You’re Planning a Wedding — But What About the Marriage?
So, you just got engaged, congratulations! This is such a joyful and exciting chapter. Your head might already be spinning with ideas: the venue, the flowers, the playlist, the dress (or the suit), and all the sweet little details of your wedding day. But amidst the celebration and Pinterest boards, I want to ask you something important:
What about the marriage?
It’s completely natural to get wrapped up in planning a beautiful wedding, it’s a milestone worth honoring! But it’s also the start of something even more sacred: a lifelong partnership. And preparing for that part? That’s just as worthy of your time and attention.
Why Premarital Counseling Matters (Even If Everything’s Great Right Now)
I hear it all the time:
“We don’t need counseling yet, we’re doing great!”
“We’ll start therapy later if anything big comes up.”
But here’s the thing: You don’t have to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy. In fact, it’s often most helpful before the storms roll in, when we can be proactive, curious, and connected.
Research backs this up.
Studies have found that couples who participate in premarital counseling are 31% less likely to divorce than those who don’t (Stanley et al., 2006). Considering the divorce rate in the U.S. still hovers around 40–50%, that’s a number worth paying attention to.
I’m not sharing this to scare you. I’m sharing this because I want your marriage to thrive and because relationships require intentional tending. Every one of us comes into a relationship carrying invisible suitcases: family dynamics, communication habits, past wounds, unspoken expectations, hopes, fears, and dreams. Maybe those aren’t causing tension right now. But they will show up and when they do, I want you to have the tools to handle them with care.
What We’ll Cover in Premarital Counseling
I am Level 2 Gottman Method–trained, which means our work together is grounded in decades of evidence-based research. The Gottman Method, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, focuses on building friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning all essential for long-term relational health.
Together, we’ll explore key pillars that often become stress points in marriage:
Communication styles
Conflict management
Finances and money beliefs
Intimacy and affection
Family dynamics
Parenting or future family plans
Faith, values, and life goals
Navigating in-laws and boundaries
We’ll also complete a comprehensive relationship assessment that highlights your strengths and your growth areas. This isn’t about finding flaws, it's about gaining clarity and learning how to support one another better.
Marriage Is a Lifelong Commitment, Let’s Prepare for More Than a Day
You’re investing in a beautiful celebration, invest in your relationship, too. Premarital counseling isn’t just preparation; it’s a gift to your future selves.
If you’re ready to start your marriage with clarity, connection, and confidence, I’d love to work with you. Let’s create something strong not just for the wedding day, but for all the days after.
To learn more about my work and approach, please send me an email to: ceci@alvaradotherapy.org.
Ready to see what’s possible?
It’s your time to heal in a transformative way.