Beginning September 1, 2008, Couples who complete an 8-hour marriage preparation course will have their state marriage licensing fee waived. After taking the course, the couple will receive an attendance certificate that is valid for one year for obtaining the license.

These new rules are part of "Twogether in Texas-Healthy Marriage Initiative,” a program based on a law passed during by the Texas Legislature during the 2007 legislative session. The Healthy Marriage initiative in Texas promotes free, skills-based marriage education and provides couples with the tools they need to manage the challenges inherent in relationships. Research has shown that couples who receive premarital and marriage education improve their communication skills and increase their marital satisfaction which benefits child well-being.

 
The Catholic Church has a long history of helping couples to prepare for marriage. Because the Church wants couples to form strong, lasting marriages, couples who wish to marry in the Catholic Church are asked to attend an approved marriage preparation program. There are many different formats for marriage preparation programs ranging from intensive weekends, to a weekly series, to "in home” mentor couple programs. For more information on Catholic Marriage resources, for engaged couples, married couples, or others who are interested, you can visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops "For Your Marriage” web site here or contact your Diocesan office for Family Life.

 
Regional intermediaries have been named to help ensure that healthy marriage services are available in every region of the state. Click here to find your intermediary and for more information on the initiative.