The Premarital Course Center

 

The Premarital Course Center is a non-profit organization that focuses its resources on providing education, enrichment, and counseling solutions to families and couples.  Our organization's credentials humbly allow us to service all county residents throughout the states of Florida, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Louisiana.
 

Statewide Premarital Preparation Course Requirements

 

After the wedding is over, the marriage begins, and keeping it going can be hard work. Our nation recognizes the challenges that married couples face and want to support the success of these relationships. For this reason, the Premarital Preparation Course was created and couples who complete this special course not only have a better foundation for their marriage but also receive a reduction in the marriage fee by 30-60%.

You must take a course with your state's minimum requirement (4-12 hours) of instruction to qualify for the benefits under your state statute. Course requirements may vary from state to state.

 

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Course Topics

 

• Conflict management.

• Communication skills.

• Financial responsibilities.

• Children and parenting responsibilities.

• Intimacy & Sex

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Course Options

Recognizing that adults have demanding schedules and so there are many options available to take and complete this course. These options include:

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• Direct personal instruction by virtual means;

• Videotape instruction;

• Instruction via other electronic media; or

• A combination of these methods.

 

Couples can also choose to take these courses together or individually, as best meets their needs. Each person must complete the course and receive a certificate of completion from the instructor before going to the County Clerk for their marriage license.

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Instructor Options

There are several qualified instructors who can provide this course, but they must be registered with a judicial circuit (county courthouse) for their program to qualify under this statute. Instructors can include:

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• A mental health counselor licensed under chapter 491

• A psychologist licensed under chapter 490

• A clinical social worker licensed under chapter 491

• A marriage and family therapist licensed under chapter 491

• A representative of a religious institution recognized under s. 496.404(19), if the representative has relevant training

Finding an Instructor

Every judicial circuit maintains a roster of qualified instructors. This information includes:

 

• Type of course, such as video, in person, etc.

• Cost of the course.

Course Completion

When a couple has completed the course, each one will receive a certificate of completion that states:

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• Their Name

• Date of Completion

• Course Structure, i.e. video, electronic, in person, or combination.

 

When both parties have completed the course, they qualify for the 30-60% reduction in the state marriage license fee and a waiver for the 3 day waiting period.