Strong marriages strengthen the whole church. Whether you plan a full weekend away or a single evening, a marriage event gives couples time to reconnect and invest in each other with God at the center.
Choose a format
- Weekend getaway: two nights at a retreat center or hotel, with sessions, time alone for couples and a special dinner.
- One-day seminar: a Saturday at church with teaching, discussion and lunch — easier for families with young children.
- Date-night series: four to six evenings with a short talk, a guided conversation and dessert.
- Send couples to a larger conference: many national marriage ministries host getaways in cities across the country.
Topics couples appreciate
- Communication and resolving conflict well
- Praying together and growing spiritually as a couple
- Finances and making decisions together
- Intimacy, friendship and fun
- Parenting as a team, and marriage after the kids leave home
Make it easy to say yes
Childcare is often the deciding factor — offer it on site or arrange trusted sitters. Keep costs low with scholarships, and schedule around school calendars. Invite couples at every stage, from engaged to married fifty years; they learn from each other.
Handle hard stories with care
Some couples arrive carrying real pain. Have the names of licensed Christian counselors ready for private referrals, and remind leaders that a seminar isn't a substitute for counseling.
Follow up
Invite couples into an ongoing small group or mentoring relationship with an older couple, so the weekend's growth continues.
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12
Find marriage retreats and seminars, venues and caterers in the directory, or use the Event Planner for a marriage-seminar checklist.