Have you thought about having premarital counselling before you get married? To help you make a decision, we're taking time to discuss if it necessary, what the pros and cons are and where you can obtain it from.

What is Premarital Counselling For?

  • If you want to improve your communication and conflict resolution, so that little issues don’t lead to big fights
  • If you need to see the other persons point of view
  • If you want to know what each other value in the relationship
  • To be able to work together to solve problems act as a team

Pros of Premarital Counselling

  • More likely to stay married when you have the skills to resolve any future issues
  • Can find out what your partner really wants such as having children
  • Make you feel more secure, that you both have what it takes to make this marriage last
  • Can avoid same issues if your parents were divorced, or if you were divorced before
  • It can strengthen the bond between the two of you
  • Get an expert’s professional opinion and guidance to help you
  • Can help you be more aware of the differences the two of you have
  • See things from your fiancés point of view
  • You can talk about problems now before they become an issue that effects your marriage

Cons of Premarital Counselling

  • There is a cost to counselling sessions as it costs money for professional guidance
  • There is a time consideration, arranging times that suit both people due to work or other commitments such as wedding preparation
  • May end up not getting married, as you realise, you’re not right for each other (which would be a good thing that you learnt this now)

Where to go for Premarital Counselling

  • See the priest or other religious leader at your local church or religious institution
  • Professional marriage counselling service
  • Online through a premarital course
  • Compatibility tests or questionnaires
  • One on one professional counselling in person at counselling office or via video link so people feel more relaxed in their own environment
  • Group courses and discussion

It’s just as important to get help before you get married, as it is when you are married. Premarital counselling can help you and your fiancée set up a strong foundation for your marriage, but not everyone likes the idea of it, or even thinks it is necessary. However, it is a decision that should be made together, so take some time to talk it over in the lead-up to your wedding day.