Whats the big deal with getting married ?

Why do people enjoy spending a fat wad of cash so they can parade up and down in front of people who take pictures of them.

A wedding seems rather self indulgent and frivolous. Do people just enjoy being the center of attention for a day?

Why is this event supposed to be so amazing and enjoyable? To me it seems like a horrible event.

My girlfriend wants to spend $12,000 to get married but I hate being the center of attention and all these seemingly frivolous events so I've told her I can never get married. Maybe just signing some paperwork somewhere would be acceptable for me.

Edit: I've been engaged 2X before and I've even paid for a wedding. I just couldn't go through with it so I called it off. I get sick just thinking about having to get married.