Pre-marriage Retreats
Prevent relationship problems with a pre-marriage/ relationship preparation retreat
Pre-marriage Retreats are private*, romantic getaways to a beautiful guesthouse in a spectacular natural setting, while building your relationship skills and knowledge. Your retreat is individually tailored to your needs as a couple and guided by a highly-skilled couples therapist / relationship coach.
Our Pre-marriage Retreats are highly recommended for couples who are planning marriage or other long-term committments (e.g. de facto relationships).
Unfortunately, many relationships suffer from the myth that people naturally know how to ‘do relationships’, or that ‘love is enough’. No wonder so many marriages end in divorce! The reality is that a happy, lasting relationship requires knowledge, skills and (at times) work. Much better to invest in your relationship now with premarital counselling and education, rather than run into major problems further down the track. An investment in your relationship in the early stages will pay lifelong dividends!
* Please note: Each retreat is provided exclusively for one couple (it is not a group activity).
Our Pre-marriage Retreats provide a uniquely comprehensive relationship preparation program AND a romantic couple’s getaway, by combining:
- the world’s leading marriage and relationship preparation program, Prepare/Enrich®
- valuable additional work on emotional awareness and communication, drawing from the highly acclaimed Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy
- expert relationship coaching by Dr Karen Higginbottom, a caring and Internationally Certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist
- opportunity to focus intensively on your relationship away from everyday stresses and distractions, which enhances the learning
- an enjoyable, romantic and relaxing experience in a beautiful natural setting, with optional outdoor activities
Frequently asked Questions
♥ Administration and analysis of detailed online Prepare/Enrich assessment questionnaire
♥ 10 hrs of relationship coaching, spread (typically) over 7 sessions (with flexible timetable)
♥ Your choice of 2, 3 or 4 nights accommodation
More information about your accommodation
Other inclusions:
♥ A summary couple’s report, containing key results of Prepare/Enrich assessment questionnaire
♥ Couple’s workbooks, containing useful information and exercises
♥ Brief ‘homework’ between sessions (couple discussions, brief written exercises, watching videos)
♥ Reminder notes emailed after retreat (individually tailored to you as a couple)
♥ Use of outdoor facilities throughout your stay (e.g. pool, rainforest walks)
The Prepare/Enrich* assessment and educational program has been proven by comprehensive research to reduce married couples’ risk of divorce by 30% and enhance long-term relationship satisfaction. It has been used by millions of couples around the world.
The first step is for each partner to complete the detailed online Prepare/Enrich assessment questionnaire. This helps identify your strengths as a couple and areas of growth where further knowledge or skills are likely to be needed.
Your Prepare/Enrich facilitator (also known as ‘relationship coach’) then uses the questionnaire results as a starting point to guide you through a scientifically-developed program of discussion, education and skills-building. Your coach adapts this program according to your needs as a couple.
*Prepare/Enrich® is a registered trademark and used with permission
Prior to your retreat, you each fill out the Prepare/Enrich questionnaire, and results are sent to Karen, your relationship coach, so she can prepare your tailored program.
After settling into your accomodation, you have a short joint welcome/introductory session with Karen, followed by an individual session each to help her understand your individual needs, histories and any concerns. This allows her to further tailor the program to your needs. The remaining coaching sessions (about 1.5 hrs long) are with you as a couple, with a flexible timetable according to your preferences.
Between sessions, you undertake some short ‘homework’ exercises, mostly involving couple discussions. The rest of the time is for you to relax, spend time together, and enjoy the outdoor facilities (swimming pool, walks etc) if you wish. If you have selected the 3 night or 4 night option, there is enough time for you to enjoy some local attractions or activities in this amazing tourism region.
In your last coaching session, you jointly review your learnings and achievements from the retreat to take forward into your relationship.
Pre-marriage Retreats start on selected Fridays and Sundays at 2pm
(finishing day and time depends on the retreat option you select).
If the dates showing on our booking calendar do not work for you, please enquire about the possibility of other options.
All fees are inclusive of accommodation, online assessment, review of results, workbooks, relationship coaching and use of outdoor facilities.
• Total fee $ 2,320 (2 nights) to $ 2,600* (4 nights)
• Balance payable by 2 weeks before retreat
* Note: Accommodation for 3rd and 4th nights is provided at heavily discounted rates to encourage longer stays, which typically maximise your learning experience and sense of a ‘romantic getaway’.
Pre-marriage Retreats are NOT suitable for couples experiencing significant conflict or relationship distress. If this is the case, our Full Couple Therapy Retreats are designed to help you.
Please review other circumstances when a retreat is not suitable and if unsure, contact us before booking.
Pre-marriage Retreat options of different durations to suit your needs
Pre-marriage Retreat 4 nights
Our premium option.
Maximises the time to practise the skills and relax outside of sessions.
Especially recommended for couples travelling from outside the local area.
- 4 night’s accommodation
- Check-in 2pm, check-out 10am
- Total package fee: $ 2,600
Pre-marriage Retreat 3 nights
Provides ample time to practise the skills and relax outside of sessions, and slightly reduces time away from home or work (as compared with the 4 night option).
- 3 night’s accommodation
- Check-in 2pm, check-out 5pm
- Total package fee: $2,480
Pre-marriage Retreat 2 nights
Recommended if you wish to minimise cost or time away.
- 2 night’s accommodation
- Check-in 2pm, check-out 5pm
- Total package fee: $ 2,320
Want to know more about our retreat experience?
We invite you to contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs.
