Premarital counseling for engaged couples is available to members, regular attenders, and those pursuing membership at College Park Church. However, at least one person needs to be a current member of College Park to participate. We will do our best to serve regular attenders but, at times, must prioritize members due to limited resources.
If you are attending another church, we encourage you to reach out to your church home and ask what premarital counseling options they have available.
Premarital counseling must be requested a minimum of three months prior to the wedding date. This is to give adequate time before the wedding for counseling to be completed. Requests received less than three months in advance of the wedding date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Premarital counseling components and cost:
- Minimum of four sessions with a College Park pastor or pastoral resident or Marriage Mentor
- $150 – check made out directly to the pastor or pastoral resident
-
SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) assessment
- $35 per person – payable online
- The pastor or pastoral resident doing your counseling may officiate your wedding based on availability.
- $200 – check made out directly to the pastor or pastoral resident
- In cases where there is already an officiant in place, we will assign you to a Marriage Mentor for premarital counseling.
- OPTIONAL: Discipleship with a marriage mentor couple for one year (after wedding)
- No cost except for book purchase. See the FAQ below.
To apply for premarital counseling:
- Go to the Soul Care Biblicare portal.
- Create an account.
- Select the Premarital Counseling Application.
- Complete the form once per person.
A member of the Soul Care Team will contact you after your application is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want a pastor from another church to officiate?
If you are getting married at College Park and your officiant is not a College Park pastor, the Assistant Pastor of Soul Care must approve the guest officiant.
If you are not getting married at College Park and the pastor marrying you is not a College Park pastor, you do not need to submit a guest pastor request.
Is premarital counseling required to get married at College Park Church?
Yes, completing the College Park premarital counseling program is required in order to be married onsite at College Park.
How do I reserve College Park for my wedding?
Read through our Wedding Guide to ensure we can meet the needs of your ceremony, and then email Amy Spencer to check on availability and dates.
What is a marriage mentor?
Marriage mentors are couples who are members of College Park Church, have been married for a minimum of ten years, and have displayed a godly marriage through adversity and remained faithful to the covenant of marriage. They have completed training led by lay biblical counselors and are SYMBIS certified.
What is the expectation of a marriage mentor?
Upon completing premarital counseling, you have the option to be assigned a marriage mentor couple for support in your first year of marriage. You and your mentor couple will meet at least once a month for ongoing discipleship and will walk through a marriage book together. The goal of marriage mentors is to support you in your first year of marriage and to serve as a resource for you when challenges arise. We also encourage couples to continue the mentor relationship after the first year.
Book options: (The couple is required to purchase their own book.)
- Tying the Knot by Rob Green
- Marriage by Paul David Tripp
- The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller
- Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
- This Momentary Marriage by John Piper
- The Grace Marriage by Brad and Marilyn Rhoads