Where I live marriage is pretty close to being entirely symbolic. Not entirely, of course. It gives some legal rights concerning inheritance and rights if one partner becomes sick and you need power of attorney, but for a couple of 20-somethings nothing that registered cohabitation wouldn’t also provide.

People still get married. It’s a symbolic gesture, it means something to the couple and to society as a symbol of love and mutual commitment. It is just an expected step somewhere along the line.

The point, as you mention, is whatever you want the point of marriage to be.