Isn't a better question: why would you want /any/ government involved in your marriage? This argues for federal legislation that defines marriage simply as a c

Isn't a better question: why would you want /any/ government involved in your marriage? This argues for federal legislation that defines marriage simply as a compact between two consenting adults with some basic legal record keeping. The /impact/ of that marriage can be both federal and state (e.g., federal vs. state tax laws). Individual state laws defining marriage could mean your next of kin could change if you die in the wrong state. That way lies dragons.