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EnglishWhat Does Marriage Care's Marriage Preparation Involve?
Updated
Marriage Care's marriage preparation is a course for engaged or soon-to-be-married couples that helps you step back from wedding planning and focus on the relationship itself. Sessions cover relationship skills and the meaning of the vows and promises you will make, and they are especially designed for couples marrying in the Catholic Church — though the charity says its services are open to couples whether married or not and of faith or none. It is delivered either as group sessions or as tailored one-to-one programmes, online by webcam or in person.
What the preparation is for
The stated purpose is to give couples time together, away from wedding plans, to:
- explore their unique relationship
- learn skills and knowledge for married life
- develop a deeper understanding of the vows and promises they will make on their wedding day
The framing is explicitly long-term: Marriage Care positions the course for couples who "want more than just a wedding day" and are ready to build a foundation for lifelong partnership.
Who it suits
| Situation | How the service fits |
|---|---|
| Marrying in the Catholic Church | Sessions are described as especially suitable, and cover the vows and promises made on the wedding day |
| Marrying outside a church, or not marrying at all | The charity states it is there for couples "whether you're married or not, of faith or none" |
| Wanting privacy as a couple | One-to-one programmes are available alongside group sessions |
| Preferring not to travel | Webcam options are offered as well as in-person delivery |
How you take part
Two formats are offered, and you choose the route:
- Group sessions — a shared format with other couples.
- Tailored one-to-one programmes — delivered by webcam or in person.
In both cases, Marriage Care says trained facilitators guide the sessions. The organisation describes itself as a Catholic charity that has been running for over 80 years and offers its services across the UK.
Practical points to check before booking
The homepage does not list course lengths, dates, venues or fees for marriage preparation, so confirm these directly when you enquire. Two things are worth asking about specifically:
- Whether your parish or diocese requires a particular format. If you are marrying in the Catholic Church, the preparation may need to satisfy a diocesan requirement, so check that the option you pick is accepted.
- Cost and any fee flexibility. Marriage Care describes its counselling as affordable with flexible fees, but the page evidence does not state pricing for marriage preparation. Do not assume it is free — ask what the fee is and whether any reduction applies.
If you are still deciding between the two services, note the distinction: marriage preparation is for couples building a relationship before marriage, while relationship counselling is for couples or individuals already facing difficulties such as broken-down communication, growing conflict or distance.