Asklemmy

• The right to make medical decisions on behalf of the other
• The right to visit the other in the hospital
• The right to make funeral arrangements for the other
• The right to survivor's benefits (veteran's benefits, Social Security, private pension, etc.)
• Income tax breaks and credits
• Tax breaks on inheritance and estate taxes
• Tax breaks on money and property transfers between spouses
• Immigration and naturalization rights
• Can't be forced to testify against the other (usually)
• Communications between married partners are privileged from discovery in civil and criminal cases (usually)
• Joint adoption rights
• Bereavement leave
• Joint bankruptcy protection
• Automatic recognition of the relationship by every state, nation, etc.

Etc. There's something like 1,000 rights, privileges, and responsibilities that attach through marriage only.

Not an expert, but there is a lot less ground to legally challenge the partnership if a couple is married. If a couple isn't married and one of them suddenly dies without a will or some sort of similar situation, the deceased's family can fight for everything from how their funeral is executed, custody of children, or even control of finances. Obviously it would involve some sort of legal intervention, but marriage would supercede any familial relationships in most cases. I'm not sure how common it is, but I've definitely heard stories about this in gay relationships where estranged family ends up getting legal guardianship of children because the parents weren't officially married and one died.

I'm married and, though I don't think I can numerate all the ways, we are definitely more financially stable than we were when we were just dating. Even just the convenience of being able to do certain legal and medical stuff on my partner's behalf makes a big difference. And that's isn't to say it's for everyone, but it is worth investigating if you have specific concerns.

In the US, one big advantage is that you can add your spouse as a dependent under your medical insurance plan you get through your employer. Since we don’t have a public option, this is significantly cheaper compared to them getting their own plan via Obamacare.

It’s possible to add a domestic partner in some states, but they really make it a pain in the ass to do so, if you’re eligible by living in one of those states to begin with.

Can't be compelled to testify against a spouse

One benefit is that if you are a US citizen, and your spouse is not, you don't have to wait as many years to apply for citizenship. It can also help your application, as long as you are able to provide sufficient evidence that the relationship is genuine and not just to hasten the application. (Still ungodly expensive and difficult to get citizenship though -- the idea that you "just marry" someone is an utter myth.)

Navigating credit and finances is easier.

It can be easier to get access to be there for each other during a health crisis, and I know my parents have appreciated how much help their son-in-law has given them when they need moral support during medical appointments, etc. Sometimes he's been there for them when I am unable.

My husband and I didn't marry for these reasons, though. We had been in a monogamous co-habitative relationship for five years leading up to the proposal, and it was more for customary/cultural reasons. You're right that the practical benefits are pretty marginal.

It kinda seems like it’s just a way to trap people in relationships, probably traditionally, the woman

It can be, yeah. I think this is an ongoing problem that was even worse in the past. I disagree that it is "just" why people marry, though. I was fortunate to have parents who are married, but it was always clear they were both equal partners in the relationship. Didn't really subscribe to traditional gender roles and such. I'm really lucky.

It's always awkward when someone will ask me, "Who's the woman in the relationship?" Like, what kind of question is that? But yeah, there are a lot of people who unfortunately do have this idea of ownership. Terms like "trophy wife" seem so problematic to me, like wtf bro.

Gonna finish by adding there are many different ways a relationship can look, and marriage is just one of them. I think if it's consensual and equitable, it can be a beautiful thing, but so can many other types of relationships. It made sense for my husband and I, but it probably doesn't make sense to a whole lot of people, and that's fine. I think no one should ever feel pressured to get married or not to get married.

Marriage tax penalties usually affect high income, especially where both spouses make a lot. In many cases taxes go down.

Mellvar posted a bunch, but ones like immigration and naturalization are huge, as the process for becoming a citizen- especially while of working age- is huge. Having your husband or wife by your side and not limited to trips across the border once a month is really nice.