Premarital Counseling
Build a Stronger Foundation Before You Say “I Do”
Where are you located?
I am licensed to provide premarital counseling, and online therapy in several states. Click on the state you reside in to find out more about how I can serve you online or in-person.
Helping Engaged Couples Build Lasting Marriages
You’re planning the wedding of your dreams. Pinterest boards, color swatches, playlists, guest lists. You want the big day to be picture-perfect. But what about the marriage?
Have you spent as much time talking about your life together after “I do” as you have planning the wedding itself?
Right now, your brain is buzzing with dopamine, and everything feels exciting and effortless. But what about when real life kicks in? When you’re both exhausted from work, sleep-deprived from kids, or facing the stress of in-laws and mortgages? What happens when the honeymoon phase fades and the real stuff starts?
The Fights Feel Bigger Than They Should
Lately, maybe a small disagreement spirals into fear:
“Is this a sign?”
“Are we even compatible?”
“Are we making a mistake?”
You know conflict is normal, but you’re not sure how to tell the difference between healthy conflict and something more serious. You don’t want to ignore red flags, but you also don’t want to overreact to the natural bumps that come with building a life together.
Premarital Counseling That Actually Helps
Hi, I’m Marina Stanton. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. I specialize in helping couples build strong, healthy relationships (and that includes couples just starting out!)
I work with engaged or seriously committed couples who want to feel confident walking into marriage and equipped for the real-life challenges that come with it.
Through premarital therapy, I help you:
Understand your individual and shared strengths
Talk through your values, expectations, and “unspoken” rules
Learn how to communicate and navigate conflict in a healthy way
Build emotional and sexual intimacy from the start
Explore topics like money, sex, parenting, religion, boundaries, and life goals
We’ll identify potential points of tension before they become big problems, and create a practical roadmap that supports your connection now and in the future.
Why Premarital Counseling Matters
Research consistently shows that premarital counseling works, and that couples who participate in premarital counseling are more likely to stay together and report greater satisfaction long-term.
Basically, it’s a great way to start your marriage off right!
Research shows premarital counseling can:
Reduce the risk of divorce
Improve communication and problem-solving skills
Increase emotional and sexual satisfaction
Prepare you to navigate future challenges together
It’s not about solving problems you don’t have. It’s about learning how to work through them as a team when they come up. Think of it as giving your marriage the best possible foundation to thrive.
Each couple is unique, but here are some of the common topics we explore together:
Conflict style and communication patterns
Emotional needs and expressions of affection
Differences in background, culture, or religion
Sex and intimacy expectations
Money management and financial goals
Roles and responsibilities in daily life
Boundaries with family or friends
Parenting styles or plans for the future
I’ll help you uncover what makes your relationship work, and where you may need to grow together. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of each other, more realistic expectations, and tools that will help you through the tough stuff.
What We Cover in Premarital Counseling
Meet In Person Near Denver or Do Premarital Counseling Online, Whatever Works for You
You’re planning a life together, and your time is valuable. That’s why I offer flexible options for premarital counseling that fit your lifestyle.
Prefer to meet face-to-face? My office in Centennial, Colorado (just south of Denver) is a comfortable, inviting space where you can have real conversations about your future without distractions. It’s easy to reach from areas like Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Littleton, and is designed to feel relaxed, not clinical.
If you're outside the Denver metro, or if making the drive just adds to your wedding stress, I offer online premarital counseling for couples across Colorado, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Whether you’re in a big city or a rural area, you’ll still get expert support tailored to your relationship.
Online sessions are private, flexible, and designed to help you stay focused on what matters: building a solid foundation for your marriage.
Where are you located?
You don’t have to live nearby to work on your relationship. I offer couples counseling in Colorado, Texas, Utah, and Washington, online or in person. Click on the state you reside in to find out more about how I can serve you!
Let me help you have the marriage you deserve!
Premarital counseling doesn’t have to be stuffy or drawn out. I keep it focused, practical, and tailored to you as a couple. We’ll laugh, we’ll get real, and you’ll walk away with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
Let’s make sure your marriage is just as beautiful as your wedding.
Click below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and see if we’re a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Premarital Counseling
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Premarital counseling is proactive—it’s designed for couples preparing for marriage who want to build a solid foundation. It’s less about resolving crisis and more about learning to communicate, understand each other’s expectations, and prepare for common challenges.
Couples counseling, on the other hand, is often focused on repairing or improving dynamics that are already causing distress. Premarital counseling is like relationship coaching with depth—it gets you aligned before the pressure builds.
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Not at all! I work with seriously committed couples who are considering marriage, cohabitation, or just want to make sure they’re on the same page before taking the next step. You don’t need a ring on your finger to invest in your future together. If you’re asking questions like, “Are we ready?” or “Can we make this work long-term?”—this is the perfect place to start.
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It depends on your goals, but most couples complete 4–8 sessions. We’ll start with a consultation and map out what’s most important for you to cover. Some couples want a deep dive on communication, sex, or faith differences. Others want a full roadmap covering everything from finances to in-laws. I tailor the length and structure to fit your timeline and priorities—whether your wedding is three months or a year away.
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Nope. Colorado doesn’t require premarital counseling for a marriage license, and there’s no financial incentive like in some other states. But don’t let that fool you—premarital counseling is one of the smartest investments you can make. Research shows it improves relationship satisfaction and lowers the risk of divorce. It's not about passing a test—it's about preparing for a real, lasting partnership.
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Finding the right premarital counselor in Denver isn’t just about picking someone off a list. It’s about finding someone who understands your values, communicates clearly, and helps you build a solid foundation for marriage. Look for a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience working with engaged couples, especially around communication, intimacy, finances, and future planning.
As a Denver-based LMFT and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, I help couples navigate the tough conversations and emotional roadblocks that often go unspoken before marriage. Whether you're looking for guidance on blending families, navigating religious differences, or improving your emotional and sexual connection, premarital counseling with me goes beyond a checklist, it's a space to strengthen your relationship with real, honest dialogue.
Not in Denver? No problem. I’m licensed in Colorado, Texas, Utah, and Washington, and offer online premarital counseling for couples across all four states.
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Absolutely. I offer online premarital counseling for couples across Colorado, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The process is just as effective virtually, and it’s often more convenient for busy couples juggling work, wedding planning, and life. All you need is a good internet connection and a private space where you can talk honestly. Whether you’re in Denver or Durango, you can get the support you need.