Why get married?

I'm not sure I see the point of marriage. I don't adhere to religious law, sacraments, etc. So I'm asking within the setting of a relationship.

Why get a piece of paper that binds the two of you for tax purposes? Can the relationship not be as strong (if not stonger) withough the issue of marriage set in law?
FOR LOVE AND KIND FEELINGS ON A FIRMER, MORE PERMANENT AND LASTING BASIS.
I think marriage is more than just a legal issue. I this ceremony is for saying (to you, to your spouse, to everyone) hey, i want this boy or girl like a partner for the rest of my life and i compromise in fulfill that person with love. And through the wedding you share the news of this life-compromise with all the people that matter to you.
Generally I agree with the premises of your questions.
I am an atheist, and thus don't need a religious body to sanctify a sexual relationship, nor do I see the need for a government to do the same.

The tax purpose is not negligible--my wife and I were married in a rush just before the end of the year which resulted in a net tax advantage of $6,000.00 that year vs. staying unmarried. (So much for the 'marriage tax penalty').

Probably the best reason is that he/she does! I didn't care for it myself, but it was important to her and that's part of being in a committed relationship...

Good luck!
I think it all depends on who a person is. It is true that if two people are together and committed to one another there is no need for a marriage licence to show that.

I know a couple who have been together for 23 years and are not married, but I also think there is a bit of pressure put on couples who have been together for a long time to get married. I think society as a whole pushes people to conform to tradition and that is why the great majority of people get married.

Of course doing what other people think you should and not what you want could be why there is so much divorce.
people get married for different reasons; immigrants to be legalized, men to depend on women, women to depend on men, to form families, to share discomforts in the ease of a lover's arms, or just to have a fling in las vegas.

committed marriages usually originate with a strong bond of love and an aspiring image to grow old with the person you love.

other, more superficial, marriages include aspects usch as money or even fame (look at hollywood's cleebrties: britney dumped justin bc he wasnt 'good enough')

still, the lwaful marriages entitle people to live life in america, or other countries for that matter, in peace.

there. =)
There are tax advantages.
Access to health benefits from many employers.
Inheritancy, your assets will go to your spouse.
Access at hospitals. Many domestic partners are NOT allowed, but family is allowed.
You cannot be forced to testify against a spouse in a court of law.

These are some of the more esoteric benefits. Many of the others have been listed.

Of course, none of this has any bearing on the quality of the relationship, just benefits from marriage.
Marriage is a sacred institution, but if you prefer living in sin and taking the express to perdition, then by all means ignore centuries of wisdom. Personally, I wouldn't trust a man who avoids getting that 'piece of paper' out of some need to defy the social order. The law is backed by a greater law, and that is the Bible. Clearly, if you 'don't adhere' to God, then your word is questionable. Maybe you should think about that when persuading a woman to trust you with her feelings and life.
When you love some one as much as one could it is the ultimate commitment. As boyfriend and girlfriend if you argue you can dump her and be on your way... And ya sure you can get a divorce but it is alot harder and you are more willing to work through it married. In the end though it is a 'SET IN STONE' thing u are willing to make the ultimate commitment. It is well worth it. trust me...
Because alot of women would like the same last name of their children(if you have any). Also to know that someone is comitted to you like that forms a special bond. Also for moral obligations. Think about it. do you want your children to think its ok to live togather before marriage. You might say no unless you have a daughter. Then you whole idea on marriage to change.
love
Its only a declaration to friends and family of your comitment to you partner.
This declaration can be celebrated (as in party) through Government ('piece of paper'), religious ('sacraments') or even a nice great party.
The way you use to celebrate, be it religious or legal I think is totally irrelevant.
just got married at 35!.
Marriage= a union of man and woman of the opposite sex.........true maybe a marriage doesnt make a relationship better or worse, but if what some of the people are saying is true then by have the title of boyfriend and girlfriend, or even friends? When you engage in something, as marriage, its not to make your relationship stronger its to show everyone else, who are apart of your lives that you love that person and are willing to commit your entire life sole to that one person and letting everyone know you can commit to something. Marriage is so that other people can be joyous and show their love for that couple and shower them in their love and trust. Its a ceremony not a paper with your names on it, thats just a mear part of what marriage is.


Answers:
Good question? For me it was a personal choice to show the WORLD that we believe in one another, tax choice certainly was not even considered. If two get married because of money they are pretty much doomed, because once that money is gone what is left.
You get married to show one another totally and completely that they are the one you each wish to spend the time on earth with always no matter what happens (my opinion, though divorce rates are so high)
Sometimes without that little piece of paper there can be hidden feelings of insecurity for the one who says I don't need that. They want to know that they have an easy out, if you are married, whether by state or church, you will work a bit harder to keep what you have had. I have seen many marriages and non marriages fall apart and from what I can see it really would not have made any difference in any of those cases.They just didn't have what it takes to committ completely to only one person and letting the world know that you are.
Hope this helps you