I would never buy a car without test driving it first. Similarly, I would never consider spending a large part of my life with someone without first living with her and experiencing everything I'm considering committing to.

I was not brought up in church so I never had anyone advising me, pressuring me, or guilting me into waiting to have sex.
I do believe that it is wise to wait until you are educated about the risk of sex, as in children and disease. And also understand that sex is not love. To each his own.