I know that “Christian culture” is well known by many, and that one of the huge staples of it is a government marriage (with a fancy wedding to boot).

Thing is, there’s nothing in Scripture that says that a single sheet of paper has to be signed in order for the Father to recognize the relationship.

What is a marriage vow? It’s a spoken contract between two* people. They look into each other’s eyes and profess [in the presence of the Father] their lifelong commitment that they’re entering into with that person to love them with all their heart as long as they shall live (hmm, sounds a lot like the relationship we make with Christ 🤔). No paper is required.

Many people in Scripture made vows in the presence of the Father. No paper needed.

Now, legal marriage of course has its pros, and some rather decent and convenient ones at that, admittedly. But it also has cons. Granted, there will always be a degree of “differently tinted glasses” at play with each individual; but overall, there are more or less objective pros and cons to legal marriage.

Given that Scripture doesn’t once state that government is required for two* people to be married in the eyes of the Father, I don’t believe that one should feel compelled to get legally married if they don’t want to. Yet, they would still be able to be married in the eyes of the Father, where it would matter most imo.

My opinion aside, what are y’all’s thoughts?

And are there any others here who would prefer to have a “biblical” marriage only, forgoing a legal one?

*two or more, though marital polygamy (which I don’t believe is a sin; but that’s for another day) is highly risky.