"Which couple is MORE Married?" You can't be "more married" - you either are, or you aren't. Not sure what argument you were attempting to make. "Does either couple look DIFFERENT to the Gov't. NOPE!!" That depends - did the couple who had a religious ceremony still apply for and file a marriage certificate at the courthouse? If they didn't, then the government IS going to see the difference. Does that couple meet the requirements of age, sex, unmarried status, unrelated by blood, and offering consent to satisfy any questions on the license? If they don't, then the government IS going to see the difference.