Our Services
Deciding to get married is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Let's make sure you have everything you need for a marriage that lasts — and thrives. Serving couples in St. Cloud, Central Minnesota, and virtually nationwide.
Premarital counseling isn't about finding problems — it's about building strengths. Together, we'll explore the areas that matter most for a healthy, lasting marriage and equip you with tools to navigate them confidently.
With over 32 years of experience as a licensed premarital counselor, I've helped hundreds of couples prepare for married life. Every couple is unique, and so is every counseling journey. Sessions are tailored to your specific needs, concerns, and goals.
Our office is in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and we serve engaged couples throughout Stearns County, Benton County, and Wright County — including Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, Monticello, and Elk River. If you're planning a wedding anywhere in Central Minnesota, premarital counseling sessions can be scheduled in person. For couples outside the area or those who prefer the convenience of meeting from home, virtual sessions via Google Meet are equally effective.
Our program uses Prepare/Enrich, one of the most widely researched relationship assessment tools available. It covers 12 distinct categories — including commitment, communication, family systems, relationship dynamics, personality traits, leisure activities, and spiritual beliefs — giving us deep insight into your strengths and growth areas. Research shows couples who complete Prepare/Enrich-based counseling lower their divorce risk by 31%.
Your premarital counseling program includes a customized Prepare/Enrich relationship assessment, 5–6 personalized counseling sessions with flexible scheduling, communication and conflict resolution tools, take-home resources, one free follow-up session within a year of your wedding, and eligibility for Minnesota's discounted marriage license fee.
Premarital counseling is for any engaged couple who wants to start their marriage with confidence and clarity. You don't need to be in crisis or have concerns about your relationship — most couples who come to us are excited and simply want to invest in their future together.
You'll especially benefit from premarital counseling if:
Whether you've been together six months or six years, premarital counseling gives you a shared language and toolkit for the challenges every marriage faces.
$600
Counseling only
$400
When Matt officiates
$35
Prepare/Enrich (one-time)
5–6 sessions · 1.5–2 hours each · In-person or virtual via Google Meet
Each session is personalized, but here are some of the key areas we'll cover.
Learn to express your needs clearly and listen deeply — the foundation of every healthy relationship. We'll practice active listening techniques, explore your communication styles using your Prepare/Enrich results, and build habits that prevent misunderstandings.
Develop strategies to navigate disagreements constructively, without letting them erode your connection. Every couple disagrees — what matters is how you handle it. We'll identify your conflict patterns and replace destructive habits with healthy ones.
Align on money values, budgeting approaches, and financial goals before they become a source of tension. Finances are one of the top causes of marital stress. We'll discuss debt, spending habits, saving strategies, and how to make financial decisions as a team.
Understand how your family backgrounds shape your expectations and learn to build your own family culture. We'll explore your families of origin, discuss boundaries with in-laws, and talk about how upbringing influences everything from parenting to holiday traditions.
Build a foundation of emotional and physical intimacy that deepens over time rather than fading. We'll discuss expectations, love languages, and how to keep your connection strong through the busy seasons of life.
Clarify your shared goals, spiritual life, and the vision you have for your life together. From career ambitions to where you want to live, from faith practices to whether and when to have children — we'll make sure you're on the same page.
A clear, step-by-step look at how premarital counseling works — from first call to wedding day.
It starts with a free 30-minute phone or video call. We'll get to know each other, talk about your relationship, and make sure we're a good fit. No pressure, no obligation — just a conversation.
Once you decide to move forward, you'll each complete the Prepare/Enrich online assessment ($35 one-time fee). This takes about 30–45 minutes per person and gives us a detailed map of your relationship's strengths and growth areas across 12 categories.
Over 5–6 sessions (each 1.5–2 hours), we'll work through your assessment results together. Sessions are tailored to your specific needs — no cookie-cutter curriculum. We'll go deeper on the areas that matter most to you as a couple, whether that's communication, finances, family dynamics, intimacy, or all of the above.
You'll leave each session with practical tools and take-home resources you can use immediately and throughout your marriage. These aren't just abstract concepts — they're concrete strategies for the real challenges couples face.
Your program includes one free follow-up session within a year of your wedding. The first year of marriage brings its own surprises, and this session gives you a chance to check in, celebrate your progress, and address anything new that's come up.
“Matt was personable. He took time to know us and gave us skills to flourish in a God-centered relationship.”
“He helped my wife and I foster meaningful and Christ-centered conversations that will guide us through marriage.”
“He led us in valuable conversations. We have a stronger foundation starting our marriage because of him.”
Common questions about premarital counseling with The Stronger Life.
Our premarital counseling program typically consists of 5–6 sessions, each lasting 1.5–2 hours. The exact number depends on your unique needs and goals as a couple. Sessions can be scheduled weekly, biweekly, or monthly to fit your calendar.
Prepare/Enrich is one of the most widely researched and validated relationship assessment tools available. It evaluates 12 key areas of your relationship — including communication, conflict resolution, financial management, and family dynamics — giving us deep insight into your strengths and growth areas. Research shows couples who complete Prepare/Enrich-based counseling lower their divorce risk by 31%.
Yes! Virtual premarital counseling sessions are available via Google Meet for couples anywhere in the country. All you need is a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone. Virtual sessions are just as effective as in-person meetings.
Premarital counseling is $600 for the full program (5–6 sessions). If Matt also officiates your wedding, counseling is discounted to $400. There is also a one-time $35 fee for the Prepare/Enrich relationship assessment. Your first consultation is always free.
Yes! Minnesota law provides a discount on the marriage license fee for couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital counseling. Our program meets and exceeds this requirement, making you eligible for the reduced fee.
We recommend starting premarital counseling 4–8 months before your wedding date. This gives you enough time to complete all 5–6 sessions at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed. That said, it's never too early — some couples start a year or more before their wedding, and we've also worked with couples on shorter timelines. The most important thing is that you start.
Premarital counseling is not legally required to get married in Minnesota. However, Minnesota Statute 517.08 offers a reduced marriage license fee for couples who complete at least 12 hours of premarital education with a qualified provider. Our Prepare/Enrich-based program exceeds this 12-hour requirement, so you'll qualify for the discount. Many churches and religious organizations also require or strongly recommend premarital counseling before performing a wedding ceremony.
Premarital counseling focuses on building skills, deepening understanding, and preparing you for marriage proactively. It's educational and forward-looking. Premarital therapy, on the other hand, typically addresses specific mental health concerns or unresolved relationship issues and is conducted by a licensed therapist. Our premarital counseling is designed for healthy couples who want to invest in their relationship — not just couples who are struggling. If deeper therapeutic work is needed, we can provide referrals to licensed therapists in the St. Cloud area.
Yes, both partners attend every session together. Premarital counseling is most effective when both people are present and engaged. The Prepare/Enrich assessment is also completed individually by each partner, which gives us insight into how your perspectives align and where you may see things differently. That said, if scheduling is a challenge, we offer flexible options including evening and weekend appointments.
Absolutely. While Matt's foundation is rooted in the Christian faith, he warmly serves couples from all backgrounds — including non-religious, interfaith, and spiritually diverse couples. Every session is tailored to your values, beliefs, and goals. The Prepare/Enrich assessment covers spiritual beliefs as one of its 12 categories, and we approach that conversation with respect and openness regardless of where you are in your faith journey.
Many couples bundle premarital counseling with officiant services and save $200. Let Matt craft a ceremony as unique as your love story.
Already married? Ongoing coaching helps you strengthen communication, navigate challenges, and grow together at every stage.
Start with a free 30-minute consultation. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a conversation to see if we're a great fit.
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