> It’s best to meet someone young and grow together with them.
Also worth noting that this doesn't require marriage. P2P commitment sans state certificates = 🤌🤌
Discussion
Churches marry, too. The state is only involved because property is involved--but you're right--it doesn't need to be.
Covenant > contract.
I also don't need a church (or any other institution) in order to make a committment to another person, but point taken.
My Dad and step-Mom did this; church only, no State.
Sadly, it is still wise to have some third party involved to handle disputes over property (or, tragically, children) in cases of infidelity or abandnment. We still live in a fallen world, and not every relationship has a fairy-tale ending.
In cases of infidelity or abandonment, the man can be dragged into court for his wrong-doing.
Marriage predates both church and state. Abraham's father had a wife. Free contract between individuals needs no higher authority. Though by all means, it is a ceremony most choose to involve all others in their life whom they value, which does typically include churches where applicable -- and often state as well, even if that value comes from a carrot/stick approach on the part of the state.