Father's Day at The Rocks | 1st September 2024

Getting Married

Premarital Mentoring and Weddings at The Rocks

Starting your life together is such an exciting time, and at The Rocks, we believe a strong marriage is built on more than love alone. We’re here to support you in laying a solid foundation for a marriage that lasts.

“Before I Do” Premarital Mentoring
Our “Before I Do” mentoring program is a unique opportunity for you and your fiancé to connect with an experienced mentor couple who will walk with you through the essential aspects of marriage. These seasoned couples share their wisdom and experiences, helping you develop keystone habits that can lead to a thriving marriage.

Our goal is to guide you with a personalised approach, offering tools and insights tailored to you as a couple, so you can start your journey with confidence and joy. Let’s build something beautiful, together!

Wedding Celebrant Request

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding!
Most of our pastors encourage participation in our premarital mentoring program, Before I Do. In Before I Do, you’ll be paired with a trained volunteer mentor couple, meeting for four sessions over a one-month period. This program helps set you up for a marriage that is both joyful and resilient.

If you’re unable to participate in Before I Do, let us know at care@therocks.church, and we can suggest other excellent premarital counselling options.

To help our pastors determine their availability to perform your wedding, please answer a few questions in this form below.

The cost of $422 will be applied, and this includes Notice of Intended Marriage ($190) and Registry Marriage - Ceremony Fee ($232). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we have to be engaged to go through "Before I Do"?
Yes. This program is specifically designed for engaged couples.
Do we have to be members of The Rocks Church to go through the premarital process or have a pastor of The Rocks to officiate our wedding?
No, you do not need to be a member of The Rocks to participate in our premarital process ('Before I Do') or to have one of our pastors officiate your wedding. We’re honoured to support any couple committed to building a strong foundation for their marriage.
What if we don’t have six months until our wedding date?
If our schedule allows, we may still be able to match you with a mentor couple, even if your wedding is sooner than six months away. Please email our coordinator at care@therocks.church to check availability.

If your wedding date is less than four months away, we suggest contacting a professional counsellor for premarital support, and we can provide you with a referral.
Who are the mentor couples?
Our mentor couples are trained volunteers who have been married for at least five years, demonstrate a strong faith, and have a mature, healthy relationship. They’re dedicated to helping you build a great start to your marriage.
How do you match us with a mentor couple?
We take care in matching you with mentors based on a variety of factors such as schedules, location, and life experiences. For instance, if your relationship includes unique dynamics, like step-family situations, we’ll do our best to match you with a mentor couple experienced in those areas.
Where do we meet with our mentor couple?
Most couples meet with their mentors in the mentors’ home, creating a comfortable, relaxed environment for open conversation.
What curriculum do you use?
We follow a structured curriculum that covers key areas in building a successful marriage: communication, conflict resolution, finances, intimacy, and family. Additionally, we use the Prepare-Enrich inventory, an online tool that helps identify your strengths and areas for growth.
How much does 'Before I Do' cost?
The Before I Do program has a registration fee of $250. This includes two workbooks, the Prepare-Enrich assessment, and four mentor sessions.
How many sessions are there, and how long do they last?
There are four sessions in total, with each session lasting about one to two hours, depending on your needs and discussion topics.
What if this is not my first marriage?
If either of you has been previously married, we recommend setting your wedding date at least two years after your divorce if possible. If this isn’t feasible, we suggest professional counselling as a foundation for your new marriage. Please email our coordinator for a counselling referral.
We’re excited to be a part of your journey and to help you build a marriage that lasts!

Resources

To help you get started, we’ve put up a list of guides. Please read through each of them.