Wedding Request FAQ's

What happens at the premarital interview?

                The bride and groom will meet with a member of the ministerial staff to discuss wedding plans and details of the questionnaires. An overview of the counseling program is discussed. Specific requirements to be married at Bear Valley Church or by a Bear Valley pastor are also discussed.

                Following the interview, the couple will be asked to complete a Personal inventory. This test helps the premarital counselors and Marriage Mentors to areas that need specific attention. The premarital counseling and Marriage Mentoring experience is designed uniquely for each couple.

What are the specific requirements to be married at Bear Valley Church or by a BVC pastor?

                All couples must complete the premarital counseling before the wedding date. Also, Bear Valley has determined the following qualifications:

1)      Bride and groom must individually confess a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Bear Valley Church or its pastors will not marry a believer with an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

2)      Bride and groom must abstain from physical intimacy or living together. Sex is a gift from God, because He is the one who created it. God has given us clear instructions for sex within the boundaries of the marriage relationship (2 Corinthians 6:3). Many couples are honoring God through abstaining from sexual intimacy. However, there are some who are not abstaining and we ask that you move apart and refrain from their sexual relationship until their wedding day.

What is the cost of premarital counseling through Bear Valley Church?

                The cost of premarital counseling is approximately $400. Bear Valley will provide scholarships for those that need assistance. Our Marriage Mentors are not paid. They have chosen to serve newly married couples as their ministry.

Who does the premarital counseling?

                The premarital counseling is through the Bear Valley Counseling Center. They will make individual assignments based upon the couples needs, etc. The Marriage Mentors are trained mentors that have been married for at least 10 years and have gone through a variety of training sessions to ensure they are qualified and confident in their work with couples.

What do we talk about at the counseling sessions?

                You will discuss a variety of topics though out your time together. These subjects include marital roles and responsibilities, communication and conflict, managing your finances, sex, family backgrounds, and more.  Areas of strength and weakness will be discussed. Although the program discusses certain topics, it will be uniquely tailored to your needs.

Are there any additional activities involved in premarital counseling?

                Financial counseling through our trained financial counselors is available upon request. Contact the Bear Valley Church office (303-985-4000).

                It is also recommended that couples who have been divorced participate in Divorce Recovery prior to entering into your new marriage. Please contact the Bear Valley office (303-985-4000) for class schedule.

What should I expect from the premarital counseling experience?

                You should expect to be challenged, strengthened, educated, and better prepared for your upcoming marriage. You will probably experience some laughs, some tears, and some surprises.

                You should leave your premarital counseling with some problem areas indentified, some new marital skills learned, and most importantly – a more realistic expectation of what marriage will be like.

                May God bless you as you embark on this exciting journey together!

“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one. There, what God has joined together, let no man separate.” Mark 10:7-9 (NIV)

If you have any more questions please contact us at marriages@bvchurch.org.