Some things you might want to know
Q: Why premarital counseling?
A: Couples who get premarital counseling have a 31% lower divorce rate than couples who do not (Journal of Family Psychology, 2006). Why not start your marriage off with a better chance of lasting?
Q: Who is this program for?
A: This program is for anyone who is getting married, remarried, or has recently gotten married (newlyweds) who wants to strengthen their marriage relationship, and get the added benefit of the free marriage license (sorry newlyweds – no refunds on the license you just got, but isn’t knowing you’ve solidified your marriage good enough?).
Q: Is this a faith-based program?
A: Yes and no. While the Twogether In Texas Initiative from the State of Texas is not specifically faith-based, they do allow for certain curriculum to be used that is faith-based, as long as they have approved it. Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts is from a basic Christian perspective, and we (Woodridge Baptist Church) are a Christian organization.
Q: What are the requirements for the course?
A: Requirements for anyone taking the course are that both partners attend a course that is at least eight hours, that you attend at least five out of our seven sessions, and that you not miss the sessions on conflict management/resolution and communication skills. These requirements come directly from the Texas Department of Health & Human Services. In extenuating circumstances, a missed session can be made up (at the discretion of class facilitators).
Q: What is the cost?
A: This course is FREE! The only cost is a few hours and some effort – but making your marriage work is worth it!
The $60 state portion of the marriage license fee will be waived if you complete an approved premarital training course and present your certificate to the county clerk. Counties may add up to $12 in additional fees to a marriage license. Those local fees will not be waived.
Q: What is included in the course?
A: Each participant will get a course workbook with helpful tips and questions to help improve your marriage, as well as a certificate of completion upon graduating from the course. You will need to present this certificate when you apply for your marriage license.
Q: How much work is the course?
A: Like anything worth the effort, this class (and your marriage) will take a little work to get the most out of it. The workbook is full of questions and exercises designed to get you and your spouse-to-be talking about the things most couples don’t discuss until there’s a problem, such as: finances and budgeting, sexual expectations, communication, etc. You will have opportunities to begin discussing these topics with each other during the weekend, and you can keep the discussions going on your own after the weekend.
Q: Why are you doing this? What’s in it for you?
A: Woodridge Baptist Church is participating in this initiative with the State of Texas because we believe in the God-ordained institution of marriage. Marriages are failing at a record pace, and we know that many of them could be saved if couples getting married knew what to expect going into the marriage. What’s in it for us is knowing that we have played a part in helping your marriage get off to a good, healthy start.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Complete the registration form on “Sign Up” page (see tab at the top of this page), and we’ll be in contact within a few days of you signing up to go over details and see if you have any questions we can answer!