For the first time sarah, I am in total agreement with you.
You see myself and himself do not believe in religion (just our choice - been debated here already). Now marriage is joining in holy matrimony, a marriage in a register office in my eyes can not be called marriage because it isn't in holy matrimony - it's basically a contract.
Now, we are not going to go and do something against our beliefs which means we will not be getting married, we have been together for over 3 years now and have a long term commitment to each other. But people like that lady will never find a wedding ring on my hand. They may one day find a commitment ring but that will not be on my wedding finger.