[fwdude]

Well, "license" is a misnomer. "License" implies that minimal competencies are involved, and that it must be "renewed" on a periodic basis, usually with a fee. None of this is true with marriage "licenses."

It's more of a recording device. Records are important in the event that marriages are contested.

[srmanuel]

Nothing licenses record can’t be done with a simple contract or prenuptial contract.

Churches or others could record each marriage but without government license.

The point is, Governments use licenses as a money maker to oversee marriages. there is no need for them under current law in most state.