Bro. Curtis, thanks for the reply. This is an excellent example to discuss.
It seems to me this couple has more of a marriage than a couple who had a church wedding, have a marriage certificate but have ended up hating each other, having nasty disagreements, playing children off against the other, etc.
The second couple, to me, may be married, but they do not have a marriage.
I have mulled this question of what makes a marriage for a number of years and have decided that simply because a couple are legally married does not mean they have a marriage.
In some states, I think currently about 15, common law marriages are recognized. Again, this is a legally recognized state of marriage. But, a gain this may not mean the couple has a marriage.
It seems to me that to have a true marriage there has to be a good, loving, faithful relationship.
I welcome thoughtful ideas on this as I am still pondering the question.
After all the dishonesty you have shown me, in the past, I hardly welcome your support. It seems you are just as judgemental as anyone else with your first statement, here.