A pre-marriage course is a series of thoughtful lessons and activities designed to help couples strengthen their relationship before marriage.
Many organizations run programs under names like “pre-marriage” or “premarital” courses. They usually include lessons, exercises, and discussion prompts that prepare couples for the common challenges of married life. If you follow a faith tradition, your church or place of worship may call this a “pre-Cana” course or something similar — sometimes offered online.
Put simply: a pre-marriage course is structured guidance for couples to work through together before getting married.
Related Reading: 5 Pre-Marital Tips for a Happy and Satisfying Married Life
Why take a pre-marriage course?
The main benefit is that it equips you with practical skills and awareness to enter marriage with better tools for success.
For the course to be effective, both partners should be willing to put in the effort and follow the program. The good news is online courses let you work at your own pace from home, which makes following through much easier.
Topics typically covered in a pre-marriage course
Premarital classes usually cover the basics of a healthy partnership: improving communication, setting shared goals, and managing expectations. They also explore how to stay true to yourselves as individuals while forming a strong, interdependent couple.
These topics help couples deepen their bond and surface important issues to discuss before marriage.
How does a pre-marriage class work?
Most online pre-marriage classes are self-guided and convenient.
You’ll receive lesson modules and accompanying workbooks. Couples move through the material at their own speed, and can revisit lessons as needed. Another advantage: the privacy of an online class lets you explore sensitive topics together in a safe space.
How to choose the right pre-marriage course online
Use these criteria when picking a course for you and your partner:
1. Practical, not preachy
Look for courses that give clear, usable takeaways rather than moralizing lectures. Practical advice you can apply is the most valuable.
2. Builds awareness
A good course highlights both the joys and the real challenges of married life and prepares you to face those challenges together.
3. Easy to use
The course should be easy to navigate on any device—phone, tablet, or laptop—so you and your partner can go through it comfortably.
4. Anytime access
Find a course that lets you revisit lessons without limits so you can refresh or work through tough sections again.
5. Assessment
The course should offer feedback or assessments that help you track what you’ve learned and how your relationship is progressing.
6. Interactive activities
To keep both partners engaged, the program should include worksheets, quizzes, surveys, and similar exercises.
7. Multi-format content
A mix of articles, videos, and recommended reading gives different ways to absorb the material and keeps learning interesting.
For example, Marriage.com’s Pre-Marriage Course includes:
- Assessments that give a practical checkup of your relationship
- Lessons that help you explore relationship dynamics, anticipate future challenges, and learn strategies to handle them
- Activities to build long-term relationship skills
- Inspirational videos
- Motivational talks
- Insightful advice articles
- Recommended books
- A “Happy Marriage” cheatsheet
Woman wearing a red scoop-neck dress holding a white bouquet — (image caption placeholder)
How to take a pre-marriage training course
Here’s what to expect when you enroll (using Marriage.com’s premarital course as an example):
After registration you’ll receive an email with a link and access details to your online course. Course length depends on the package you choose, but typical inclusions are:
- The full Pre-Marriage Course
- A mini-course: 15 Steps to a Happier Marriage
- A 38-page bonus eBook and marriage guide
- Motivational videos
- Activity worksheets
You can take the course solo or with your partner, and move through the material at your own pace. If you’re ready to invest in your future together, enroll in a marriage course today.
Benefits of taking a pre-marriage course online
How will your relationship improve after a premarital course? It’s more than getting closer — it’s about gaining tools to navigate married life and handle the inevitable bumps along the road.
1. Build stronger communication skills
Good communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. Studies show that couples who communicate well tend to be happier and more satisfied. A premarital course teaches empathy-based techniques and practical ways to understand and reach each other.
It also creates space to discuss uncomfortable topics you might avoid otherwise, such as:
- Past relationship problems
- Experiences of abuse
- Personal habits that cause friction
2. Openly discuss finances and debts
Money is a top source of conflict for couples. A pre-marriage course helps you bring up financial matters and offers tools to resolve disagreements respectfully and constructively.
3. Learn from relationship experts
Courses are often designed by relationship professionals who pack decades of insight into their lessons. You can absorb that guidance and put proven strategies into practice.
4. Plan your future with clarity
A course gives you structured prompts to talk about:
- Where you see your marriage in five years
- Whether and when to start a family
- Where you want to live
- Mutual expectations of roles and responsibilities
These conversations help you set shared goals and get a realistic picture of your future together.
5. A guide for the next stage of life
Premarital education isn’t only for couples in crisis — it’s for couples who want to be intentional. Taking a course signals that you’re committed to understanding one another, building a healthy partnership, and facing future challenges together.
FAQs
How much does a marriage course cost?
Price varies widely. Many online premarital courses range from about $40 up to $400 depending on length, depth, and whether you include personal coaching or therapist sessions. Shorter courses are usually less expensive; longer, more comprehensive programs cost more.
When should I take a pre-marriage course?
There’s no strict timeline, but the earlier you start the better. Beginning the course well before your wedding gives you time to absorb lessons, talk through difficult topics, and adjust expectations. Starting early helps you understand roles, responsibilities, and common post-marriage challenges, and gives you space to build solutions together.
Takeaway
A premarital course offers practical tools, honest conversations, and expert guidance to help you build a stronger, clearer, and more resilient relationship. If you’re preparing for marriage, a well-chosen online course can give you the confidence and skills to start your life together on the right foot.
