How do atheist get married ??? share your stories.

Jess
I'm pissed, hurt and confused. . After 4 years, I'm talking to my bf about marriage and he says he's not into "any of that." Huh ? We've had convos before and Ive said what I wanted in life. It's no secret I would want to be in a relationship that was working towards something. He said he would want me as his wife but doesn't want a marriage. Wtf does that even mean??? I asked him "so you don't want to be married to me but you want me as your wife ?? How does that work ??" He never answered assuming I was trying to be an ass. Then He said he's not into priests, the church, pastors, the mosque or any other religious celebration or "American tradition" . I told him marriage isn't religious unless people want it to be. And atheist get married so it not a "religious event" and people get married all over the world so it's not an "American thing." It's about promising to spend your life with someone because you don't want anybody else and being recognized by the law as one.. So he said "fine he'll look into it." to make me happy. Whatever. I'm just curious if you're an atheist and you're married, how was you're wedding??? Anybody can share their unique wedding ideas honestly. At least I can feel happy for other people since my love life sucks right now. 
 
Update: Thank you to the women for sharing your STORIES. You've all been helpful and also to those who offered insight to help me gain clarity of his stance. We've since talked and some of you ladies were right. I now understand what he meant by his comments because at first it felt like he wasted my time. Your stories and photos are beautiful. You've told me things, I've never even heard of being as though everybody we know is Muslim and Christian. .  :) Please keep sharing :)