Premarital & Marriage Counseling
A Word from our pastor
Hear from Pastor Aaron Smith
Hear from Pastor Aaron Smith
Pastor Smith shares why Grace Lutheran walks with couples before marriage — and how counseling strengthens the promises made on the wedding day.
Schedule counseling
Click the button below to fill out a brief request form. Pastor Smith will contact you within a few days to schedule your first session.
WHAT IS PREMARITAL & MARRIAGE COUNSELING?
Marriage is not a contract between two individuals — it is a covenant instituted by God, reflecting Christ’s own faithfulness to His Church.
At Grace Lutheran, premarital and marriage counseling exists to prepare couples for this covenant with honesty, wisdom, and grace. Pastor Smith walks engaged and married couples through communication, conflict, finances, family, and the spiritual foundation of a Christ-centered home.
Whether you are preparing for your wedding day or seeking to strengthen a marriage already underway, this ministry exists to help you build on a firm foundation.
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
— Mark 10:8–9
Premarital Counseling
Couples preparing for marriage at Grace Lutheran meet with Pastor Smith for a series of sessions before the wedding. These conversations cover communication, expectations, finances, family history, and the spiritual life of the home you are building together.
Marriage Counseling
Marriage counseling is available to any married couple — members and non-members alike — seeking to strengthen their relationship, work through a season of difficulty, or simply grow deeper in Christ-centered partnership.
What to Expect
Sessions are private, unhurried, and grounded in Scripture. Pastor Smith listens first, and offers guidance rooted in God’s design for marriage — not generic relationship advice.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Frequently asked questions
How many sessions are required before our wedding?
This varies by couple, but most premarital counseling includes 4–6 sessions. Pastor Smith will work with your timeline and wedding date.
Do we have to be members of Grace Lutheran to do premarital or marriage counseling?
No. Counseling is open to couples inside and outside our congregation.
Is marriage counseling only for couples in crisis?
Not at all. Many couples come simply to grow stronger, communicate better, or reconnect — not only during hard seasons.
What if we're not both Lutheran, or not both Christian?
Pastor Smith is happy to meet with couples of different backgrounds and faith traditions to talk through what counseling looks like for your situation.
Is what we share confidential?
Yes. Sessions are private and held in confidence.
How much does counseling cost?
There is no charge for premarital or marriage counseling at Grace Lutheran.
How do we get started?
Fill out the request form above, and Pastor Smith will reach out within a few days to schedule your first session.