FAQs for Countdown Marriage Prep


Is there a deadline to sign up?

Yes, the deadline to sign up is generally two weeks prior to the event.



What is the cost? What is included?

$150 per person yet you SAVE $60 on your marriage license! 

  • 6-Week Class: $175 per person – Includes: Countdown materials, relationship inventory, retreat accommodations and meals.
  • Weekender: $175 per person – Includes: Countdown materials, Weekender retreat accommodations and meals.
  • Countdown Online: $175 per person – We highly recommend the six weeks class or the Weekender, but if scheduling or distance doesn't permit, then our Countdown Online asynchronous course can be taken in the privacy of your home at your pace.  Engaging videos, actionable resources, prompts and questions get the two of you interacting.
NOTE:  Couples who have attended in the past highly recommend the 6-week Class with the concluding retreat. If you can't attend the 6-week class, the Weekender is a good option.  The actual costs per couple is $495, but has been underwritten by faithful donors so the discounted cost of $350 per couple is more affordable.
  • One-on-One:  $175 per person – If a couple is not able to attend the 6-week class or Weekender, we have limited one-on-one availability. Call to discuss.


When attending the six weeks class, can we save money by not attending the retreat?

No, the cost is the same for all Countdown experiences. A couple gets a much better value add when attending the retreat.

 


What if we can’t attend the retreat that weekend?

During the retreat, we deal with communication and conflict management which are vital topics. Most of the couples who have attended over the past 25 years have reported that the retreat was their “favorite part of Countdown.” Therefore, we would highly encourage you to attend the class at a time when you are available to go on the retreat. However, if a crisis prevents you from attending, our class leaders will work with you.

 


Do both of us have to come to the classes?

It is highly recommended that both of you attend since this is designed to prepare the two of you for marriage. However, circumstances may prevent one of you from attending one session, and we highly recommend the other make plans to attend, take good notes, and share the details.



How long is each session?

Each class is approximately two hours of interaction, discussion, active learning, and practical teaching. 



How many couples will be in each class? On the retreat? Or at the Weekender?

Each of our six week classes have between 4-8 couples. The Weekender (retreat only) typically has between 6-12 couples. And once each fall/spring, the class retreat is held at the same time as the Weekender, so we combine for meals and a few sessions.