Getting a marriage certificate counts as getting married. Marriage is essentially a legal act, and obtaining a marriage certificate is a legally recognized marriage, which is a marriage protected by national laws. Not obtaining a marriage certificate is just holding a wedding ceremony, not considered marriage.
Marriage requires legal recognition, and obtaining a marriage certificate from the Civil Affairs Bureau is the correct process. It is proof that both parties have entered into a marriage relationship and constitutes a true marriage.
After obtaining a marriage certificate, the marital relationship between the two is protected by the national marriage law. Therefore, if the two want to separate, they must go through legal procedures to the civil affairs bureau for divorce. When getting married again, it is necessary to present proof of divorce or single status.
Just holding a wedding without obtaining a marriage certificate does not constitute marriage. Holding a wedding is just a ceremony to inform relatives and friends around you that you are married, which belongs to the folk sense of marriage, but is legally invalid.