Why Pre-marriage Education?

Some couples benefit more than others from attending a pre-marriage education course. However, it is true to say that all relationships can be improved; none ever reach perfection, and they are all growing and changing all the time.

Research shows that pre-marriage education can make a significant contribution to a fulfilling, life-long marriage. Preparation is a necessary part of every important thing we do, and marriage is no different. Much time and effort usually go toward planning and organising a wedding. Marriage education is preparation for the lifetime of marriage that comes after. It is a useful and important part of being engaged. The Catholic Church, through its clergy, requires all couples to prepare for their marriage.

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Relationship education is not counselling.

Most couples getting married have happy, healthy relationships. Relationship education is about keeping it that way. You are embarking on a new and deeper phase of your relationship and this time provides opportunity to look at your strengths. Strengths are those things, which have brought the relationship this far. It is also an opportunity to look at the areas for growth in your relationship, and learn new skills and strategies for dealing with the inevitable hurdles of day to day married life.

No matter how long we live and how long we live with our partners, we will never truly know everything about them or ourselves. Pre-marriage education is a time for you to stop and look at yourselves as individuals and as a couple. It is a time to slow down and concentrate, in a structured way, on your relationship and to gain deeper understandings of yourself and each other.

Your Marriage Preparation course will be an opportunity to consider:

  • Relationship dynamics;
  • Expectations of marriage;
  • Family influences;
  • Communication;
  • Handling conflict;
  • Sexuality;
  • Planning your family; and,
  • Spirituality.

It is also a time to:

  • Identify and celebrate your strengths as a couple;
  • Discover strategies to help manage issues in your relationship;
  • Learn skills to help overcome challenges of married life;
  • Examine the commitment necessary to succeed; and,
  • Affirm your decision to marry.

The majority of couples who attend our courses find them interesting, highly beneficial, and would recommend them to other couples. Couples are encouraged to do their marriage preparation at least four to six months prior to their wedding. There are many types of courses and programs available. To get the most from your course we suggest you do it as early as possible, before you are overwhelmed with wedding preparations.

The Centre for Life, Marriage and Family offers three accredited pre-marriage education programs. You can enrol here.