"Marriage is not the state's business."
I completely agree! The government should grant civil unions to everyone, gay and straight, and marriage itself should be left to religious organizations.
Oh, wait, you probably intended for the government to continue to prevent gays from getting married--in other words, to exercise control over something you don't think is any of their business. Interesting.
"Only people who believe in God need to be married."
Well, I would like to express my love with someone about whom I care deeply, but I happen to not believe that the universe was created by an invisible being, and clearly the two are, as you state, somehow related...
"To others, marriage doesn't really have a meaning..."
Perhaps you didn't catch my sarcasm. Marriage means love to us. Some of us (myself included) recognize your right to subscribe to an alternative, more religious definition, and would therefore support removing the government from marriage altogether. Alas, it is unlikely...
"...and the divorce laws, child protection agencies, and gay marriage are the result."
The first and third are basic liberties which there is no good reason to take away. As for the second, they are unfortunately necessary because some parents are abusive. Their respect for marriage has nothing to do with it.
"To whom or what does the atheist make his marriage vows? The state?"
Their spouse, duh. Again, it's about love. Also, I see your sexist language and raise you one singular they.
"Only STATISTS believe the state has the power or authority to create and dissolve families."
That's true, actually. But I'd sooner trust the state with that right than any church.