Marriage Preparation Information
The Diocese of Saint Cloud congratulates you on beginning your journey towards a sacramental marriage!
Your desire for a Christ-centered marriage will nurture and strengthen you, as a couple, in your love for each other and God. The preparation you will receive will challenge you to grow in your relationship – spiritually, physically and emotionally. Each phase of your preparation is designed for you to take home skills and tools that develops a faith-filled, lifelong commitment.
The Marriage Preparation Course is a requirement of all couples getting married in the Diocese of St. Cloud. The presentations and topics for discussion include: Faith, Handling Conflict, Problem Solving, Self-Awareness, Finances, Sexuality, Forgiveness, Natural Family Planning & Commitment. Those preparing for a second marriage will also cover the topic of Blended Families. Call Janet Dusek with questions – (320) 258-7616
Register early!
What do we need to do to prepare for Marriage in the Catholic Church?
Engaged Couples Retreat Dates & Information (First Marriage)
The Engaged Couples Retreat is designed to prepare those entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony, either as beginning marriage or having their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church after a civil marriage. Marriage preparation must be completed at least three months before the date of the wedding celebration. It is recommended you attend the retreat 6 to 12 months before your wedding. See Registration dropdown and link below.
Find Convalidation information HERE
Schedule and Fee: Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The $175 fee includes materials, snacks and noon meal. Mass is included and will fulfill our weekly obligation for Sunday liturgy.
St. Cloud area locations:
- April 5, 2025 – Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN FULL
- May 17, 2025 – Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN FULL
- June 7, 2025 – Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN
- September 13, 2025 – Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN
- October 25, 2025 – Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN
- December 6, 2025 – Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN
Engaged Couples Retreat Dates & Information (Second Marriage or Remarriage)
The Second Marriage Retreat is designed for couples preparing to marry after the death of a spouse or an annulment. Marriage preparation must be completed at least three months before the date of the wedding celebration. It is recommended you attend the retreat 6 to 12 months before your wedding.
Schedule and Fee: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The $175 fee includes materials, snacks and noon meal.
St. Cloud location
- March 22, 2025, Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN
- October 4, 2025, Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN
Engaged Couples Retreats Outside of St. Cloud
Spanish Speaking Marriage Preparation Retreat Dates & Information
The Spanish Speaking Marriage Preparation Retreats are designed to prepare those entering into the Sacrament of Matrimony, either as beginning marriage or having their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church after a civil marriage. It is recommended you attend the retreat 6 to 12 months before your wedding.
Schedule and Fee: Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The $125 fee includes materials, snacks and noon meal.
St. Cloud location
- Noviembre 8, 2025, Pastoral Center, St. Cloud, MN
Cancellation Policy
• $50 non-refundable administrative fee is charged for canceling a scheduled Engaged Couples Retreat.
• No Show ~ No Refund. Couples will need to re-register and repay full course fee.
• In case of an emergency, please call (320) 258-7615 and leave a message with your name and phone number. Every effort will be made to reschedule you in the next available marriage preparation course.
Bad Weather Policy
Inclement weather can occur anytime through the year. We make every attempt to hold the course if at all possible. We also want to ensure the safety of all who attend. In case of bad weather, we will do the following:
- An e-mail notice (and/or phone calls) will be initiated approximately 12 to 24 hours prior to your scheduled weekend to inform you of a course cancellation or schedule change.
- If there is no weather related message or contact, the course will go on as scheduled.
- Please monitor your e-mails (or phone messages) frequently within this 24-hour period, especially during severe weather seasons and/or conditions!
- If the weather conditions in your area are questionable and you are unable to travel, please leave a message with your name and phone number. Every effort will be made to reschedule you in the next available Engaged Couples Retreat. Call (320) 252-4721 (local calls) or (800) 624-9019 (outside of the St. Cloud area) to determine if the course will be held or to leave a message.
Marriage & Family Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Engaged Couples Retreat Resources
As you discuss the Retreat and all that you learned, you may want to refer back to these as a refresher.
We cover many topics during our time together at the Retreat. PowerPoint presentations were created for some and are viewable by clicking each of the topics listed here – Communications, Self Awareness, Faith, Gifts & Finances, Men’s Session, Women’s Session.