Statisticians estimate that eleven million people in the United States are living together as unmarried couples, while millions more consider the prospect. GLBT individuals meanwhile, prevented from marrying, have embraced living together as one of the few options available to them.  

This a smart, practical guide for people who are living together or considering cohabitation. It is based on the stories and real-life experiences of unmarried partners around the country. For people who are unmarried for now or forever, the book is packed with information about the joys and common challenges to love without the marriage license.

Walking Down the Aisle: Commitment Ceremonies and Rituals Chapter Eight.

Many partners who can't or choose not to get legally married still find it appealing to gather their friends and loved ones to celebrate their relationship, or like the idea of creating a ritual to mark their commitment. This chapter contains tip on; How it's possible to get married "in the eyes of God" without getting legally married, How having a ceremony can strengthen the stepparent-stepparent bond, help children understand that "we're a family now," and create a sense of "legitimacy" for unmarried partners planning to have kids and much more.