Check Calendar for Possible Availability

If you see a Red thumbtack with the words "Contract Pending" on the calendar, the date and time may still be available. If you see such a conflict, I will be happy to contact the couple to see if they intend to confirm their booking.

2010 Autumn Session

Wednesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 29

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

2011 Dates

Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

February 5     May 7     August 6     November 5

Registration Begins October 1, 2010

As a certified Marriage Educator with the National Marriage Centers, I am pleased to offer a marriage education class with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brevard. This class is for couples considering engagement, engaged couples, newlyweds, married couples in stable relationships and single participants who wish to learn more about making their current or future marriage one of strength, beauty and joy. The group classes are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brevard located at 2185 Meadowlane Avenue, West Melbourne, Florida.

Why Invest in Marriage Education?

Who Can Register for the Class?

Why do you offer this class to singles?

What Topics are Covered in the Class?

How Much Does the Class Cost?

Does this class qualify for the discount on our marriage license?

Do You Offer Additional Personalized Counseling?

How Do We Register for the Class?

Do you offer private marriage preparation sessions?

Why Invest in Marriage Education

Both successful and unsuccessful marriages have about the same amount of conflicts. How we treat one another, approach conflict and attempt to resolve conflict is what makes the difference. Marriage faces an unprecedented number of challenges today, so a higher divorce rate is not unexpected. However, the divorce rate needn't be as high as it stands right now either. Having realistic expectations, anticipating areas of conflict, setting mutual goals and learning communication tools that affirm your relationship can help you and your partner beat the odds. Marriage education is a process for both self-awareness as individuals and goal setting as a couple. It is an investment in helping your marriage endure with beauty, strength and delight.

Consider the class an opportunity for some time away from the hustle and bustle of wedding planning or routine obligations that gives you permission to be totally absorbed in one another and nothing else. This is time spent focused on your relationship that can enhance your intimacy and generate even more excitement about your partnership Yes, it's called a class, but I promise it is also a lot of fun!

Who Can Register for the Class?

Any couple or single individual is welcome to register for the class. This is a secular ethics-based program. The importance of the couple's religious life is recognized and discussed, but the course content does not affirm or promote specific theologies or religious doctrines concerning marriage. Couples who are inter-faith, "spiritual but not religious" or completely secular will be perfectly comfortable in this class. We do recommend that couples experiencing persistent unhappiness or in the midst of a specific crisis seek professional counseling as their situation may be beyond the scope of this class.

Why do you offer this class to singles?

I recognize that some people may have a partner unable to attend a class at the same time. (You still qualify for the marriage license discount if both partners have taken a marriage preparation course within twelve months of applying for the license. You do not have to take the same course or a course at the same time.) Some may have a reluctant partner and want to find out if it is something the other will consider valuable. Some may be in a relationship and use this course to make the very personal decision on whether or not to proceed to a stronger commitment. Some may simply be curious.

What Topics are Covered in the Class?

• What is Marriage? (May sound silly, but it's a great place to start)
• History of Marriage (You'll learn some pretty cool stuff behind some of our wedding traditions!)
• Stages of Marriage (No, your honeymoon is not going to last fifty years even if it feels like it now)
• Contemporary Challenges to Marriage
• Myths That Harm Marriage
• Family of Origin Impact on Marriage / Family Systems Theory
• Evolutionary Psychology (Yes,  men and women really are different, but it has nothing to do with celestial bodies in our solar system)
• Communication Styles
• Decision Making
• Needs Fulfillment
• Plotting The Future Together
• Fun Tips for a Successful Marriage

How Much Does the Group Class Cost?

$149 per couple

$124 per couple (for whom I have officiated or will officiate their wedding ceremony)

$74 per single

The cost includes refreshments (we won't let you go hungry!) and all relevant course materials. Participants need not bring anything other than themselves and their love. I am registered with Brevard County as a premarital preparation course provider. I provide a certificate that will entitle couples to receive a $32.50 discount on their marriage license as well as a waiver of the three day waiting period if they apply for their license in Brevard County within the next 12 months.

Does This Class Qualify for the Discount on our Marriage License?

Yes, I am a registered premarital course provider with Brevard County. If you apply for your license in Brevard County within twelve months of completing the class you are eligible for the $32.50 discount and three-day waiting period waiver per Florida Statute 741. 0305. You will be given a certificate at the completion of the class to present to the Clerk of Court when you apply for your marriage license.

Do you offer private marriage education sessions?

Yes, but I highly encourage couples to participate in a group class because there are clear benefits to hearing a variety of perspectives. You meet some really wonderful people and might even stumble upon some great new friends.

I do appreciate that not everyone's lifestyle can accommodate a scheduled event and will try to work with couples who legitimately cannot make a commitment on a date I have scheduled a class. In these cases I do break down the course into two sessions scheduled on mutually convenient dates and times. The course fee is $199 instead of $149.

If you have any other questions please contact me at the email or phone number below and I will be delighted to be of assistance.

Do You Offer Additional Personalized Counseling?

My co-pastor, Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilson, and his wife Helen Wilson, are certified Prepare/Enrich counselors. This program offers individualized counseling based on a computer-scored online or paper-based inventory with questions that the couples answer as individuals, and then get results that form the basis of one or more follow-up counseling sessions. There are separate inventories for engaged couples, married couples, previously married couples with children, and older couples.  This is a great follow-up option for couples who would like a more detailed personalized form of counseling.

How Do We Register for the Class?

If you are interested in a group class, a packet will be mailed to you that includes an addressed stamped envelope for submitting your tuition. Group classes are limited in size so register as soon as you are able to commit to the session.

If you are interested in arranging private sessions, I will contact you to schedule mutually convenient dates and times for our sessions.