Premarital Retreat: Marriage Prep

Retreat Description

With both the excitement and stress of considering engagement or planning a wedding, it’s easy for you and your significant other to overlook all that is needed to lay the foundation for a healthy marriage. Whether you’re considering engagement or currently engaged, Marriage Prep is a great weekend for you to learn essential skills beyond the wedding—how to navigate marriage expectations, communication, conflict management, and more.

Key Takeaways

A weekend away to focus on your relationship and reflect on what marriage preparation is all about
The chance to connect with other couples in a similar season of life
Clarity around the next steps in your relationship
Strategies for communicating effectively, managing conflict well, and creating healthy boundaries
Tips to having productive discussions regarding finances, family members, and intimacy in your relationship

Retreat Cost

$750 per couple
Includes all meals, lodging, and programming. Taxes not included.

Note: Couples that are not married will receive two separate lodging rooms.

About the Speakers: Dr. David Banks & Gena Ellis

Dr. David Banks is a marriage coach, author, and leadership trainer with a Ph.D. in Psychology. He’s passionate about helping couples grow in communication, purpose, and unity. Dr. Banks and his wife, Sylvia, have been married for 35 years and live in Texas. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Gena Ellis is a counselor, speaker, and relationship coach passionate about helping couples grow stronger together. With over 30 years of marriage and a background in education and counseling, she brings wisdom and authenticity to every session. Gena lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Rev. Edward Ellis III, and their three sons.

How It Works

Choose a Marriage Retreat

We offer a wide variety of Marriage Retreats for couples in any stage of their journey. Browse our retreats and choose the best fit for you and your spouse.

Register Online

Once you've chosen your experience, complete the online registration form to secure your spot.

Strengthen Your Marriage

Attend your three-day weekend getaway at WinShape Retreat, where you’ll remove distractions and draw closer to your spouse and the Lord.

Your Registration Includes:

A private room with a king-size bed and private bathroom
Fresh meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus coffee, desserts, and plenty of Icedream®—all crafted by our world-class dining team
Full access to Berry College’s breathtaking 27,000-acre campus, covered with peaceful pastures and tree-lined trails
Christ-centered, research-backed content designed to help you grow closer and stronger as a couple
Space to slow down and truly connect—relax in a hammock, cozy up by the fire, ride bikes, play pickleball, or just be still together

FAQs

What is a premarital retreat?

A premarital retreat is an intentional getaway designed for dating and engaged couples to hear from marriage experts and learn important tools to help build a strong foundation for a future marriage.

Who should attend a premarital retreat?

Our premarital retreats are designed for couples who are seriously dating, considering engagement, engaged, or recently married within the last six months. Couples married longer than six months are encouraged to attend Newlywed Weekend.

What topics are covered during a premarital retreat?

Our premarital retreats cover a wide range of topics, designed to equip couples to step into marriage well. Throughout the weekend, we’ll cover topics like finances, faith, family dynamics, intimacy, communication, and conflict management.

What are accommodations like for premarital retreats?

Our accommodations are similar to that of a hotel. Each guest will stay in their own, separate room with a king-sized bed and a private bathroom with a shower and dual sink vanity. Towels and linens are provided.

Will couples that aren't married be given separate lodging?

Yes, unmarried couples will have separate lodging. Each guest will have their own room with a king-sized bed and a private bathroom with a shower and dual sink vanity.

What happens during a premarital retreat?

During our premarital retreats, couples will enjoy a combination of practical teaching led by marriage experts and engaging activities designed to help them build a strong foundation for a future marriage.

Where are you located?

WinShape Retreat is located on the campus of Berry College in Rome, GA, approximately 1.5 hours northwest of Atlanta, GA.

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Google Maps Directions

What is the schedule during the retreat?

Check-in is from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, and programming ends around noon on Sunday.

You’ll receive a detailed schedule of the weekend upon arrival, but you can expect breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as sessions in an auditorium type setting and free time.

What is your Marriage Retreat cancellation policy?

As there are often waiting lists for our experiences, please notify us at wsm@winshape.org as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend.

There is a $75 non-refundable administrative fee for every registration.

Up to 14 Days Before

Guests may cancel and receive a full refund, minus the $75 non-refundable fee. You may request a refund here.

Within 14 Days

Rescheduling is not permitted. Guests may transfer their reservation to another couple, but if this is not possible, all payments will be forfeited.

Looking to transfer to a different retreat date? Complete our Transfer Request form.

View More FAQs

Ready to Register?

Retreats fill quickly! Click the button below to complete your registration and secure your spot. If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, our team is here to help. You can reach us at 866-976-2774 or by email at wsm@winshape.org.

Premarital Retreat: Marriage Prep

Retreat Description

Key Takeaways

Retreat Cost

About the Speakers: Dr. David Banks & Gena Ellis

How It Works

Choose a Marriage Retreat

Register Online

Strengthen Your Marriage

Your Registration Includes:

FAQs

What is a premarital retreat?

Who should attend a premarital retreat?

What topics are covered during a premarital retreat?

What are accommodations like for premarital retreats?

Will couples that aren't married be given separate lodging?

What happens during a premarital retreat?

Where are you located?

What is the schedule during the retreat?

What is your Marriage Retreat cancellation policy?

Ready to Register?

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