Say Yes to Premarital: Why Premarital Counseling is Essential for a Strong, Long-Lasting Marriage
Are you engaged to be married? Congratulations! What an exciting chapter of your life! Before diving into planning your guest list, seating chart, or florals, consider adding premarital counseling to your wedding to-do list. Doing premarital counseling is in my opinion one of the most, if not the most, important parts of wedding planning because it helps you prepare for a successful marriage.
Deciding to get married, and specifically who you marry, is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Marriage impacts all areas of your life, and preparing for it with premarital counseling helps set the stage for a strong, long-lasting partnership. Here’s why I recommend premarital counseling to couples who are ready to build their life together:
Premarital Counseling has Research-Backed Benefits
Couples who have engaged in some form of premarital counseling are 30% less likely to separate or divorce. This proactive approach helps you address potential differences early with the guidance of a professional, rather than waiting for conflicts to escalate and cement over time.
Key Topics are Covered in Premarital Counseling
Premarital counseling creates a structured space where couples can discuss critical topics, such as finances, parenting, extended family, household management, sex, and general life planning. It's important to realize that your views on these topics may evolve over time, but premarital counseling equips you with the tools to navigate these changes as a team.
Strengthen Communication Skills for a Healthy Marriage
Even if your relationship feels healthy and generally positive, you can still benefit from learning new communication skills. Premarital counseling helps you and your partner understand each other’s needs, preferences, and potential areas of conflict, which strengthens your bond for the future.
Expectation Setting
There are many opinions and expectations on what makes a marriage successful. These expectations might have been influenced by your own parents’ marriage, by your friends’ relationships, or even by relationships in the media. Many expectations are not inherently right or wrong, but subjective to each person. Are you and your partner in agreement about what makes a marriage healthy or what being a supportive spouse looks like? Let’s talk about it in premarital!
Premarital Counseling is for All Couples
A common misconception is that counseling is only for couples facing issues, and that being in therapy together is a sign that the relationship is in danger. In reality, premarital counseling is for anyone who wants to build a happy, healthy marriage. If anything, your choice to pursue premarital counseling with your partner is a great sign of your understanding of the serious commitment you are making together.
Inclusive, Modern Premarital Counseling
Another common misconception about premarital counseling is that it is often done through a religious lens. This was certainly more true in the past, and it unfortunately meant that many couples were excluded from participating in this process, specifically LGBTQ+ or non-religious couples. Times have changed, and premarital counseling can now be a much more modern, inclusive, and secular experience for those that want it to be.
Ready to Build a Lasting Marriage?
Premarital counseling can be one of the most enjoyable parts of wedding planning. It’s a chance to focus on the future and build a strong foundation with the person you love. Consider adding it to your wedding registry or booking your first session today—it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.
