Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Bunnypuncher. God keep them always united.
Marriage is still relevant in today's society, it is not an outdated concept. Two people who love each other, understand each other, and want to be together, for life, decide to get married, but if a problem arises later, for that there is a divorce.
People should not marry for tax benefits, moral reasons, religious customs, etc., because this leads to failure in a relationship. Life as a couple is based mainly on love, respect, trust, tolerance.
To couples engaged in a relationship, if there is nothing that prevents them, it is better to formalize their situation, to give more stability to their children, because they remember that parents are their example to follow. So it's not a simple piece of paper, it's about being responsible.