5 Things Every Couple Should Talk About Before Marriage

Marriage is an exciting step filled with love, commitment, and dreams for the future. But even the strongest relationships can benefit from taking time to talk through important topics before walking down the aisle. Premarital counseling is designed to guide couples through these conversations, but you can also begin them at home.

Here are five key areas every couple should discuss before saying “I do.”

1. Communication Styles

Good communication is the foundation of every healthy relationship. Some people prefer to talk things through right away, while others need space before opening up. Discuss how each of you tends to handle stress, conflict, and everyday conversations. Learning each other’s style now can prevent misunderstandings later.

2. Money and Finances

Finances are one of the most common sources of conflict in marriage. Talk about your spending habits, saving goals, and any debts you may have. Will you combine accounts, keep them separate, or do a mix of both? The goal is to create financial transparency and teamwork from the start.

3. Family and Boundaries

Family can be a beautiful source of support, but it can also bring challenges. Discuss how often you’ll see extended family, how you’ll handle holidays, and what boundaries you want to set. This helps avoid stress when traditions or expectations clash.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Marriage works best when couples share an understanding of who does what. This doesn’t mean everything must be 50/50, but talking through daily responsibilities—like chores, cooking, and managing bills—sets realistic expectations and reduces frustration.

5. Long-Term Goals and Dreams

Do you both want children? Where do you want to live in five years? What career paths are you hoping to pursue? Even if your dreams change over time, sharing your hopes now helps ensure you are moving in the same direction.

How Premarital Counseling Can Help

These conversations aren’t always easy to have on your own. That’s where premarital counseling comes in. At Sunrise Counseling Services, we use the Prepare/Enrich program to help couples explore communication, finances, intimacy, roles, family expectations, and more.

Our counselors guide you through meaningful conversations in a supportive, judgment-free environment—whether in person at our Clarksville office or online. Most couples complete 4 to 8 sessions, meeting weekly or bi-weekly. Sessions are $175 each, and completing the program may qualify you for a Tennessee marriage license discount of up to $60.

Take the Next Step Together

Preparing for marriage is about more than planning a wedding. It’s about building a strong foundation that will last for years to come.

If you’re engaged or thinking about marriage, premarital counseling can help you enter this new season of life with clarity, confidence, and connection.