You’re in the beginning stages of your new life together, you’ve decided to marry and now it’s all about the cake, the dress, the band, the reception hall, and the band. We know that planning a wedding can be very stressful, and we also know the statistics that point to increased marital satisfaction and longevity when Pre-Marital Education and Pre-Marital Inventories are utilized.

Being in a committed, loving, strong and healthy marriage has many added benefits to you, your future children and even our society. Study after study shows that married couples are happier, healthier, wealthier, and enjoy better sex lives than singles or cohabiting couples. Their children do better in school, have better emotional and physical health, get pregnant as teens less often, and are less likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs. Encouraging healthy dating and relationships practices is vital - not only to increase individual satisfaction, health and safety, but also to keep our communities strong for future generations.

The vast majority of marriages have the potential to be healthy and happy when couples are trained in the relationship skills that create healthy marriages. You can learn more about Pre-Marital Education, Pre-Marital Inventories, or even register for a First Dance Class today to help you on your way to your For Ever After!

Want to learn more? Just keep reading, check out Upcoming Classes in your neighborhood, Borrow a Book or DVD from our Lending Library, download Brochures filled with tips and tools to help your marriage succeed, or just browse the site for helpful tips, links, and information. If you have any questions or want to Register for a Class or two, please Contact Us! You’re taking steps in the right direction to make your marriage the stuff dreams are made of!

The Wyoming Healthy Marriage Initiative, For Ever After!

What is PreMarital Education?
No one plans to get a divorce when they marry, but "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail" does apply here. Most people believe that if they are "in love" that they have everything they need for a successful relationship. While love is a great foundation, you will need communicaiton skills to overcome the everyday stresses of life. PreMarital Education is designed to help couples learn these and other healthy relationship skills. PreMarital Counseling can focus on specific problems or situations, where PreMarital Education can help you learn a set of skills that you will find invaluable as you leave the "honeymoon" phase of your relationship. PreMariatal Education focuses on providing knowledge about what makes relationships successful, and helps you to practice skills that can make a difference in your relationship. We also encourage couples to utelize a PreMarital Inventory whether you are seriously considering marriage or engaged.

If you are interested in talking to someone about or signing up for Premarital Education utilizing a Premarital Inventory, you can view a comprehensive, statewide list of Counselors and Providers here.

What is a PreMarital Inventory?
A PreMarital Inventory is a set of questions, usually his and hers, that are designed to shed light on issues you may or may not have previously discussed. The PreMarital Inventories that are most common are PREPARE, PREP, FOCCUS, ZOE, PREPARE TO LAST and others; most inventories also come in a faith-based or secular variety. Many of the inventories also have specifically designed inventories for couples that are living together, couples entering second (or subsequent) marriages, couples with children from prior relationships, and inter-denominational couples as well. The inventory focuses on the issues that are typically cited as reasons for divorce: personality issues, family of origin, partner dominance, spiritual beliefs, leisure activities, marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, children and parenting, couple closeness, role relationship, sexual expectations, family and friends and financial management. A couple will take the inventory separately and is is usually electronically scored. The generated report shows the areas where you agree, and where you disagree. It then provides opportunities to discuss potential difficulties before you marry; many inventories also have a workbook to help couples sort through the maze of issues to help you succeed at lifelong marriage.

Benefits of PreMarital Preparation:

• Your relationship skills will be strengthened
• You will determine if you are truly ready for marriage
• You will have an outside, objective view of your couple compatibility
• You wil lbe better prepared for future challenges
• You will learn better conflict resolution skills
• You will learn tips to enrich your marriage on a daily basis
• You will set goals for your future together
• You will improve your communicaiton skills
• Your risk of divorce in the first five years will significantly decrease

Marriage Preparation is the best thing you can do to divorce-proof your marriage. Isn't it worth a little of your time to give your marriage the best chance of succeeding over a lifetime? We belive it is!

If you woud like more informaiton on any one inventory, please see our LINKS section.

If you are looking for a Marriage or Family Counselor in your area, you can view our Directory of Providers here.