8 Options for Premarital Counseling in Washington, DC

Planning your wedding after the love of your life pops the question is probably one of the most exciting times of your life. While it can also be a hectic time, it's important to prepare for what happens after the wedding itself with premarital counseling in DC. The nation's capital has a wide array of places to choose from that will help you strengthen your bond, shore up communication and make sure you and your partner are on the same page by the time the wedding day arrives.

To get you started, we've gathered a list of premarital counselors to explore. If you want more options, check out the officiants and premarital counseling section of The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Just click on wedding events and check the premarital counseling box to filter your DC choices. These professionals have techniques and programs that give you the tools to use throughout your life with your spouse to maintain your happily ever after.

I Wed You in Silver Spring, Maryland

I Wed You opened its doors in 2011 and Reverend Dr. Deborah Keaton has been bringing couples together ever since. The woman and veteran-owned business is based in Silver Spring, Maryland, but services Virginia and Washington, DC, as well. Keaton's number one concern is bringing her clients' wishes to life. As an officiant, she personalizes each ceremony to match the couple while keeping it fun, lighthearted and memorable, working with clients of all religious or non-religious backgrounds. The reverend also offers premarital counseling sessions to help ensure those heading to their wedding day have the tools they need to make their marriage last a lifetime.

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Wedding Ceremonies By Jeff in Alexandra, Virginia

Offering premarital counseling in Alexandria, VA, Jeff Maszal from Wedding Ceremonies By Jeff helps couples in other parts of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, too. The ordained minister will not only assist engaged love birds in planning their ceremony but also offer premarital counseling so you both are emotionally prepared for marriage. Jeff uses the Prepare-Enrich marriage program, the most widely used tool in the US. It opens up a dialog to talk about conflict resolution, spiritual beliefs, communication, intimacy, family planning and expectations. He even uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to customize the experience.

Contemporary and Traditional Catholic Weddings in Centreville, Virginia

Contemporary and Tradition Catholic Weddings is an LGBTQIA+-owned business servicing DC and the surrounding states. Father Jason Lody, pastor at St. Anthony of Padua, brings couples together both inside and outside the Catholic faith, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. The business can also accommodate Spanish-speaking couples. Father Jason prides himself on offering non-judgemental services and takes care to personalize each ceremony to match the individuals joining together. He is also a marriage counselor who provides premarital counseling in DC as well. Previous clients commend him for his counseling services, calling him a God-send.

Ceremony Officiants in Ellicott City, Maryland

Ceremony Officiants is a bilingual woman-owned business that has been preparing and joining happy couples for wedded bliss for more than 15 years. The owner, Laura Cannon, has a large team of professionals who can officiate your ceremony and provide premarital counseling, too. The great thing about working with a large team is the freedom of choice—picking someone who resonates with you on a personal level. Reverend Cannon has a book available that can help strengthen your bond and prepare both parties for marriage, which is a nice additional resource to the pre-marriage counseling services the team offers.

Pastor Kelly Grimes in Burtonsville, Maryland

Located in Burtonsville, Maryland, Pastor Kelly Grimes is both a professional premarital counselor and officiant. She works with all couples no matter their faith or background. The pastor loves to focus on taking the stress out of wedding planning and preparing for your future together as a married couple. As a licensed premarital counselor, Pastor Kelly has the knowledge to help you and your partner develop a deeper connection and fall more madly in love before you tie the knot. You'll carry the tools she shares into your marriage to help you through the years.

Keith Miller & Associates Counseling in Washington, DC

If you already have an officiant lined up but not a counselor, consider contacting Keith Miller & Associates, located right in Washington, DC. The business has several premarital counselors, and they will pair you and your loved one with just the right fit. The highly-trained therapists use various methods like Imago Relationship Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy or Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy to help you both leave your baggage at the door of your marriage before you even walk down the aisle. The company's counselors believe the best time to learn and grow together is right now.

Premier Wedding Pastors in Germantown, Maryland

Premier Wedding Pastors is a business that services DC and the surrounding areas. There are three pastors who offer their services for Christian premarital counseling in DC as well as officiating the wedding itself. This option focuses on the Christian faith and encourages couples to attend premarital counseling sessions—although it's not required. Still, they believe the sessions will help strengthen your relationship, increase your chances of long-term success and help them get to know you both to make your wedding more personal if you ask them to officiate as well. They supply a wide variety of resources that prepare you for the ups and downs of life together.

Amor Celebrations in Herndon, Virginia

Amor Celebrations is owned and operated by Carla Amorim, a licensed officiant. Carla has a long list of reviews from happy couples praising her for her guidance, attention and exceptional service. She accommodates couples of various faiths, including Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Wiccan, Orthodox, interfaith and spiritual. Carla also proudly supports and celebrates people of all orientations and belief systems. She offers premarital counseling near DC to get you ready for marriage and after-wedding services to ensure that everything is on track.