After diving into the world of online premarital counseling courses, I have compiled a list of the top five options. Whether you’re after expert advice, practical tools, or a quick way to strengthen your bond, these standout picks have everything you need to prepare for the journey ahead.
Our Favorite Courses
- Best Overall - The Art & Science of Love Online | Read review
- Best Free Option - Prologue: Start Marriage Here | Read review
- Best At Your Own Pace - Happily Ever After | Read review
- Best Courses With Live Counseling - Growing Self | Read review
- Best Quick Option - Marriage.com | Read review
Best Courses at a Glance
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Grounded in the Gottman Method -
Includes engaging videos & worksheets -
Flexible, self-paced format
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Lacks live coaching options -
Does not offer live therapy sessions -
Insurance is not accepted
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Completely free to use -
Built around the Five Love Languages -
Concise five-session format
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Does not provide live coaching -
Lacks live therapy sessions -
Video lessons are only 5 minutes
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One-time payment -
Addresses fundamental relationship challenges -
Offers a completion certificate
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No live coaching -
No live therapy options -
Insurance is not accepted
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Offers three distinct course options -
Flexible, self-paced format available -
Includes live counseling sessions
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Counseling not available in all states -
Insurance is not accepted -
No subscription plans
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Brief course duration, ideal for busy schedules -
Offers two pricing plan options -
Includes supplementary learning materials
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Does not provide live coaching -
Lacks live therapy sessions -
Course length may feel too brief
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Data Points AnalyzedChoosing Therapy’s reviews are fair, honest, thorough and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Detailed Course Reviews
Explore these top premarital counseling courses to find the perfect fit for building a strong foundation in your marriage.
- Price: $199
- Video Lessons? Yes
- Worksheet Lessons? Yes
The Art & Science of Love is a comprehensive online workshop for couples, featuring ten modules packed with videos and interactive exercises designed to be completed together. This self-paced program allows couples to work through the material on their own schedule, making it flexible and accessible. I selected it as the Best Overall Premarital Course for its rich content, practical approach, and excellent value.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Offers online couples courses based on the Gottman Method
- Includes interactive videos and worksheets designed for partners to complete together
- Provides a self-paced structure, allowing flexibility for busy schedules
Cons - Does not include live coaching
- Does not include live therapy sessions
- Courses are not eligible for insurance coverage
Cost
The Art & Science of Love Online is priced at a one-time fee of $199, with the option to enhance your experience by purchasing a companion boxed set for an additional $79.
Overview
The Art & Science of Love, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is rooted in over 40 years of research and insights from thousands of couples. Originally offered as a live weekend workshop, this renowned program is now accessible online, allowing couples to engage with the material from the comfort of their own home.
The workshop consists of 10 comprehensive learning modules, each featuring videos and interactive exercises intended for couples to work through collaboratively. As a self-paced program, it provides the flexibility to work through the material on your schedule. Once purchased, you’ll have unlimited access to over 20 videos, 12+ exercises, and a variety of practical handouts available immediately. Our team found that its combination of evidence-based strategies and user-friendly design makes it an exceptional resource for couples starting their journey together.
- Price: Free
- Video Lessons? Yes
- Worksheet Lessons? Yes
Start Marriage Here is a fully free premarital counseling course, making it an excellent choice for couples on a tight budget. Its accessibility and value make it a standout option for those seeking quality resources without financial strain.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Entirely free to access and complete
- Built around the principles of the Five Love Languages
- Features a concise format with just five learning sessions
Cons - Religious focus may not appeal to those seeking a secular approach
- Video lessons are brief, lasting only five minutes each
- Does not offer live coaching or counseling options
Cost
Prologue: Start Marriage Here is completely free.
Overview
Prologue: Start Marriage Here offers a free, flexible premarital counseling course with five self-paced sessions covering topics like Family, Love, Values, Relationships, and Communication. Each session includes an introductory article, a questionnaire to explore similarities and differences, and discussion prompts to deepen your connection. Short videos from Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, add valuable insights.
Our team appreciated how Prologue allows couples to work from anywhere with internet access, even tracking each other’s progress for accountability. With additional resources available online, it’s an excellent option for budget-conscious couples preparing for marriage.
- Price: $97
- Video Lessons? Yes
- Worksheet Lessons? Yes
Happily Ever After is an online premarital course designed to help couples explore six key areas of their relationship, including communication, money, conflict resolution, sex and intimacy, family dynamics, and self-discovery. For a one-time fee, users gain lifetime access, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a self-paced program.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Lifetime access with a one-time payment
- Covers six core relationship areas
- Includes video lessons, worksheets, and a completion certificate
Cons - No live coaching available
- No live therapy sessions available
- Does not accept insurance
Cost
Happily Ever After costs a one-time fee of $97, providing lifetime access to the course.
Overview
Developed by Casey and Meygan Caston, a married couple who have personally navigated the ups and downs of marriage, Happily Ever After begins with a relationship assessment to identify strengths and differences. Couples then engage in 20-30 minute video lessons that introduce tools for a healthy relationship, followed by guided worksheets to create actionable plans.
Bonus materials add extra value, with topics like honeymoon tips, managing anxiety, family planning, and money management. With its lifetime access, Happily Ever After offers couples the flexibility to work through the content on their own schedule, fostering deeper understanding and connection at their own pace.
- Price: $75 – $295 per plan
- Video Lessons? Yes
- Worksheet Lessons? Yes
Growing Self offers a unique blend of premarital counseling options, including live sessions with experienced couples counselors—an uncommon feature among premarital programs. This flexibility and personalization earned it my recognition as the best platform for courses with live counseling.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Three different premarital counseling options to suit various needs and budgets
- Fully self-paced course available for added flexibility
- Offers live counseling sessions with professional couples counselors
Cons - Counseling services may not be available in all states
- Does not accept insurance
Cost
The cost ranges from $105 to $295, depending on the plan.
Available plans include:
- Lifetime of Love Premarital Education Course ($295): A six-hour program teaching relationship skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and keeping romance alive.
- I Do! Premarital Counseling Program ($105–$125 per session): Includes an in-depth relationship assessment and 3–5 private sessions with a counselor. Sliding scale fees are available based on income.
- Private Premarital Counseling ($105–$125 per session): Provides open-ended, flexible sessions designed to address specific concerns or goals.
Overview
Growing Self offers three distinct premarital counseling paths designed to meet various goals and financial situations. Couples can choose from the structured Lifetime of Love course, the guided I Do! program with private counseling sessions, or the customizable Private Premarital Counseling option.
The Lifetime of Love course covers essential topics, including communication, conflict management, romance, and navigating key areas like finances, religion, and family planning. The I Do! program builds on these skills with a strengths and vulnerabilities assessment, followed by targeted sessions focusing on teamwork, lifestyle, and long-term goals. For couples seeking a less structured experience, private counseling offers the freedom to address specific relationship challenges.
With its range of customizable options and the inclusion of live counseling sessions, Growing Self equips couples with the tools and skills to build a strong, enduring relationship. Whether you’re looking for structured learning or personalized support, this platform provides exceptional resources to prepare for marriage.
- Price: $49 – $199 per plan
- Video Lessons? Yes
- Worksheet Lessons? Yes
Marriage.com offers a concise pre-marriage course designed for couples seeking an expedited yet meaningful way to prepare for marriage. With an average completion time of just 2–3 hours, it’s perfect for busy couples who want practical tools without committing to a lengthy program. I recognized it as the best option for couples looking for a streamlined approach to premarital counseling.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Quick to complete, averaging 2–3 hours
- Offers three pricing plans to suit different needs
- Includes supplementary learning materials
Cons - Does not include live counseling or therapy
- Shorter format may not address all topics couples want to explore
Cost
Marriage.com costs range from $49 to $199, depending on the plan.
Available plans include:
- Silver Plan ($49): A two-hour course available for three months, focusing on conflict resolution, communication, teamwork, and building traditions.
- Gold Plan ($99): Includes everything in the Silver Plan, plus a mini-course, eBook, worksheet, and motivational videos, available for six months.
- Platinum Plan ($199): Offers all Gold Plan content plus additional courses on saving and strengthening your marriage, extending the total instruction time to five hours, available for a year.
Overview
Marriage.com’s pre-marriage course is tailored for engaged couples but can also benefit individuals if their partner is unable or unwilling to participate. The course consists of five core chapters covering essential topics like managing expectations, setting shared goals, improving communication, and transitioning from “me” to “we.” It’s accessible immediately after registration, allowing couples to complete it at their own pace.
For couples who want actionable insights and practical skills without the time commitment of traditional courses, Marriage.com’s program provides a balance of efficiency and depth, helping couples lay the foundation for a strong, healthy marriage.
Comparing the Best Online Premarital Counseling Courses
| Costs | $199 | Free | $97 | $105 - $295 per plan | $49 - $99 per plan |
| Video Lessons |  |  |  |  |  |
| Worksheet Lessons |  |  |  |  |  |
| Live Coaching |  |  |  |  |  |
| Certificate of Completion |  |  |  |  |  |
| Bonus Materials |  |  |  |  |  |
| Religious Based |  |  |  |  |  |
| Costs | ||||
| $199 | Free | $97 | $105 - $295 per plan | $49 - $99 per plan |
| Video Lessons | ||||
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| Worksheet Lessons | ||||
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| Live Coaching | ||||
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| Certificate of Completion | ||||
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| Bonus Materials | ||||
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| Religious Based | ||||
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Final Verdict
“Choosing the right premarital counseling course can set the foundation for a successful marriage. For most couples, The Art & Science of Love Online stands out as a top choice with its research-based, comprehensive program designed to deepen your connection. For those on a budget, Prologue: Start Marriage Here is a valuable free option, offering accessible guidance without compromising quality.
If you’re looking for something more specific, other platforms cater to unique needs. Options like self-paced courses, live counseling sessions, or quick, efficient tools are available to help you and your partner prepare for a strong and lasting marriage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Do Premarital Counseling Online?
Yes, there are several premarital counseling courses available online. The top options include The Art & Science of Love Online, Prologue: Start Marriage Here, Happily Ever After, Growing Self, and Marriage.com
Are There Any Free Premarital Counseling Courses?
Yes, Prologue: Start Marriage Here offers premarital counseling courses all for free.
How Do I Start Premarital Counseling?
To start premarital counseling, the first step is identifying the right program or course that fits your needs as a couple. Our article on the best online premarital counseling courses highlights a variety of options tailored to different preferences.
For an in-depth and research-based program, consider The Art & Science of Love Online. If you’re on a budget, Prologue: Start Marriage Here offers excellent resources at no cost. Couples seeking flexibility can explore self-paced options like Happily Ever After, while those wanting a mix of courses and live support might prefer Growing Self. If you’re short on time, Marriage.com provides quick, effective guidance.
Reviewing these top-rated programs is a great way to find a course that aligns with your goals, schedules, and budget, making it easier to begin your journey toward a strong and successful marriage.
What Is The Average Cost Of Premarital Counseling?
The cost of premarital counseling can vary widely depending on the program and level of support offered. On average, traditional premarital counseling ranges from $50 to $300 per session. However, online options highlighted in our article on the best online premarital counseling courses often provide more affordable and flexible pricing. For example, Prologue: Start Marriage Here is a completely free option, while programs like The Art & Science of Love Online offer comprehensive courses for a one-time fee of $199.
If you prefer a self-paced option, Happily Ever After is budget-friendly, while Growing Self combines online courses with live counseling sessions priced at $105–$125 per session. These options showcase how online premarital counseling can accommodate a range of budgets, making it easier for couples to find a program that fits their needs.
Can You Get Married Without Premarital Counseling?
Yes, you can get married without premarital counseling, as it’s not a legal requirement in most places. However, many couples find that counseling helps strengthen their relationship by addressing key topics like communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning before marriage.
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Melissa Boudin, Psy. D. (New author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, M.D. (New medical reviewer)
Primary Changes: Complete rewrite of article. Fact-checked all information and reconsidered/made changes to the recommendations list based on research and product testing. Updated where necessary to improve factual accuracy and readability. Companies removed from list: Let’s Hack the Love Code Together
Author: Kimberly Panganiban, MA, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP (No change)
Primary Changes: Fact-checked and edited for improved readability and clarity. Updated pricing information for several companies (Growing Self changed from $105 – $265 to $75 – $295; Growing Self changed – from $265 to $295 for their A Lifetime of Love Premarital Education Course; Marriage.com changed from $49 – $99 to $49 – $199)
Author: Kimberly Panganiban, MA, LMFT (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP (No change)
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Author: Kimberly Panganiban, MA, LMFT
Medical Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP
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