Why Marriage Should Not Be Legal

Marriage is defined as: 1. the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship (historically and in some jurisdictions specifically a union between a man and a woman). OR 2. a combination or mixture of two or more elements.  (Oxford Dictionary)

I don't dispute either of these definitions.  I believe that if two people love each other, they should definitely commit to one another.  What that commitment entails should be entirely up to the people entering into a union.

My problem is with the legal ramifications of the word "marriage".  First and foremost, "marriage" is a Christian sacrament.  As most people know, when two people get married in a church, that marriage is not considered legal, in the eyes of the government.  Another step needs to be taken at a local courthouse to legalize the partnership.  This is where I disagree with society's norms.  

If you're religious, get married in a church.  If you're not, proclaim your love for each other in front of friends and family.  But why is a legal contract necessary, especially when most states are "no fault" states?  Why doesn't everyone get a civil union?  or - better yet - why not just create legal documents based on individual needs and requests?  Or - even better yet - why not require people who get a marriage license to renew it every year?  Fishing and hunting licenses require renewal every year.  Driver's licenses require renewal every four years, but marriage is a forever contract.  I believe that license should cost like $25/year, and if you choose not to renew it, the license is void.  Easy.  If you're still in love, awesome.  If you're not, contract dissolved.  All legal documentation and assets should be managed by the people getting married, not blood-sucking lawyers and court systems.  

Love is a choice.  Every day, all the time.  Falling out of love is not all that rare.  "Sticking it out" in a marriage just to appease other people, or "for the kids" is not beneficial to individuals or society.  

Just saying.  We live in America 2020, not Puritan times.  Love and commitment shouldn't be governed by law.