Should We Do Pre-Marital Counseling? with Jenna Cox

Wedding planning can be a whirlwind of decisions, from picking the perfect venue to choosing your floral arrangements. But in the midst of all the excitement, it’s crucial to remember that you’re not just planning a wedding—you’re building a marriage.

In a recent episode of The Wedding Reporter podcast, host Alyssa DiCicco sat down with local expert Jenna Cox, LPC-MHSP, NCC, to discuss a topic every Nashville couple should consider: premarital counseling. Jenna is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of The Us Project, a modern premarital workshop designed to help couples build a strong foundation for a lasting partnership.

Jenna emphasizes that the goal of premarital counseling isn’t to “fix” anything, but to equip couples with the skills they need to navigate the inevitable challenges of married life. “Intentionality is the most important thing in relationships,” she says. “Being proactive as opposed to reactive.”

While you might be in a blissful, “rose-colored glasses” phase during your engagement, Jenna explains that this is the perfect time to prepare for the reality of marriage. Many couples avoid tough conversations about finances, family dynamics, and conflict resolution, but addressing these topics before you say “I do” can prevent major issues down the road.

As Jenna humorously shared, a counselor once told her and her husband that they would face conflicts over money, sex, and family within the first month of marriage. They didn’t believe it—until it happened! This experience, she says, made her realize the importance of having the right tools to work through disagreements effectively.

You might wonder if premarital counseling really makes a difference. The statistics say yes. While about 50% of marriages end in divorce, studies show that couples who participate in premarital counseling have a 30% higher chance of a successful marriage.

Jenna shared an interesting nugget for local couples: in Tennessee, you can get a $60 discount on your marriage license fee if you complete a premarital counseling program of at least four hours with a licensed professional. It’s a small incentive that adds even more value to an already worthwhile investment.

When you’re budgeting for your wedding, think of premarital counseling as a crucial investment in your long-term happiness—just as important as your venue or photographer.

To fill the gap for couples seeking a modern, non-denominational program, Jenna created The Us Project. This one-day premarital workshop focuses on building essential skills that are often overlooked, such as:

Jenna’s next workshop will be held on October 4th at the stunning Wandering Brook Venue, a gorgeous event space located just outside of Nashville. She designed the workshop to be engaging and fun, with group sessions, practical talks, and even snacks and lunch provided. Spaces are limited to ensure a personal and meaningful experience for every couple.

Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or a small, intimate ceremony, remember that your wedding day is just the beginning. Investing in your marriage through premarital counseling is the best way to ensure your love story lasts a lifetime.