2 Answers

They have to have a marriage license to be consider married by the federal government. I would hope that any religion follows this policy too. A marriage license protects the spouses and the children of the union. In biblical times, when people married, a contract was drawn up between the husband and the father of the bride and the bride became the groom's property along with everything she owned, including any inheritance from her father. I do believe that would have been the marriage license if that helps you. 

I am going to assume you are asking from a Christian's perspective, since you asked about the Bible.Not that we are the only to use it or reference it. I'm also assuming you live in the U.S. or even in an area that has a similar concept of the word marriage. 

Simply-   I say yes, because the Bible says to obey the laws of the land.  In order to be considered married you have to obtain a marriage certificate before a wedding can occur.You can just have a minister or judge sign it  along with two witnesses and that's it .You don't have to have a ceremony to married but you do have to have the certificate that needs to be filed with the  County Recorder. 

 Since  that's the law, in every city in every county in every state in the U.S.(except for maybe on Indian reservations I'm not sure about that). 

Colleen

Welcome back slacker :) How's it going over there? Are you or were you affected by the fires at all?