to believe that atheists shouldn't get married?

[Waspie]

I am an atheist. I do not feel that in all conscience I could ever get married as my understanding is that marriage is a religious construct.

Yet Richard Dawkins has been married three times so far and many of my friends who profess to atheism are married. To me it seems hypocritical.

Or am I wrong about marriage being a religious construct?

I would really like your opinions please.

I think that if it weren't for the social convention and the legal protection given by marriage a lot fewer people would actually do it. At least that is how it seems from the replies given on this thread.

MrsTittleMouse, I wasn't really thinking of the government deciding when a couple would get the legal rights and benefits associated with marriage. As you say, how could you decide what was appropriate?

I have been reading about a "Cohabitation Contract" which has never been tested in court but has been accepted by various pension fund managers, hospitals and executors etc... I guess I was pondering whether this would be an alternative. It is still a declaration of intent and committment.

I do know that a piece of paper would not change how I feel about my partner though.