A premarital course is created for couples who are preparing to marry and want to start their life together on solid footing. Good premarital programs help partners reflect on how they relate to one another, learn healthier habits, and set the tone for a lifetime of teamwork.
These courses usually cover communication, expectations, conflict resolution, and planning shared goals — practical skills that help couples navigate the transition from partners to spouses. As Maggie Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker, notes, premarital work is “a great way to get to know each other and work toward a common goal” — in other words, it helps couples prepare practically and emotionally for married life.
If you want a deeper look at what premarital preparation typically includes, there are many resources that outline common course components and exercises.
When should I take a pre-marriage course?
There’s no single right time to begin premarital work. If you feel that you and your partner are losing alignment, hitting the same repetitive conflicts, or simply want tools to strengthen your bond, that’s a perfectly good reason to start.
Specific signs it might be time to enroll include recurring disagreements that don’t get resolved, very different expectations about money or family, or feeling uncertain about long-term goals. Even couples who feel secure can benefit — premarital courses sharpen communication and help you set shared priorities before problems arise.
10 helpful online pre-marriage courses for couples
The right course can improve your connection and give you practical steps for a healthier marriage. Below are ten widely recommended online premarital programs — summaries, what they cover, and what they cost.
1. Marriage.com’s Pre-Marriage Course
Topping many lists, Marriage.com’s course is engaging and practical. It’s broken into five modules that explore:
- What makes a marriage healthy
- Managing expectations
- Setting shared goals
- Strong communication
- Moving from “me” to “we”
Designed for newly engaged or recently married couples, the self-paced format is ideal for busy schedules. The course helps couples assess their readiness for long-term commitment, build lasting skills, spot potential future challenges, and create shared goals. It includes quizzes, videos, worksheets, and further reading recommendations.
Price: Starts at $49
Enroll in a premarriage course today to build the relationship you’ve dreamed of!
2. Happily Ever After
Happily Ever After offers a thorough, practical program covering six core areas:
- Self-discovery
- Money
- Conflict and repair
- Sex and intimacy
- Backgrounds (family history)
- Communication
Bonus modules discuss parenting, spirituality, and anxiety. Videos and worksheets guide couples through the material at their own pace, making it flexible for those with tight schedules or young children.
Price: $97
3. The Marriage Course
This program is distinctive because it’s often run by a married couple who host the sessions, encouraging couples to attend and discuss privately. Over five sessions, partners work through communication, commitment, and conflict resolution themes and are encouraged to journal their progress.
Price: Varies by local course administrator
4. The Pre-Marriage Course Online
A five-session program with a Christian perspective, this course focuses on communication, conflict, commitment, connection, and adventure. It follows a WATCH/TALK format: watch a lesson, then spend the remaining time talking privately — often with a counselor over Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom.
Price: $17.98 for the couples’ journals
5. Udemy — Premarital Counseling: Create a Marriage That Lasts
Udemy’s offering highlights practical benefits: understanding different relationship dynamics, tackling difficult topics like money and parenting, setting couple goals, and improving conflict management and communication. The course encourages note-taking and active reflection.
Price: $108.75
6. Avalon Pre-Marriage Courses
Avalon provides an accessible lesson plan that many couples find enjoyable and easy to follow. If you’re marrying within the Catholic tradition, this program can serve as an online pre-Cana course. Options include an online course or a DVD, plus “His and Her” workbooks. The course has also been independently reviewed by senior psychotherapists.
Price: Starts at $121
7. Growing Self
Growing Self combines online counseling with a premarital curriculum. The program aims to align couples on communication, finances, parenting, and life decisions to keep the relationship lively and resilient. Their “I Do: Premarital Counseling Program” begins with an expert assessment to identify problem areas, then provides a tailored plan and tools for teamwork, goal-setting, and lifestyle alignment.
Price: $125 per session
8. Alpha’s Marriage Preparation Course
Written by Sila and Nicky Lee (authors of The Marriage Book), this five-session course helps couples invest in a lifetime commitment. Topics include accepting differences, preparing for challenges, keeping love alive, commitment, and boosting communication skills. While rooted in Christian principles, the material is accessible to couples of many backgrounds. Lessons are practical and often include shared meals and guided conversations.
Price: Contact the course instructor
9. PrepareToLast.com
Created by marriage influencers Jeff & Debby McElroy in partnership with Prepare-Enrich, this program suits seriously dating couples, the engaged, and newlyweds. Modules cover:
- Marriage expectations
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Spiritual unity
- Financial management
- Personality differences
- Sex & intimacy
- Goals & dreams
The course mixes engaging teaching modules with online mentors for extra support.
Price: $97
10. Meaningful Relationships (Defeating Divorce)
This course positions itself as focused on preventing divorce by helping couples address core issues and concentrate on their relationship’s strengths. With more than ten lessons, it covers communication, family life, conflict resolution, intimacy, and parenting.
Price: $69.95
FAQ
How long does premarital counseling last?
Most premarital programs consist of several sessions designed to introduce core skills and provide time to practice them. Many couples follow a course that runs for around 10–12 weeks (roughly 3–4 months), which gives space to apply advice and see real changes.
How much do premarriage counseling courses cost?
Prices vary widely. You’ll typically find courses ranging from about $50 up to $400 or more. Online options are often more affordable than in-person programs, and many offer flexible payment tiers or self-guided formats.
(There are also helpful videos online that explain what premarital counseling looks like if you prefer a visual overview.)
Summing up
If you were hunting for the top premarital courses you can take online, this list gives you solid choices. Pick the program that fits your values, time, and learning style, and start building the habits that will help your marriage thrive.
