In no uncertain terms should you sign a contract with the state to profess your love for the woman you would enjoy to spend the rest of your life with.  The lot of people do not recognize how long forever is. Forever is longer than 'ever' and ever is pretty long, itself. Outside of certain tax benefits, absolutely nothing can be achieved through signing a contractual obligation with the state that can't be achieved by not signing a contractual obligation with the state. A ring can be purchased. A wedding reception can be thrown. A honeymoon can be experienced. Land can be purchased. A house can be built. A family can be created. Children can be raised in a two-parent household. This woman can still be referred to as your wife. Love, exclusivity, and happiness can be experienced forever and, what do you know, this all possible without signing a contract. Who would've figured? As men, all too well versed are we on the drawbacks of not necessarily marriage, but what can come if it fails. The lot of women want to be married, but do not want to be wives. The lot of women want to have children, but do not want to be mothers. Men, do not relinquish the freedom you have to make decisions for yourself and the family you are creating. It is completely unnecessary in the grandest of ways.