What happens at the premarital interview?
The bride and groom meet with a wedding coordinator to discuss wedding plans and details. An overview of the counseling program is discussed and couples receive their program materials. The specific requirements to be married at Southwest Community Church or by a Southwest pastor are discussed.

What facilities are available and what is the cost?
We will answer these specific questions at your premarital interview. Prices range from approximately $900 to $1300.

How soon do we need to book the date?
Due to our weekend services, weekly events and other special activities, our facilities are somewhat limited. It is recommended that you send in your request early in order to ensure your date is available. A facility request (reservation) may take up to one month for final approval. We are happy to provide a list of additional churches in the area that provide wedding facilities.

May we ask a minister not from Southwest to marry us?
All marriages held at Southwest Church are performed by our Southwest pastors.

What are the specific requirements to be married at Southwest?
To be married at Southwest, you must meet the following qualifications:

1) Bride and groom individually confess a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Southwest Community Church will not join an unbeliever to a believer in marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). God's Word is clear about spiritual compatibility between marriage partners.

2) Bride and groom are abstaining from physical intimacy and are not living together.
God's Word give us clear instructions for sex within the parameters of the marriage relationship. (2 Corinthians 6:3) Couples who are physically intimate or living together are asked to move apart and to agree to abstain from sexual relations until the wedding day, understanding that this is God's best for your marriage relationship.

3) Completion of our six-week premarital counseling program.

What is the cost of the premarital counseling program?
The cost for members of Southwest (those who have attended CLASS 101 and been baptized) is $100. The cost to non-members is $200. This cost covers the workbooks and other counseling materials.

Who does the premarital counseling?
Your premarital counseling will be done with a married couple who has received special premarital training. Although these counselors are specifically training in the area of premarital counseling, they are not professional, licensed counselors. They have chosen to serve at Southwest in this area. One of the goals of the premarital counseling ministry is to provide all premarital couples with the opportunity to be connected with a mentoring couple in a relationship that extends beyond the six weeks of the program.

What do we talk about in the sessions?
You will discuss many subjects throughout your time together. These subjects include marital roles and responsibilities; skills for communicating and resolving conflicts; realistic management of finances; your sexual relationship; your family of origin; and more. Your relationship strengths will be discussed, as well as areas that need growth.

Although the program is designed to cover certain topics, your counselors will design your time together to fit your individual needs. Details of the six sessions are discussed during your premarital interview. Homework assignments are given prior to each session to enhance your understanding (and promote discussion) of the material.

Are there any additional activities involved in premarital counseling?
Individual financial counseling is available upon request.

It is strongly recommended that those involved in remarriages attend a divorce recovery program prior to entering into a new marriage. Click here for a current schedule of our Divorce Recovery workshop.

What should I expect from the premarital counseling experience?
You should expect to be challenged, strengthened, educated, and better prepared for your upcoming marriage. You will probably experience some laughs, some tears, and some pleasant surprises!

You should leave your premarital counseling with some problem areas identified, some new marital skills learned, and most importantly - a more realistic expectation of what marriage will be like!

May God richly bless you individually, and as a couple, as you embark on this exciting journey together!