The right time to get married and how to stay married

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I've been in a serious relationship for 8 years now and my boyfriend and I have had talks about our plans of getting married and having a family of our own. But after been in a relationship for this long, I'm worried if marriage will be a good thing for the both of us. I've heard stories about long term couples who finally decide to get married but ended up separated or divorced just a few months/years after the wedding. So, to those who have been married and is still married, when will you know that it is the right time to exchange vows? And what are the key factors needed in order to keep the fire burning? Thoughts?