If the governmental/legal aspects of marriage are captured under "civil union", what exactly is "marriage" at that point? A pretty ceremony at a church?

For all practical purposes, marriage IS a secular contract between two people that helps mediate the rights of two people in a wide variety of domains. To me saying gay people can't marry is akin to saying gay people can't form LLCs.

Maybe the religious side should come up with a new name for their ceremonies to avoid some of the confusion? How about "religious union"? (whatever that means)