Whats the point of a marriage license when all it does is give the government control over your marriage?

Answer 1

Marriage license is a proof of your valid marriage, that gives you matrimonial rights of husband & wife, this document is valid & can only be used when ever & where ever required to prove your marital status. The government does not control your married life as you as an individual has constitutional & fundamental life to live as you like within the frame work of the said constitution & law of the land, if you make mistake in your married life you can face charges against you from your spouse who can get dissolution of the marriage with you & claim alimony if allowed to do so under the law.

Answer 2

with out the marriage licenses you have know legal right.if something happens to your partner then you have no say as what happens to them just imagine spending your life with some one then having them die on you and you not even being able to have a say in where they are buried, if they have an estate and you and them have spent both your lives building it together but for some reason everything was in their name,their next of kin could come in and take everything from you.the licenses is more of a contract between you and your partner than a way for the gov.to control you.