Remember this is a two way street, your partner has a say in this, maybe their goal is marriage what would you do then, deny them their goal. I believe what I have read many times, those couples who become very close friends first by a long courtship, at least a year or so, are the ones that have a better chance of a successful marriage. It's certainly not something you rush in to, when you both know each other very well I think you both know when to marry, and those that play together stay together. Good luck in your search.