In my opinion, at present, marriage has no practical need.
Sorry, but I beg to disagree. Marriage still has a practical need... for those who believe in it, at least. Like myself. I would love to settle down one day and start a family with the person I will eventually marry.
So why do we need this lack of freedom? for love? But love does not live long, then everything turns into a habit.
Who says that marriage equals lack of freedom? It's true you sacrifice a few things once you're married, but if you think that it's a burden then yeah, you probably shouldn't marry. Also, love does live long. You probably haven't met someone you'd want to spend the rest of your life with.
Maybe it's time for modern society to abandon marriage?
Abandon marriage? No way Jose! Marriage is a choice. If a couple wants to get married, let them. If they don't, then fine. But it will never be obsolete.