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.

Retreat Full. Join the Waiting List!

Premarital Retreat: Prepare to Last

WinShape Retreat - Rome, GA
February 6 - February 8, 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.

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.

How It Works

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
.reviews-section { text-align: center; } .reviews-title { margin: 0 0 2rem; font-size: 3rem; /* tweak as needed */ font-weight: 400; } .reviews-sub { margin: 0 0 2rem; font-size: 1.125rem; color: #6b7280; /* optional gray */ } /* nuke the little “Free Google Reviews widget” badge */ a[href*="elfsight.com/google-reviews-widget"] { display: none !important; }

FAQs

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 are the accommodations like?

Our accommodations are similar to that of a hotel. Couples stay in their own private room with a king-sized bed and a private bathroom with a shower and dual sink vanity. Towels, linens, and a hair dryer are provided. In order to help foster an environment where couples can truly focus on one another, our rooms do not have TVs or telephones. We believe a rejuvenating weekend away starts with space to rest well.

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 can we do during our free time?

During your stay at WinShape Retreat, you’re welcome to explore the beautiful Berry College campus on one of the many walking or biking trails—just stop by the Grand Chalet to grab a map. We also have a variety of other activities and games available. You can play pickleball, play disc golf, fish, hike, play board games, read, relax in a hammock, and more! Feel free to bring your own bikes, equipment, and games, but we also have everything you’ll need available for checkout at the front desk.

Do you provide counseling at Marriage Retreats?

Our Marriage Retreats do not provide time for one-on-one counseling with the speakers or any other staff members. If you feel you may need more in-depth help or your marriage may be in crisis, please contact us using the button below or check out WinShape Marriage Intensives.

Contact Us

Learn More About Marriage Intensives

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.

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.

Additional Retreats