[cripplecreek]

From wiki for further investigation.

In the United States, until the mid-19th century, common-law marriages were recognized as valid, but thereafter some states began to invalidate common-law marriages. Common-law marriages, if recognized, are valid, notwithstanding the absence of a marriage license. The requirement for a marriage license was used as a mechanism to prohibit whites from marrying blacks, mulattos, Japanese, Chinese, Native Americans, Mongolians, Malays or Filipinos. By the 1920s, 38 states used the mechanism.

[ansel12]

What is your point?

Common-law marriage is still recognized by all 50 states and is legal in states like my home state of Texas.

But you asked about licenses, and they were common from the 1600s until today.