@jca, and in response to the literal question of having “Society respect it as a real marriage,” if Walter introduces (WHAT IS HER NAME, WALTER??!!) as his “wife” to strangers, there is no way in the world they are going to know that they weren’t “legally” married, unless he broadcasts it. Just like no one in the world would know that my oldest daughter is “adopted” unless I tell them.
As for family, etc. if they’ve been together for a long time, acting as married people, the term “Wife” and “Husband” tend to come easily. Same with “Mom,” even if the mother isn’t the biological mother, but takes care of the child exactly as if she were.
My biggest concern would be the potential legal issues involved by not having it set down legally. Further, I really don’t see the problem with having it set down legally. You can have whatever kind of marriage you want, as long as it doesn’t break Civil laws, such as bigamy. Other than that, you can have an open marriage, you can have a marriage but live in different states, whatever you want to do. You don’t have to have any special clauses written down, other than what you want.
I guess the question confuses me a little. Why would there be any issue with society accepting your chosen as your “wife”? Unless there’s something you didn’t specify in your question….