What does the research say about Pre-Marriage Education?
The research is clear on benefits of pre-marriage education.
Why Pre-Marriage Education is Worth It
If you’re planning to get married, you’ve probably heard about pre-marriage education or counselling. But is it really worth the time and effort? According to a recent study of the US program “Before You Tie the Knot,” the answer is yes. The study adds to a growing body of research that shows pre-marriage education can make a real difference in your relationship.
The study, which looked at 1,285 participants over five weeks, found that couples who participated noticed real changes in their relationships. They reported better communication, stronger bonds, increased happiness, more commitment, and fewer feelings of being "trapped."
How Pre-Marriage Education Helps
The idea behind pre-marriage education is simple: when couples learn early on what healthy communication and bonding look like, they’re better equipped to handle challenges as they come. Here’s what the study found:
Better Communication: Couples learned how to talk and listen to each other in ways that build connection, even when things get tough.
Stronger Bonds: Participants felt more emotionally connected to their partners, which helped them feel secure and supported.
Happier Relationships: With better communication and a stronger bond, couples were generally happier in their relationship.
More Commitment: Understanding what a healthy relationship looks like helped couples feel more committed to each other and their future together.
Less Stress: By addressing worries early on, couples felt less trapped and more in control of their relationship.
Pros and Cons to Consider
While the benefits of pre-marriage education are clear, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s right for you:
Pros:
Better Preparedness: Pre-marriage education helps couples anticipate and navigate common relationship challenges, making them feel more prepared for married life.
Strengthened Connection: By learning how to communicate effectively and build emotional bonds, couples can strengthen their connection early on.
Conflict Resolution Skills: Couples are equipped with tools to resolve conflicts in a healthier and more constructive way.
Cons:
Time Commitment: Pre-marriage education requires a commitment of time and effort, which can be difficult to fit into a busy schedule, especially during wedding planning.
Uncomfortable Topics: Addressing sensitive or challenging topics before marriage might feel uncomfortable, but these conversations are essential for a strong foundation.
Cost: Depending on the program or counselling service, pre-marriage education can involve costs that may add to your overall wedding expenses.
At Lighthouse Relationships, we understand these challenges and have designed our pre-marriage education to fit into your busy life. Our sessions are flexible, with options for in-person or online counselling, so you can choose what works best for you. We also create a comfortable, supportive environment to help you navigate those tough conversations with confidence. And while counselling is an investment, we believe the long-term benefits for your relationship far outweigh the costs, helping you build a stronger, more resilient partnership from the very start.
Why It’s Worth It
Pre-marriage education isn’t just about avoiding problems down the road—it’s about building a strong, happy relationship from the start. When you know what a positive, healthy relationship looks like, you’re more likely to notice when things start to drift and can address issues before they become bigger problems.
At Lighthouse Relationships, we offer pre-marriage education and counselling to help you start your marriage on the right foot. We’ll work with you to strengthen your bond, improve communication, and build a solid foundation for your future together.
Ready to Get Started?
Start your marriage journey with confidence. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our pre-marriage education programs and book your first session.
Reference
Harris, Victor W et al. “Before You Tie the Knot: Impacts, Outcomes, and Lessons Learned from a Federally-Funded Premarital Education Case Study.” Journal of couple & relationship therapy (2024): 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2024.2371362
