil War government was never involved in marriage outside of courts dealing with the occasional divorce.
But then came income taxes and estate taxes and suddenly having marriages regulated and recorded by the state was important in order to maximize tax revenues.
I’d be just fine with government getting out of regulating marriage because it would be a step towards liberty.
Any time government power and regulation is reversed is a victory for liberty and I’ll take what I can get!
Shalom!
IIRC, common law marriages began when there was no one around to preform a ceremony. Hence it became easier for a couple to move in together and say they were married. Then formalize it the next time a preacher and/or a Justice of the Peace waltzes into town.