imprtance based on personal requirement. otherwise, it is not a must, i would say. But what i insist on is you should never give up on your individuality especially if you are a woman and you are planning to depend on that man. cuz from my peronal experience, i should say, men (whether they admit it or not) likes independant women. so marriage is not a bad thing, as long as you spend time on your self as an individual too.