Children are now the biggest reason for making the leap to Mr and Mrs - according to those yet to walk up the aisle.
Despite nine in 10 unmarried couples being perfectly content with their relationship just the way it is, 52 per cent say they feel they should get wed so they can become a proper family unit.
A further 34 per cent don't like the idea of the children growing up with a different surname to mum.
And 19 per cent say either they or their partner definitely will not consider having children until they've tied the knot.
Sixteen per cent of couples want to get married because they already have children, and it seems like the best reason to move forwards.
A spokeswoman for research experts www.OnePoll.com, which conducted the study of 1,000 married and 1,000 unmarried couples said: "While modern couples do acknowledge that marriage isn't the be all and end all, they certainly feel that having children is a good enough reason to tie the knot.
"Children sharing the same surnames as both parents is important to many, and it is interesting that so many couples won't consider starting a family until they've followed tradition."
Other popular reasons for getting hitched include "because it is traditional", for financial security and to have a big party.
Thirteen per cent of people admitted they like the idea of getting married because they can wear the traditional white dress or suit, while six per cent say it would please the wider family if they were to make things official.
Indeed, only a quarter of those polled think marriage is a waste of time - six in 10 are determined they will tie the knot one day.
But of the 1,000 unmarried people polled, 72 per cent do think many jump into marriage too quickly these days, and a further fifth don't think those that are married take their vows seriously enough.
Researchers also poll 1,000 married couples to explore their reasons for tying the knot.
They discovered four in 10 couples walked down the aisle to stick with tradition, while 44 per cent wanted to show the world they were in love.
Becoming a proper family unit was also a deciding factor on whether to get married or not, as was sharing the name before starting a family.
But seven in 10 disappointed duos were surprised to find they didn't feel any different after the nuptials had taken place.
And 13 per cent now deem the whole affair a complete waste of time.
Eighteen per cent of married people were happy to get wed knowing it was quite easy to get out of, but 32 per cent felt it was necessary to formalise their relationship to prove to others that theirs was the 'real deal'.
Fifteen per cent of those polled admitted that before they got hitched friends and family would constantly nag or hint about when the big day would be, and 13 per cent felt under pressure to get married to keep those people happy.
Realistically, while 36 per cent of couples say marriage DID help to cement their relationship, a further 30 per cent said the only thing which changed about the relationship was the fact they shared the same name.
Perhaps most interestingly, seven in 10 people believe they would have felt as committed to their partner as they do now if they HADN'T got married.
Sadly a fifth of couples believe the ease at which you can get divorced undermines the whole point of marriage.
While a third of the 1,000 married people polled say marriage is now a lost institution, and no longer the significant union it once was.
When it comes to their own relationship, seven in 10 people admit getting married has not made them feel any different to when they were simply boyfriend and girlfriend.
And one in five married adults have considered divorce or separation.
A spokeswoman for research experts www.OnePoll.com, which conducted the study said: "Sadly it is evident from the findings that some people feel the speed at which you can proceed with divorce can make a mockery of marriage.
"Many people still seem to want to get married, but have concerns about whether it will make a great deal of difference to their relationship.
"The findings seem to suggest that while the sharing of names doesn't have the affect couples expect it to have on their actual relationship, many feel it will have a lasting impact on any children born into the relationship, as a marriage can solidify the family unit."
TOP 10 REASONS COUPLES WANT TO GET MARRIED:- To become a proper family unit (52 per cent)
- To show the world that we are in love (39 per cent)
- Because its traditional (34 per cent)
- To make sure our family shares the same name (34 per cent)
- I want financial security (24 per cent)
- Because I / my partner wants to be married before we have children (19 per cent)
- Because we already have children (16 per cent)
- To have a big party with all my family and friends (15 per cent)
- So I can wear a wedding dress / smart suit (13 per cent)
- Our families want us to do it (6 per cent)
