Premarital Questions and Answers

  • Our Premarital Counseling is an educational and skills-based program designed to prepare couples for a strong, lifelong marriage. We are not therapists or licensed mental health providers. Instead, we use assessments, guided exercises, workbook reflections, and open conversations to help you identify strengths, uncover potential challenges, and build strategies for success. Every session is led by both Estrella and Robert Cudmore in a relaxed, couple-to-couple setting that clients describe as supportive, engaging, and enjoyable.

  • Therapy is intended for couples dealing with serious challenges such as mental health issues, abuse, or addiction, and it must be led by licensed professionals. Our Premarital Counseling is not therapy—it’s an educational process that equips you with tools for communication, conflict resolution, and long-term planning. In short: therapy heals the past, our program prepares you for the future.

  • Couples who participate in premarital education are shown to be 30% less likely to divorce. Our program provides practical tools to handle conflict constructively, strengthen intimacy, and align on future goals. It also helps couples feel more confident entering marriage and, if needed, makes them more likely to seek support early. In rare cases, the program can uncover fundamental differences, allowing couples to make informed choices before committing.

  • We focus on the issues that most influence a healthy marriage, including:

    • Family background and values

    • The “big five” conflict areas: money, intimacy, spirituality, parenting, and in-laws

    • Communication and conflict resolution skills

    • Roles and responsibilities in marriage

    • Creating a shared vision for your future

    These discussions help couples build clarity, confidence, and alignment.

  • Our program blends the Prepare–Enrich assessment, workbook explorations, interactive exercises, and guided conversations. You’ll discover strengths, uncover blind spots, and practice new skills. Every session includes both Estrella and Robert, offering a unique couple-to-couple approach that feels balanced, comfortable, and insightful.

  • No. While many clients come to us engaged, the program is equally valuable for couples who are seriously dating (pre-engaged) or recently married and want to strengthen their foundation.

  • Yes. The program isn’t about “fixing” issues—it’s about building skills and insights proactively. Many couples who thought they didn’t need premarital counseling were surprised by how much they learned about each other and how much stronger their relationship became.

  • Our program is not faith-based, but we do explore spirituality if it’s important to you as a couple. These conversations help partners understand one another’s beliefs and plan constructively for any differences.

  • We meet couples in-person at our Northwest Austin office and online via Zoom with clients across Texas. Both options deliver the same supportive, high-quality experience.

  • If you’re local to Austin, in-person sessions often provide fewer distractions and a more personal feel. However, our Zoom sessions are equally effective, and many couples across Texas benefit from the virtual format.

  • The sooner, the better. Starting early lets you apply new insights right away, even before the wedding. That said, it’s never too late—the program is equally valuable for couples close to their wedding date or already married.

  • Most couples complete the program in 8 weekly, 1-hour sessions. Depending on your needs and schedule, we offer flexible formats ranging from 4 to 12 sessions. Couples completing at least 8 sessions receive a Twogether in Texas certificate, which provides a $60 discount on the marriage license and waives the 72-hour waiting period.

  • Yes. Completing at least 8 sessions earns you a Twogether in Texas certificate, which saves $60 on your Texas marriage license and eliminates the 72-hour waiting period.

  • Yes. If your wedding is approaching quickly, we can adjust the schedule or create a condensed 4-session format. While the full 8-session program is ideal, the shorter version still provides valuable tools and insights.

  • Yes. Sessions are designed for couples to participate together, so both partners benefit equally and can practice skills in real time.

    • 4 sessions: from $500

    • 8 sessions (most popular): from $890

    Pricing includes both coaches in every session, the Prepare–Enrich assessment, and all materials. Payment is made securely online. See our Pricing page for details.

  • No. Because our program is an educational service, not therapy, health insurance does not apply.

  • The first step is a free consultation with Estrella and Robert, either in-person or online. This relaxed session lets you meet us, ask questions, and see if the program is a good fit. If you choose to continue, we’ll handle paperwork, payment, and scheduling.