It's romantic. It's fun. We like it. A simple ritual, symbolic of two people affirming the value of their relationship in a way that they know is respected and recognised. It's one of those weird idiosyncrasies the human has picked up along its evolution as a social animal. We see it in movies, in music, poetry, fairytales, myths and legends. It's written into language, literature, tradition, heritage. It evokes sentimental feelings and a sense of occasion. The very word conjures up imagery, of lovers eloping, of surprise proposals, a diamond ring, going down on one knee, the wedding dress, proud parents, the first dance, a free bar, a proper knees-up, honeymoon suites, carried over the threshold. Husband and wife. Happily ever after. For better or worse. Till death do us part. And all that jazz.
Of course, you can have all of this stuff without a civil marriage contract, which in so many cases tends to accompany such a wonderful, joyful, romantic occasion for some reason.
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