What is Christian Premarital Counselling & Is It Right for You?
Getting engaged brings with it a whirlwind of excitement. You're picking out venues, tasting cakes, and dreaming about the moment you'll finally say, "I do." But amidst all the wedding planning, how much time are you dedicating to preparing for the marriage?
A wedding is a day; a marriage is a lifetime. Building a strong, resilient, and loving partnership requires more than just romance—it requires a solid foundation. For Christian couples, premarital counselling is one of the most powerful tools to build that foundation.
Related: Christian Marriage Counselling: What It Is, What to Expect and How to Find Support
Why Start with Premarital Counselling?
Premarital counselling is a proactive and empowering step to equip you with essential tools and insights for an enduring partnership. It’s about celebrating your strengths and navigating potential growth areas before you tie the knot. This process helps couples understand what to expect in the future and whether they are ready to commit.
It’s not about finding a 'perfect partner'—because there isn’t one—but about empowering real couples to build a resilient future with intentionality and wisdom. Even married couples can benefit from a modified version of this process as an ongoin relationship health check.
When is the Ideal Time for Premarital Counselling?
The ideal time to engage in premarital counselling is when a couple is seriously considering marriage—whether dating and contemplating engagement or already engaged. It’s wise to do it early to address important realisations and strengthen your relationship foundation.
Counselling can also be valuable during significant life changes or if communication starts to break down. For already married couples, a modified "Prepare and Enrich" report can serve as a helpful relationship health check.
Related: Christian Family Counselling: What is it, How Much Does it Cost, How to Access it
What Makes Our Premarital Counselling Unique?
At Life to the Full, we blend evidence-based methods with Christian faith to prepare you for the sacred commitment of marriage.
Christ-Centred: We prepare you for a covenant marriage rooted in biblical principles, emphasising steadfast commitment over mere compatibility. Our approach provides a non-judgmental space to explore real-life marital issues, affirming that God remains at the head of your marriage even through challenges. We also address biblical views on relational roles and openly discuss topics like sex, affirming it as God's creation.
Insightful & Practical: Each partner completes a confidential 150-question online survey from the globally recognised "Prepare Enrich" program. This generates a personalised report offering an objective snapshot of your relationship. Over a minimum of four guided sessions, we explore key areas such as:
communication
conflict resolution
sexual expectations
family influences
partner habits and
spiritual beliefs
Sessions include conceptual discussions and practical exercises like budgeting and dialogue techniques.
Accessible to All: Our service is available nationwide online via telehealth, open to any couple seriously considering marriage. The session format is consistent for Christian and non-Christian couples, with spiritual content tailored accordingly.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Seeking Counselling Doesn’t Mean Your Relationship is Failing: Couples who seek counselling are often in a safer place because they are actively working on their relationship.
A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space: We provide a loving environment where couples can honestly explore challenges without fear of condemnation.
Being Christian Doesn’t Prevent Challenges: Even anchored in faith, marriages face difficulties. Our counselling acknowledges this reality.
Open Discussion of All Topics: We believe sex is not taboo and provide a safe space to discuss intimate aspects of your relationship.
The Process: Your Journey of Discovery
Initial Survey: Each partner independently completes a comprehensive online survey about your relationship and backgrounds.
Personalised Report: We receive a detailed report highlighting key discussion areas.
Guided Sessions: Over at least four sessions, we discuss communication, finances, spirituality, intimacy, partner habits, and family impact. You’ll leave with practical exercises and tools to strengthen your relationship.
Your Most Important Wedding Investment
The greatest gift you can give your partner is a relationship prepared for the future. By investing in premarital counselling, you build your forever foundation on purpose, communication, and shared faith.
Ready to take this important step?
Contact Life to the Full today to learn more and schedule your sessions.
