The Premarital Course Center
The Premarital Course Center is a non-profit organization that provides education, enrichment, and counseling solutions to families and couples. Our organization's credentials humbly allow us to service all residents in the United States and Internationally.
The following States require premarital preparation certification to obtain Marriage Licenses in their County Clerk of Court: Florida, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah, Tennessee, Illinois, and Arkansas.
Premarital Preparation Course Requirements
After the wedding is over, the marriage begins, and keeping it going can be hard work. Our nation recognizes the challenges that married couples face and wants to support the success of these relationships. For this reason, the Premarital Preparation Course was created, and couples who complete this special course not only have a better foundation for their marriage but also receive a reduction in the marriage license fee by 30-60% in their required states.
You must take a course with your state's minimum requirement (4-12 hours) of instruction to qualify for the benefits under your state statute. Course requirements may vary from state to state.
Course Topics
- Conflict management.
- Communication skills.
- Financial responsibilities.
- Children and parenting responsibilities.
- Intimacy & Sex
Course Options
Recognizing that adults have demanding schedules there are many options available to take and complete this course. These options include:
- Direct personal instruction by virtual means;
- Videotape instruction;
- Instruction via other electronic media; or
- A combination of these methods.
Couples can also choose to take these courses together or individually, as best meets their needs. Each person must complete the course and receive a certificate of completion from the instructor before going to the County Clerk for their marriage license.
Instructor Options
Several qualified instructors can provide this course, but they must be registered with a judicial circuit (county courthouse) for their program to qualify under this statute. Instructors can include:
- A licensed mental health counselor
- A licensed psychologist
- A licensed clinical social worker
- A licensed marriage and family therapist
- An ordained or licensed representative of a religious institution, if the
representative has relevant training.
Finding an Instructor
Every judicial circuit maintains a roster of qualified instructors. This information includes:
- Type of course, such as video, in-person, etc.
- Cost of the course.
- Certifications and court providers
Course Completion
When a couple has completed the course, each one will receive a certificate of completion that states:
- Their Name
- Date of Completion
- Course Structure, i.e. video, electronic, in-person, or combination.
When both parties have completed the course, they can qualify for a savings of up to $75.00 in their state marriage license fee and a waiver for the 3-day waiting period.
Instructors Credentials: Rev. Luis A. Fernandez, Dr. Ivonne E. Fernandez
Our instructors have been honored to serve their communities for over twenty-eight years. Their educational portfolios extend from degrees in Business Administration, Microbiology, Masters in Marketing, and a Theological Ordination in Mentorship, Christian doctrine, Discipleship Coaching, Biblical interpretation techniques, and ministry strategies.
Our professionals have also achieved Licenses and Certification status with various State and National juridical Organizations such as the Department of Financial Services, the Certified Safety Management, Board Department of Orthotics & Prosthetics, the International Conference of Police Chaplains, and the Certified Premarital Course Provider.
