Let he who hath the Spirit of God read and understand....I have read many of the post on this subject which has prompted me to join this site in order that I may comment and give clarification. Before there was a wedding ceremony (which did not validate your marriage union), the way one was considered and recognized as married in the sight of God was by the consumation of the agreement of the two involved (man and woman). There was no priest or prophet presiding over a ceremony. When these two consented and consumated their commitment, they were married. They became one flesh through the act of sexual intercourse where the male organ breaks the hymen of the woman(the cutting associated with the Hebrew word for covenant "katab berit" or "cutting a covenant") where she bleeds blood(like a symbol of the veil being rent or torn) symbolizing the creating of the two entering into covenant with each other. This has the same significance as the circumcision of Abraham and other sacrifices as well as the blood of our Saviour and Lord Jesus. Understand that there was no "Law" when couples were married before. The Law didnt come until Moses. The only governing instructions given (at this point) were in Genesis 2:24. They are become "one flesh" no more two but one.....a union before God. The actual ceremonial part was adopted by the Romans from pagan cultures as well as other of our holidays such as halloween and easter who incorporated them as well as others into the Church. Like they were also responsible for changing (as if they could alter what God said)the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. So please dont get the tradition and commandments of men mixed up with what God instituted. I am not saying that I am against wedding ceremonies becuz I am not. They are good. It is good to profess your love and commitment before the witness of men and God. God says that we are subject to the law of the land and you are not legally married according to the law until you do everything according to the law. Fornication is not the same thing. There is no commitment there as in our commitment to God. Just because one reads the Bible and goes to church all the time doesnt mean he is saved. They must make a commitment to God through acknowledging their belief and confession of Jesus Christ bleeding and dying for their sins; that he is the Son of God; that God has raised Him from the dead then are you saved. They must also have an understanding of this and its significance also lest they merely make an empty confession. How much can one truly believe something and not have knowledge of what it is or entails? Same thing with the commitment of a man and woman. This was serious business back then (and should be now). Why do you think Simeon and Levi acted the way they did when their sister Dinah was defiled? Read it! (Genesis 34) He that ears to hear, let him hear. Listen people, dont try to understand God with your intellect. He is a Spirit. The flesh cannot comprehend the things of the spirit. Thats why we have so much division today. Let God give you revelation through the Holy Ghost who is the Spirit of Truth. Let Him teach and lead you. Lean not to your own understanding.