Marriage is just making a promise to another person in the presence of witnesses. The government part just ensures certain rights and protections, particularly involving health and money.
Is that a feeling or are you thinking of something specifically?
kbobabob@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
deegeese@sopuli.xyz 2 months ago
Probably dates back to the dawn of agriculture.
No need for contracts until the invention of property.
Check Wikipedia “History of marriage”