I've lived with a couple men before my husband and I'm really happy I didn't marry them cause then I'd be a devorcee.
We lived together for 6 years, had our little baby girl then got married. The proposal was very romantic as was our wedding day. He even went as far as to ask my father for my hand in marriage! Whether you live together or not before marriage, the proposal and the wedding should be romantic regardless. Romance keeps a relationship alive.
Living together is against my religion as well (I'm catholic) but I find nothing wrong with it. I'm not a very religious type of person so that part of it doesn't affect me too much.
to me, the difference between living together and being married is a piece of paper.
and yes, the tax benifits aren't too bad are they! :wink: