Marriage Conferences

There are many different types of marriage retreats out there, so if you're thinking of attending one, make sure you do your homework first so you know what to expect.

Most marriage conferences consist of spending a weekend away together, usually at a nice retreat center or hotel. You get a mixture of listening to speakers, quality time to spend together alone, and usually some pretty amazing meals!

One thing you should know is that these conferences are generally NOT group counseling sessions, nor are you asked to get into small groups for discussions. It's 100% between you and your partner.

Other conferences offer a do-it-from-home approach where you can sign up for an accountability program, online seminars, and home study courses.

I personally think that going away for the weekend is much more fun, romantic, exciting, and relaxing than trying to squeeze in a course after work and dinner, but hey, there's something out there for everyone!

Marriage Conference Organizations

• United Marriage Encounter (a Christian organization). Andrew and I went on one of these retreats a couple years ago, and it definitely had its pros and cons. You can read our review on United Marriage Encounter here.
  
  

• Family Life "Weekend to Remember" (also a Christian organization... a friend of mine just went on one of these and totally RAVED about it!)
  
  

• Worldwide Marriage Encounter. These conferences occur over weekends, and focus on making good marriages great. You are asked to make a donation to cover the cost of the weekend, but can still attend, even if you can't afford it.
  
  

• Rock Your Marriage, which is a secular (non-religious) couples retreat
  
  

• Cornerstone Marriage & Family Ministries "Marriage Renewal Weekend" (a Christian organization that specializes in working with distressed marriages)
  
  

• CREDO retreats (for military couples). CREDO stands for Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation, and the specific retreat is called the MER (Marriage Enrichment Retreat)
  
  

• Winshape Retreats offers several different marriage conferences. On their website they've got a quick survey you can fill out, and from there they'll recommend which conferences would be most suitable for you and your husband/wife. These are in the state of Georgia (USA).
  
  

• The Gottman Institute "The Art and Science of Love." This is a 2-day, secular workshop.
  
  

• The Couples Clinic four-week seminar. Just to clarify, you go once a week for four times (NOT locked into some retreat center for 28 days :). This is a secular program.
  
  

• Operation US "Couples that Rock." This is a one-day course, but unfortunately it's only offered in the state of Missouri, USA.
  
  

• Marriage Prep 101, which is a 2-day workshop in the San Francisco Bay Area (in California, USA). This course is mainly for those who are seriously dating, engaged, or newlyweds.
  
  

• Living in Love offers a variety of marriage retreats, depending on which stage of marriage you're at (engaged, newlyweds, married). This is a Catholic organization and the conferences are usually hosted at churches so you can sleep at home. However, they do serve you a romantic dinner on the Saturday night!
  
  

• Great Smokey Mountain Marriage Retreat, which is held each February in the state of Tennessee, USA.
  
  

Whatever type of marriage conference you decide to attend, don't be scared off by the price. While it can get a wee bit pricey, remember that this is a massive investment in your marriage which will pay off big-time!

Have you attended a marriage retreat
or conference?

If you have, what has been your best or worst experience? Please share!

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