Sounds like you really dodged a bullet there. It seems to me a person can have all the right attributes; but, once you throw financials into the mix, the dynamic can change.
As for me, I think legally binding marriage, as contract, is a bit arcane and unnecessary. About the only real reason I can think of, to get legally married, is to save a bit, come tax season; and that's only going to work out, if both people are on the same page fiscally, and responsible.
I have no problem with the idea of life-long commitment; but, assuming I even had the opportunity, I'd want it to be with some one who was also on the same page.
I imagine just doing a simple ceremony, for the fun of it, but, not have it taken super seriously. The idea being that, we both, at that moment, would like to share our lives together; but, we also both understand, that, it may not work out that way in the end. I think that's much more realistic, and harmonious, as opposed to, getting ALL the inlaws and family involved, getting the thing legally binding, and yablahblah.
I think it'd be so much more beautiful and meaningful if we were both on the same page, and cautiously grounded in reality, while still enjoying a bit of time for our heads to be in the clouds. Honeymoons last a couple weeks or months at best. Marriages have a 50/50 chance of working out. However, divorce, is almost always forever. heh. So, if you cut out the marriage bullshit, you don't have to worry about the divorce. Cut out the fancy expensive weddings and gold rings destined for a pawn shop when things don't work out; and what you are left with, is two people who love eachother and want to give a shot at sharing their lives together. Win/win as far as I can see...