No not really, 8 out of the last 10 weddings i've been to are no longer together now. There is just so many pressures these days. I'm not saying it's wrong to get married ( far from it ) but it's by no means a necessity.

The whole idea of marriage is that it's a relationship and bond, it's forever. It's showing that you're 100% devoted to the other person, showing that you don't want anyone else, and that you're giving yourself to them for the rest of your life...it's by far not necessary, but it can be a wonderful thing if done right.

Unless there are children involved and my significant other insisted on it, I see no reason to be married in today's society. I would not ever get married again if I were going to live with someone. Many people, some famous, like Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, have been together and had children, for 30 years or so (longer than many who get married) and it works for them as well (maybe better) than if they had a legal document. Marriage is for religious reasons and for the ceremony and pomp and tradition. It's not for me. I'd rather spend the time and money on a nice vacation with my partner.

It does not appear to be necessary and with the divorce rate so high it makes no sense to get married.Divorces are messy and people don't want the hastles.

I think marriage certainly doesn't have to be exclusive to those who's religions require it. In my view marriage can signify a loving commitment to another person with of course the legal implications it can bring. These legalties can be beneficial to a couple in many circumstances. I believe marriage can (not always the case) provide an incentive for a couple to stick it out and get through a sticky patch in their relationship rather than splitting up (this of course depends on the individuals involved and their situation). As well as this there are of cause the traditional and setimental aspects of marriage which many people still see as the ultimate expression of your love for your partner. So my answer is yes, but I don't think anyone should be under any social obligation to get married - it is all about personal choice. Marriage may be appropriate to one couple but not the next.

There are studies that show marriage is beneficial to the couple the children and to society at large. If you don't want to get married there is nothing that says you must.

I think the decision to get married lies solely between two people regardless of thier religion and/or beliefs.

Survival of Homo-Sapiens

I personally think people marry for financial security. Marriage is like a business.

When you feel like turning your girlfriend into your wife~

To celebrate your love and make a commitment to love the other person forever, no matter what.

having kids & a family!! we only live once so dont let the train pass you up.

Its a good excuse to have a big party!

Taxes....and oh yeah, that love thing.

All types of satisfaction!

It is like an Ice Candy.The first lick is great then it starts getting colder. Finally you are left with holding the stick.The end reaction is surely what you wrote-what's the point of getting married!!!

For some to at least experience the temporarily the feeling of commitment. Depending on your views on life a temporary and (in some cases) a long-term feeling of satisfaction. After all, you would only be doing what society has been doing for generations and indoctrinated us to do. It's seen as one of the greatest goals in life. When you are with the person you don't want to be without...you won't ask that question. This just seems to happen rarely these days…as we have sooooo many alternatives.

To show commitment

Hey...free laundry !!... On a more serious note....takes our commitment to a deeper level

paying more for sex than it is worth..it is female-oriented whore thievery..don't give half your stuff for it....

To get divorced...

Because you are so in love with each other you cannot imagine being with anyone else. And if you love children and want to be a parent, you see your unborn children in the other person's eyes. Mushy and sentimental? Sure, but there is wisdom in the madness. Marriage has been much disparaged of recent times. Sad. But, even when it fails, it is worth the effort. Children are usually much better off with two parents, even if they are no longer together. Sometimes it is unworkable, but that is usually because one or both did not have any real commitment to begin with. Many "celebrities" have more than their deserved influence on the general public. "So-and-So has been married and divorced umpteen times, has children by people they were never married to, etc., etc., so, it must be just as "cool" for me to do the same thing....". Foolish children...You don't live in these people's world and never will. In fact, most of them are more miserable than you can imagine. Happy people don't become drug addicted or alcoholic or kleptomaniacs...even though they are millionaires. They change "mates" yearly and even monthly because they are incapable of caring deeply for anyone...not even themselves.

There really isn't any other than it gives us a false sense of security in that we feel we need to 'trap' someone into 'loving' us forever even when age starts to tear us apart.

Well, if you want to get down to brass tacks, marriage is legal protection. It's giving someone legal standing in regards to a multitude of things in your life, including health concerns, financial concerns and paternity issues (among other things.) Caring enough for someone and for any offspring of that union to give them legal protections and standing in regards to YOUR life is what marriage is about. It boils down to love and trust. Marriage is true commitment in every sense of the word -- not just someone giving lip service to the word.

For me the point of getting married was to build a life with a companion and have children who would grow up in a family atmosphere. I don't regret the marriage but I do regret my choice in a mate. After 26 years I had to get out to save my sanity. However, my son was not born out of wedlock. Being divorced and over 50, I doubt I will ever re-marry. I am in a relationship with a wonderful man for over 5 years now, living with him the last year. He is my lover and my best friend but I see no reason to get married. I have my own retirement and my own health insurance. Also, I would like to keep my married name because my son and three granddauthger's carry it as well.

You have a companion for life. A companion with total commitment. Some consider it worth it. Others don't. Its for person concerned to decide.

Because what are you going to do with all that money you have if you're not going to spend it on Child support and Alimony.

To live happily ever after, in a house with a white picket fence, 1.5 kids and a dog. Seriously though...if you have to ask then you aren't madly in love and eager to cleave unto someone. People should consider they will be financially better off (most times), have someone to feed you soup when you have the flu, and have someone to hold the baby for you when you need to use the bathroom or run to the store. If you get more than that out of your marriage, you're doing really well and should post your secrets here :)

"To have a witness to your life." A partner who will be there with you through it all. Someone who's love you can count on to get you through the worst of days, and whom you have the honor of supporting in their dark times. Best of all, someone to rejoice with and revel in the good times together.

constant companionship

To have a wedding day and a honeymoon:))

...because everything gets better!!!!