Marriage Retreats Pastor & Ministry Leader Retreats Marriage Discipleship Marriage Intensives

Our website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Review WinShape's privacy policy here.

Premarital Retreat: Prepare to Last

WinShape Retreat - Rome, GA
August 7 - August 9, 2026

Retreat Description

Before the wedding day, there’s an even bigger “yes” you’re preparing for—the lifelong commitment of marriage. This weekend is designed to help you and your significant other move beyond seating charts and flower arrangements to the deeper conversations that set you up for a strong, lasting relationship. Through engaging sessions, personal reflection, and meaningful conversations, you’ll explore topics like expectations, communication, conflict, finances, and intimacy, all in a way that helps you understand each other better and build a marriage that lasts.

Key Takeaways

  • Dedicated time away to focus on your relationship and prepare for life together after “I do”

  • Practical tools for understanding and meeting each other’s expectations

  • Strategies for healthy communication, navigating conflict, and setting boundaries

  • Insight on working together in key areas like money, family relationships, and intimacy

  • Opportunities to connect with other engaged couples and learn from their experiences


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: Jeff & Debby McElroy

Jeff and Debby McElroy are speakers, authors, and founders of Forever Families, Inc. With a global impact, they lead retreats for couples across all seasons—including those parenting kids with special needs. As founding partners of WinShape Marriage, they helped create retreats like *Prepare to Last* and *Together in the Journey*. They live in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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.

Apple Maps Directions

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.

Additional Retreats