US/Canadian couples don't qualify for conjugal. that's really for people from countries where they can't get married/become commonlaw because of immigration barriers (ie: same sex marriage or divorce is illegal, can't get visitor visa to canada, etc.) technically, there is nothing stopping you from getting married. you both can go to eachother's country (or a third country) and get married anytime you want. not being able to work in each other's home country is NOT an immigration barrier.
As for commonlaw, what people do is they cross as a visitor, and once in, they apply to extend their stay as a visitor and request 12 months so they can meet the cohabitation rule. visitor extensions are rarely denied. the only drawback is, the foreign spouse can NOT work while they are in canada as a visitor. they CAN work remotely for a company from their home country, as long as they don't service canadian clients or attempt to attract canadian clients. If working remotely is an option, that is the best case for a US citizen who wants to be in canada to "visit" long term.
PS... don't waste your money on an attorney. unless you have serious concerns like criminal or dependent issues, it is certainly not necessary. a) most people can fill out the forms and gather evidence themselves, b)the information you find on this forum is going to be more accurate than what a lawyer will provide, and c) there are many reports of immigration attorneys giving bad advice that leads to delayed or even rejected applications. NOT worth it, in my opinion.